Newbie here: $$ Initial investment estimate?
- Thread starter mizach
- Start date
Hi Lorna
If you have a small local paper that advertises items for sale Lorna...you can oftentimes find weights very cheaply to get you started. The one we have here has pages of exercise equipment people don't use...sometimes almost brand new.
I have the adjustable threaded dumbbells where you can change the weights. I have had the hex weights also and think I might return to them in various sizes. I think K-Mart carries them...some of the other more experienced ladies might comment on what you need weight-wise...I would probably start with four increments...until you know what you can lift.
I also bought a very expensive weight bench awhile back but wouldn't do that unless you have room for one. It takes up a lot of space. It was before I was introduced to "Cathe" and her little step works wonderful and you can just shove it under the bed. You can sometimes find those used as well but I don't think they are that expensive.
I just purchased the bar with weights through fitnessfirst.com.
You can buy the weights locally and just order the bar for less than $20. The short bar works great. Some of the other ladies have different kinds. I have the Troy Lite Bar.
Then you just need some gloves and you are ready to go!!!
Have fun! It is a great feeling if you haven't done it before.
Just don't overdo.
Kathleen
If you have a small local paper that advertises items for sale Lorna...you can oftentimes find weights very cheaply to get you started. The one we have here has pages of exercise equipment people don't use...sometimes almost brand new.
I have the adjustable threaded dumbbells where you can change the weights. I have had the hex weights also and think I might return to them in various sizes. I think K-Mart carries them...some of the other more experienced ladies might comment on what you need weight-wise...I would probably start with four increments...until you know what you can lift.
I also bought a very expensive weight bench awhile back but wouldn't do that unless you have room for one. It takes up a lot of space. It was before I was introduced to "Cathe" and her little step works wonderful and you can just shove it under the bed. You can sometimes find those used as well but I don't think they are that expensive.
I just purchased the bar with weights through fitnessfirst.com.
You can buy the weights locally and just order the bar for less than $20. The short bar works great. Some of the other ladies have different kinds. I have the Troy Lite Bar.
Then you just need some gloves and you are ready to go!!!
Have fun! It is a great feeling if you haven't done it before.
Just don't overdo.
Kathleen
kathryn
Cathlete
New to weights
Lorna,
If you've never done weights before, Slow and Heavy doesn't seem like the place to start. I'd suggest getting into some regular paced weight training to learn the way to use the weights and get in touch with how it feels before you try "slow and heavy" style training. You could go with Maximum Intensity Strength and start out with lighter weights. You might also want to check out the review for weight training videos at videofitness.com
Lorna,
If you've never done weights before, Slow and Heavy doesn't seem like the place to start. I'd suggest getting into some regular paced weight training to learn the way to use the weights and get in touch with how it feels before you try "slow and heavy" style training. You could go with Maximum Intensity Strength and start out with lighter weights. You might also want to check out the review for weight training videos at videofitness.com
Lorna
By increments I mean different weights Lorna...I would always start light. I think the general rule of thumb is if you can do more than 12 it is too light and if you cannot do 8 it is too heavy...but this may not apply to Cathe's videos...I have just started using them. I used to just lift on my own.
Definitely, start light...maybe 5#, 10#, 15#, etc...or increments in-between if you can get them...
The Step is sold at K-Mart usually or any sporting good place usually.
I think the most important thing when lifting is form and not overdoing. Injuries take a long time to heal...so listen to your body.
I am by no means the expert here, Lorna...and I think a lot of the ladies on these sites are very experienced so you might just go back and read some of the other posts.
I have the Maximum Intensity Strenth tape...MIS...I think it is great and you can use light weights to start until you have the form and routine down. I just sort of march in place for the warm-up or bike since I am not much of a stepper but you might enjoy that part. Once you get a routine down I think you will love weight-lifting. Keep us posted.
Kathleen
By increments I mean different weights Lorna...I would always start light. I think the general rule of thumb is if you can do more than 12 it is too light and if you cannot do 8 it is too heavy...but this may not apply to Cathe's videos...I have just started using them. I used to just lift on my own.
Definitely, start light...maybe 5#, 10#, 15#, etc...or increments in-between if you can get them...
