New to this board and to exercercise, AND I have questions....

M

Melina

New Member
Hello everyone. I just started exercising a few weeks ago and I was thinking about buying ALL of Cathe's new videos ( I want to take advantage of the special) along with some other ones.

I do have a step video at home that I'm currently using but I'm still a begginer. I know that her videos are considered to be VERY advanced, but is there ANY way that I could modify the workouts to my level? For example, use 3 pound weights instead of 10, or use only 4" on the step instead of 8? And instead of jumping can't I just do little hops?

I have heard nothing but GREAT things about Cathe and her workouts from at least 3 different boards. And I can see here that EVERYONE just loves her workouts. Her tapes also have the reputation of providing great results.

Do you guys think that these tapes are just out of my league? Should I buy someone else's tapes and then buy Cathe's when I'm a lot more advance? If so, who would you recommend? Please help!! ANY advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and I wish you all continued success.
 
Hi Melina!

I am writing this not as an expert but as someone who was in the same place you were only a short time ago. Hopefully my experience can help you. I was basically a beginner when I started Cathe tapes 9 weeks ago (although I had done step in a gym about 5 years ago so knew the "basics". I was basically out of shape but have been excercising on and off over the years. I was advised to try the Wedding video and Mega Step Blast. I bought them as well as Maximum Intenstiy Strength. I found I was able to do them with modifications. I used a 4 inch step and did the low impact versions. I was able right from the beginning doing it that way to make it all the way thru the videos in my target heart range. I did step 4 days a week and the strength training from MIS or The Wedding Video(its two workouts on one tape step and strength) two days a week. Those videos as Im sure others will recommend are great starter ones for an introduction to Cathe.

Since that time I have had no problems and no injuries and have been having remarkable results! I bought Step Heat next on recommendation and love that one too but it is slightly more coplex than the other two. This week I was able to do the entire version of Step Heat on the 6inch step for the first time!! I must say it was an awesome accomplishment. Also Im getting great results by adding in the 2 days of strength training.

So my answer to you would be yes you can do Cathe with modifications. She gives many examples in those videos and her cueing is so great that it makes it easy to learn. Just beware that you will be completely addicted in no time at all
happy.gif
I have never had so much fun exercising ever! Also as you will see the people on this board are amazing. They are so helpful and knowledgable and supportive. I have learned so much in such a short time.

I hope this helps you with your decison. As I said Im not an expert by far but I do think I was starting at the same point as you are. Good luck and keep us posted as to what you get and how you are doing.
 
Go for it!!!

Hi Melina,
I believe that the most important element about an exercise routine is that you have fun doing it, otherwise you will give it up very quickly.
And when it comes to fun, Cathe tapes are the only way to go!! I have been a Cathe fan for only 2 months, but I can honestly say that I have never had so much fun exercising. Her music is great, and her routines are just so much fun.
The wedding video step workout (as mentioned in your above reply) is a great starting place. It is still one of my favorite workouts. Although all of Cathe's tapes are intense, you can modify almost any of them. I definitely recommend starting with Cathe video's because when I was working out with videos by other fitness experts, I was NOT having any fun. Only problem for me is that I have ended up buying 10 videos now in just over 2 months!! What the heck, I'm having a great time. Cathe's workouts make me feel like a 19 year old kid again. Considering I'm 34, that means alot. To make a long story short, Cathe simply makes working out major FUN!!!!!
Lisa
 
Alison - What a great story!

Congratulations! I'm glad that your commitment, hard work & patience is paying off.
Debra
 
Welcome, Melina!

I just thought I'd throw my two cents in! I first bought one of Cathe's tapes in '97 - to get "In Shape For MY Wedding"! What a great investment, and a great introduction to the best instructor out there. I've been doing step since '92 (I think!), I started out with a Kathy
Smith workout- until I found Karen Voight's Energy Sprint. After that, I could never go back to a tape with such slow build-ups on the choreography. My big thing has always been that I LOVE to dance and can pick steps up fairly easily. If you are the same, then I would say to start out with Cathe and you'll be able to see how to modify. (Anyway, you don't want to be able to pick up all the steps on the first time through or you won't get that feeling of accomplishment when you FINALLY nail that tough combo!) The way I see it, once you do Cathe's tapes, you'll never go back! Enjoy!
 
Hi Melinda!!

I too, Started working out to Cathe for about 3mo. now and her videos are great!! Definately start with The Wedding Tape, MSB, or Step Heat, they are great introductions!! I started with Body Max and It's my #1 faverite!! However, even though I didn't consider myself to be a beginner but I had to lower my step to 4" and I was sweating buckets!! The point is is that I feel you can modify any of her tapes and build up gradually. She's the best out there!! Welcome!!
 
WOW Alison

Those are great results. I'm feeling all pumped up just to think that one day I'll be able to do the whole tapes just like you.

Thank you for your advice. I haven't bought any tapes yet (I will next week), but you and everybody else have convinced me to go ahead and buy the tapes. I feel so excited it's silly.

Keep up the good work and I hope to see you here often.
 
I'm buying, I'm buying!!

Thanks everyone! You have all convinced me to go ahead and buy some of her tapes. Here are my choices so far,

ALL of her new videos
Pure Strenght series
MIS
The Wedding Video (that's not the title buy you know which one I mean, hee hee)

These are my choices for now. I am considering MSB and Step heat, but at a later date. Do you all think that I've made good choices? Any other videos that you'd recommed for me to start out with will be greatly appreciated.

I've only been lurking in this board for a few days, but I can see that everyone here is very loving, kind, and extremely informatinve. Thank you all for making me feel so welcomed.
 
You've made great choices!!

WOW!! I have no clue what you look like now, but with those choices you'll look like a Fitness America contestant in no time!!!
 
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