New to working out: Cathe suggestions PLEASE

B

briee

Cathlete
Here's the situation. I have spoken with several women who have shown an interested in beginning an exercise program. They are completely new to any exercise whatsoever. Knowing Cathe is way advanced for them, I need to find something that will be FUN FUN FUN and entry level. When I began exercising I used Jane Fonda - the thought of this makes me want to chuck....I can't go back to this. I really haven't found anyone else that I can stomach doing. I realize that I am NOT doing this for me, but it still must have a tolerance level of some sort (for me that is). So, can you guys give me some advice regarding Cathe's beginner DVD's. Are any of them super easy to learn - I don't want to scare my beginner class. I don't have the time to create one of my own at present. I tried doing Turbo Jams with a group of women last week and even this was a little too "quick" for them. I'd like some basic weight lifting that teaches good form (that'd be Cathe) as well as is easy enough for beginner beginners to modify. I've never seen any of her beginner DVD's so all your input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much.

Briee (OR I could duck tape their hands to the pull up bar and light a fire under their feet - this is always a great way to make huge advances without the coordination it takes for Cathe's step)}( }( }( sometimes I think I'll make a really bad instructor.
 
Hi Briee!

Ahem...I consider myself somewhat of an expert on this topic. My hatred of cardio is well documented so I'll stipulate to that right off the bat.

I've been following Cathe's "Official Beginners Rotation". As you might guess, it uses her beginner/intermediate DVD's. It starts out with 3 weeks of Basic Step, the upper and lower body add on's, and segments from her Total Body Stretch. Well, you can check out the rotation so I won't waste time on it here.

For the sake of comparison with the women you're working with, I'm 50 (okay, I'll be 51 in May but don't tell anybody) and haven't worked out for about a year until 5 weeks ago. Even before that I tended to ignore cardio. I started back with Leslie Sansone which was good for me, but her walking w/o's are very easy and kind of boring. I've been following the Cathe rotation for 2 weeks and I can just now make it through Basic Step on the platform without risers. I still trip up a little on the "knee up around the world" thingies, but I like this workout..as much as I can possibly like any form of cardio ;) . It's challenging but doesn't have that dread factor. It's a great DVD because it has several add on's as well as Body Fusion (I haven't done that one yet so I won't comment on it). It's fairly easy to learn yet, not too easy.

The upper and lower body wok outs use light weights and tubing, so you can easily modify if you want to add more weight.

I'd recommend Basic Step in a heart beat to a newbie. I think it's an ideal place to start.

ETA now can I have a donut?

Michele:)
 
Hi, Briee,

Just wanted to wish you luck with your beginner class! Don't light that fire! }(


And I also wanted to greet the famous Michele - I have to tell you that I've been reading up on your comments for months now, Oh, Queen of Cardio Hatred! I am your faithful follower and I bow down to you! :7

I'll definitely look into getting that Basic Step workout. If you would recommend it to a newbie in a heartbeat, it must be good for a cardio-hating-choreographically-challenged person like me. :)
 
>Hi, Briee,
>
>Just wanted to wish you luck with your beginner class! Don't
>light that fire! }(
>
>
>And I also wanted to greet the famous Michele - I have to tell
>you that I've been reading up on your comments for months now,
>Oh, Queen of Cardio Hatred! I am your faithful follower and I
>bow down to you! :7
>
>I'll definitely look into getting that Basic Step workout. If
>you would recommend it to a newbie in a heartbeat, it must be
>good for a cardio-hating-choreographically-challenged person
>like me. :)


Hi August!

I'm lol at your post. Famous? I think infamous is more like it}( . Well, young lady...we'll be looking for you in the "I hate Cardio" check-in!

Briee, I think my post sounds a little rambling but what do you expect for a midnight exegesis of Basic Step--lol! Really though, this DVD is a very good intro to Cathe. The BPM is slower than an advanced work out so it's much easier to pick up the steps. The choreography isn't too challenging done at the slower pace. It has basic steps, knee ups, turn steps, charleston kicks, rocking horse,...what else...OH! knee up around the world...I guess I already said that one...L steps and V steps. I think that about covers it. Have fun with your class!!

Michele
 
Michelle, you have no idea how helpful this is. And thanks so much for everyone else comments as well. I was hoping I'd find some "newer to exercise" people that would give me some tips. I'm ordering basic step right away and can you comment further on "low impact step"?

Can you guys tell me how long you wanted to work out in the beginning? For instance, if basic step is 30 minutes, do you mind adding on some of the Body Fusion weight work or would this be too overwhelming?

I'm very proud of you all...this is the place to be to get encouragement from others. My heart is in encouraging others to get up and "MOVE". My new favorite song is from Madagascar - MOVE IT MOVE IT. Isn't that fun!!

Briee (oh yes...you may have a donut Michele - but only if it's looped over the pullup bar) THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU
 
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