The Step is sold at K-Mart usually or any sporting good place usually.
I think the most important thing when lifting is form and not overdoing. Injuries take a long time to heal...so listen to your body.
I am by no means the expert here, Lorna...and I think a lot of the ladies on these sites are very experienced so you might just go back and read some of the other posts.
I have the Maximum Intensity Strenth tape...MIS...I think it is great and you can use light weights to start until you have the form and routine down. I just sort of march in place for the warm-up or bike since I am not much of a stepper but you might enjoy that part. Once you get a routine down I think you will love weight-lifting. Keep us posted.
Kathleen
Cruncholi
Cathlete
Hi Lorna,
That "Little step" Cathe uses in some of her videos is not for sale. One of the threads talks about how SNM had them made especially for the videos. Erin has directions on how to make that little step, so if you do a search for "mini step" or "mini topper" you will find the info. Good luck.
Cruncholi
That "Little step" Cathe uses in some of her videos is not for sale. One of the threads talks about how SNM had them made especially for the videos. Erin has directions on how to make that little step, so if you do a search for "mini step" or "mini topper" you will find the info. Good luck.
Cruncholi
Lorna - just about every tape Cathe puts out has excellent form tips - however, as you mentioned that you are new to lifting weights, S&H would be considered to have advanced techniques.
Cathe's instruction and workouts are superb, though, and I agree with others that MIS might be a better one to start with. Be aware that it does have a step warmup and runs to 70 minutes in length, but you can split it up.
If this is truly your first foray into lifting weights at home, you might also want to keep in mind that Cathe targets advanced exercisers - that said I still think that MIS still has enough instruction that a beginner could catch on.
Have you already checked out www.videofitness.com? There is a good section on choosing videos according to your experience and personal preference.
Oh, and did I mention that I think MIS would be a good first tape? LOL!
Sophie
Cathe's instruction and workouts are superb, though, and I agree with others that MIS might be a better one to start with. Be aware that it does have a step warmup and runs to 70 minutes in length, but you can split it up.
If this is truly your first foray into lifting weights at home, you might also want to keep in mind that Cathe targets advanced exercisers - that said I still think that MIS still has enough instruction that a beginner could catch on.
Have you already checked out www.videofitness.com? There is a good section on choosing videos according to your experience and personal preference.
Oh, and did I mention that I think MIS would be a good first tape? LOL!
Sophie
starlight6
Cathlete
I would recommend the Wedding tape as a good first Cathe video. It has a basic but challenging step routine & a very good total body weight workout, which I feel a beginner would learn from well.
Having said that, I love MIS & I started with it...
Ruth
Having said that, I love MIS & I started with it...
Ruth
TarHeelMom
Cathlete
Re: Another Suggestion
Lorna,
This may blow your budget because the set isn't inexpensive, but I think Cathe's Cross Train Xpress series (6 tapes) is an excellent investment and a wonderful all-inclusive introduction to Cathe's teaching techniques. Each tape is one hour long and includes a warm up, 30 minutes of cardio, weight training of ONE BODY PART only (a very effective training technique) for about 10 - 20 minutes, and a stretch/cooldown. There are also abs sections on some of the tapes. Overall it's a very complete and varied week of exercise. The type of cardio varies from tape to tape, but the set includes some hi/lo, some kickbox (easy to learn and very fun), some step, some circuit training and some interval training.
You've gotten good advice already on investing in your initial set of equipment. Just my thoughts --
First, a barbell is essential and without the plates attached it will serve other purposes -- it will work as a body bar and it can be used to balance for calf raises. There are several threads in this forum discussing barbells, and the Troy and Ivanko barbells are both very popular -- I'd check them out and read the threads about them. A basic beginner's plate set will do you just fine for a while (these usually include a couple of 1 1/4 lb plates, a couple of 2 1/2 lb plates, and a couple of 5 lb plates, with the bar itself generally weighing between 10 and 15 pounds).
