New Mommy Needs Help

[Sta1]

Hi All,

I had a baby about a year ago and I gained a bit of weight. I really want to lose 25 pounds and tone up. I have heard many great things about Cathy but I don't know if she's to advanced for me. I also want to look more lean rather then bulky. Does anyone have a suggestion on what workout to start with?

Thanks so much,
Stacy

 

[dcat]

I would suggest using her beginner workouts first, Basic Step/Body Fusion and Low Impact Step. The choreography is basic and would be a great introduction to her style (and Stepping if you aren't familiar with it) and would ease you into exercising (or back into exercising, if that's the case). Low Impact Step also has Total Body Sculpting that can help you get started on toning your muscles using light weight. It also contains a few premixes to help juggle up the workouts a bit. If you have a high step, consider also High Step Circuit for some variety. I believe Cathe even posted a beginner rotation that might help you with planning your workout schedule. I think you will really enjoy Cathe's workouts once you get started.
Diana

 

[shopaholic]

Congrats on your 1 year old and the decision to work out. Try some of the cathe easier workouts as mentioned. The firm is another great way to gain lean muscle, and it is easier in impact than cathe. Be patient with yourself, and start with shorter workouts.

 

[Restday]

Hi! I am a long time lurker here as well as a new mommy who had some serious weight to lose after my son was born 10 months ago. I've knocked off 35 pounds with 5 more pounds to go. I had been working out to Cathe for about two years when I got pregnant and due to some health issues was not able to work out at all during my pregnancy. To get back in shape I used Basic Step/Body Fusion (as mentioned by another poster) to start out with. Low Impact Step would also be a good choice once you felt your cardio endurance improve a little. I also used LowMax which is a great low impact workout. It's an interval workout with high-intensity blasts which get your heart rate up and work your lower body (in addition to regular stepping segments). Until I got my endurance up I used a premix of "step only" on a 6" platform instead of the 8" platform that Cathe uses. As I got stronger and more fit, I was able to add in the blasts as I progressed and raise my step height.

I hope these suggestions help you. I really credit Cathe's workouts with keeping me interested in fitness and working out regularly. As far as exercise goes, they are a lot of fun. Just remember that you don't have to do all the moves just like Cathe if you're not ready. You can take it down a notch until you're ready to give it your all. Just keep working out and someday you'll be amazed at how far you've come and how fit you are!:7