Second, basic cast iron dumbbells aren't expensive and can usually be found pretty cheaply at Walmart and Sports Authority and similar stores. I would recommend starting with 3,5 and 8 lb pairs of dumbbells. If you train carefully it will be at least 4 to 6 weeks before you're feeling that you need more than 8 (and then probably only for your lats and legs, which are big muscles). You can always "double up" by holding two dumbbells in one hand, if need be, until you can buy more.
Third, invest in a good full-size step. Sometimes they're available on E-bay but the shipping might negate any value there. A new one will run about $75 - $80. It will come with plenty of risers to get you started, and if you're new to step or to Cathe's step, don't use more than one pair of risers for your step routines (for a while and maybe always -- many of us find that we can get our heart rates elevated just fine with only that single pair of risers, which brings the step height to 6").
Last, weightlifing gloves are great and I found mine at Sports Authority for $11 (Harbinger brand). Truthfully, you'll be fine without gloves for a while. I haven't had mine long and only bought them when I was ready to move up to 20-lb dumbbells for several exercises. I went without them for a long time and didn't injure my hands or feel uncomfortable, but I do like having them for heavier dumbbells.
Check E-bay and Amazon's auction -- often there are Cathe tapes available. I know a lot of us are moving into the DVDs now, and therefore I wouldn't be surprised if you're able to find a Cross Train Xpress set of tapes (or at least portions of the set) available used.
Good luck and welcome to Cathe's Forums -- you'll love this group of people and Cathe!
Kathy S.
Lorna,
This may blow your budget because the set isn't inexpensive, but I think Cathe's Cross Train Xpress series (6 tapes) is an excellent investment and a wonderful all-inclusive introduction to Cathe's teaching techniques. Each tape is one hour long and includes a warm up, 30 minutes of cardio, weight training of ONE BODY PART only (a very effective training technique) for about 10 - 20 minutes, and a stretch/cooldown. There are also abs sections on some of the tapes. Overall it's a very complete and varied week of exercise. The type of cardio varies from tape to tape, but the set includes some hi/lo, some kickbox (easy to learn and very fun), some step, some circuit training and some interval training.
You've gotten good advice already on investing in your initial set of equipment. Just my thoughts --
First, a barbell is essential and without the plates attached it will serve other purposes -- it will work as a body bar and it can be used to balance for calf raises. There are several threads in this forum discussing barbells, and the Troy and Ivanko barbells are both very popular -- I'd check them out and read the threads about them. A basic beginner's plate set will do you just fine for a while (these usually include a couple of 1 1/4 lb plates, a couple of 2 1/2 lb plates, and a couple of 5 lb plates, with the bar itself generally weighing between 10 and 15 pounds).
Second, basic cast iron dumbbells aren't expensive and can usually be found pretty cheaply at Walmart and Sports Authority and similar stores. I would recommend starting with 3,5 and 8 lb pairs of dumbbells. If you train carefully it will be at least 4 to 6 weeks before you're feeling that you need more than 8 (and then probably only for your lats and legs, which are big muscles). You can always "double up" by holding two dumbbells in one hand, if need be, until you can buy more.
Third, invest in a good full-size step. Sometimes they're available on E-bay but the shipping might negate any value there. A new one will run about $75 - $80. It will come with plenty of risers to get you started, and if you're new to step or to Cathe's step, don't use more than one pair of risers for your step routines (for a while and maybe always -- many of us find that we can get our heart rates elevated just fine with only that single pair of risers, which brings the step height to 6").
Last, weightlifing gloves are great and I found mine at Sports Authority for $11 (Harbinger brand). Truthfully, you'll be fine without gloves for a while. I haven't had mine long and only bought them when I was ready to move up to 20-lb dumbbells for several exercises. I went without them for a long time and didn't injure my hands or feel uncomfortable, but I do like having them for heavier dumbbells.
Check E-bay and Amazon's auction -- often there are Cathe tapes available. I know a lot of us are moving into the DVDs now, and therefore I wouldn't be surprised if you're able to find a Cross Train Xpress set of tapes (or at least portions of the set) available used.
Good luck and welcome to Cathe's Forums -- you'll love this group of people and Cathe!
Kathy S.
TarHeelMom
Cathlete
Re: Bowflex
Don't feel bad about that -- we had a Soloflex for years that functioned as a very large clothes hanger and have spent who knows how much over the years on health club "New Year's Resolution" memberships that we didn't use. We sold the Soloflex finally for about 1/4 what we paid for it, and Cathe tapes have transformed me -- but alas not my dear hubby the weekend tennis warrior!
Kathy S.
Don't feel bad about that -- we had a Soloflex for years that functioned as a very large clothes hanger
and have spent who knows how much over the years on health club "New Year's Resolution" memberships that we didn't use. We sold the Soloflex finally for about 1/4 what we paid for it, and Cathe tapes have transformed me -- but alas not my dear hubby the weekend tennis warrior! Kathy S.
TarHeelMom
Cathlete
Hi Kathleen
You're welcome -- sorry I got your name confused with Lorna's -- I guess I'm moving too fast!
Keep us posted!
Kathy S.
You're welcome -- sorry I got your name confused with Lorna's -- I guess I'm moving too fast
! Keep us posted!
Kathy S.
Lorna
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Aug-20-01 AT 10:41AM (Est)[/font][p]Hi Lorna, yes I am the same one who posts at T-Tapp too - I have really enjoyed incorporating it into my routine.
Since I'm here, I'll describe my equipment:
Dumbells: 3,5,8,10,12,15 lbs (I started out with 3,5,10)
Adjustable dumbells: one set at 20#, the other at 17.5# really you only need one set of adjustable dumbells, if at all. We pay $1.00 a pound for dumbells so after 15# it seems worth it to got to adjustable
Barbell: 15# bar plus adjustable plate weights in 1.5, 2.5, 5 pound plates, spring clamps to easily adjust during the workout
Step bench for stepping and to use as a bench for chest presses, tricep dips, etc. If you don't want to use a step bench, I used to use a piano bench, believe it of not, though I don't necessarily recommend it. A simple weight bench is easy to find at a garage sale - seems every garage sale I drive by these days has a weight bench in the driveway! If you can get one with a rack or can incline, all the better.
I also have ankle weights for inner thigh/outer thigh type floor work but to be honest I have totally given up on these as I have had better results from T-Tapp moves (TTN, DD, AL etc). I do still continue to squat and lunge with weights though as that is one aspect I don't feel T-Tapp does enough for me.
Hope that helps.
Take care,
Sophie
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Aug-20-01 AT 10:41AM (Est)[/font][p]Hi Lorna, yes I am the same one who posts at T-Tapp too - I have really enjoyed incorporating it into my routine.
Since I'm here, I'll describe my equipment:
Dumbells: 3,5,8,10,12,15 lbs (I started out with 3,5,10)
Adjustable dumbells: one set at 20#, the other at 17.5# really you only need one set of adjustable dumbells, if at all. We pay $1.00 a pound for dumbells so after 15# it seems worth it to got to adjustable
Barbell: 15# bar plus adjustable plate weights in 1.5, 2.5, 5 pound plates, spring clamps to easily adjust during the workout
Step bench for stepping and to use as a bench for chest presses, tricep dips, etc. If you don't want to use a step bench, I used to use a piano bench, believe it of not, though I don't necessarily recommend it. A simple weight bench is easy to find at a garage sale - seems every garage sale I drive by these days has a weight bench in the driveway! If you can get one with a rack or can incline, all the better.
I also have ankle weights for inner thigh/outer thigh type floor work but to be honest I have totally given up on these as I have had better results from T-Tapp moves (TTN, DD, AL etc). I do still continue to squat and lunge with weights though as that is one aspect I don't feel T-Tapp does enough for me.
Hope that helps.
Take care,
Sophie
thanks for all the info!
Hi Sophie!
I really like how ttapp is shaping my lower body, so I am happy with how I look there right now.
I need more definition on the arms though.
So, FYI, I ordered the Pure Strength DVD series.
Am glad to incorporate this to my ttapp workout.
Lorna
Hi Sophie!
I really like how ttapp is shaping my lower body, so I am happy with how I look there right now.
I need more definition on the arms though.
So, FYI, I ordered the Pure Strength DVD series.
Am glad to incorporate this to my ttapp workout.
Lorna