Newcomer Needs Some Help

R

ruthie33

Cathlete
Hi Cathe & Cathe fans:
I'm new to your site and new (again) to another healthy lifestyle attempt. I've been tweaking my diet and eating very well the last few weeks (just beginning week 3 of Weight Watchers and loving it) and trying to keep my eating as "clean" as possible (Big fan of Tosca Reno)

I'm trying to incorporate workouts into my life but I'm all over the place. I need help to set up a routine that I can stick to. Let me tell you what I have available and perhaps you could offer some suggestions. This will all be "at home" stuff. I've tried to do the gym thing but it just doesn't work for me and it's too expensive!!!

I have a good quality treadmill & an eliptical trainer. Right now I do 15 minutes eliptical (weight loss program - increases from level 1-7 and back down again) followed by 45 minutes treadmill (weight loss program which is walk 1.5 minutes, jog 30 seconds) I normally walk at 3.8 - 4 and jog at 6. I also have a few handweights (3lb, 5lb, 8lb)

Last week I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. Three times at level 1. It's intense but I really don't think it's a workout I can stick with.

I have Billy Blanks Tae-Bo Boot Camp (with the resistance bands) Haven't even tried it yet. It's a 3 DVD set.

And I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of two of your DVD's. Basic Step and Cardio & Weights. A lovely Cathe fan whom I met through Tosca Reno's forums offered to send them to me as she had duplicates and I was asking for advise from others who have tried them!!! I purchased a good quality step from a local fitness centre and can't wait to try it out. I have never done one of your workouts before but I watched all of the previews on the website and I'm excited. When I was a gym member, I loved the step classes and used to go at least once a week. I'm sure I will love them and would like to know what sort of progression I should use with your workouts and what my next purchase from your collection should be once I master these ones!!

So, now that you know what I have available, can you help me??? Sometimes time is an issue for me because I work 2 jobs however, I can commit to a minimum of 4 workouts sessions a week (at least 1 hour long) and if I happen to get in a 5th or 6th, bonus for me!

Should I just use a DVD and stick to the same one for a period of time and change it up afterwards to shock the system and get rid of boredom? I need to make sure I use the treadmill & eliptical at least once a week. They were a Xmas gift from my bf and I don't want him to think they aren't needed or appreciated!!!

I'm sorry this thread seems kind of all over the place, but you can see why I'm getting a little overwhelmed. Unfortunately, my bf couldn't care less about working out or eating healthy so sometimes I feel like I'm in this journey all alone and use these (and other) forums for support!!

Sorry, you probably need to know some details about me. I'm 36 years old, 170lbs, 5'4". My goal weight is 130-135lbs. I Just had a physical done and I'm in great health - no problems. I'm relatively active. I play lots of softball weekly so you know I'm not starting from scratch. I just really want to up my cardio and start seeing some changes on the scale and in my body.

Sincerely,
A New Canadian Fan!!
 
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Not Cathe here, but I just wanted to say welcome, and to point you to the Rotation forum. Both Cathe and FitnessFreak have posted several rotations for beginners and intermediates that you should be able to modify based on what you have. I would not recommend doing 1 DVD over and over -- personally, I would get bored that way. But you could certainly do a rotation with a few cardio sessions and a few circuit workouts each week. And then over time, you may want to work in some weight training too (of course, we all love Cathe's weight DVD's and are happy to help you build your collection of Cathe DVD's). Good luck and again, welcome!
 
Thanks so much!! That certainly shed some light on it. I'm anxious to get the DVD's and have a look. I know I'm getting the basic step (hopefully the one with body fusion on it) and can't wait to get started. I guess it'll be trial & error for me for the first little while. As long as I stay focused and I'm enjoying myself I'll stick with it. In all my fitness "attempts" I've never been this focused. I do eventually want to introduce weight training but I'd rather focus on cardio for the first few months to try to shed some excess pounds before beginning Phase 2.
 
I started out with basic step and body fusion last July. What is great about that dvd is that it also has three short strength training segments, one for upper body, lower body and abs. You will need a resistance tube, 3-5 # weights and a stability ball to do these bonus segments. These segments helped me "lean out" a little. I then moved on to Supersets and Push/Pull. I love Cathe and all that she does. I am now working out with her 6 days a week (took a break from running) and I have lost all of my baby weight and thensome. Good luck!

Kristin
 
Kristen, how awesome for you! I have about 40lbs to lose and really want to start seeing some results. I bought a good quality step yesterday and I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the DVDs. How long did you do the basic step for? My plan right now is to do the basic step 3x per week plus 2 cardio sessions about 1 hour long each (treadmill / eliptical) Certainly I should see some results at the end of the month. Then I will re-evaluate. If I'm fortunate enough to have time for an "extra" workout in the week, I'll switch it up with 30 Day Shred or Billy Blanks Boot Camp just to keep things interesting. I do have the hand weights (3, 5, 8lbs) and a stability ball. I'll have to get some tubing once I see what is required. My Boot Camp came with resistance tubing, perhaps I can use that instead of buying something else. I tell ya, this fitness stuff can get expensive!! LOL :(
I'm working on my new fitness room tonight and making room to set up my step and get everything all ready - that in itself is motivating!!!
Can't wait to try Cathe - I'm sure I'll like it. I've never heard anybody say they didn't like her workouts!! I'll let you know what I think once I get the DVD's and have a session or two!!!
 
Because I started right after my six-week postpartum check-up, I started out slow (as per my doctor) only doing Basic Step 3x a week. Then after two weeks of that I did more cardio, BS 3x and elliptical 3x a week. after a month of BS i tried Body Fusion, and even though it is still a beginner/intermediate workout, it kicked my out-of-shape butt. I started replacing BS with Body Fusion and then I would do BF 3x a week, BS 3x a week and on the days I did BS I would do the other add-on workouts for upper/lower/abs. I loved this dvd so much b/c i got so much out of it. The other Cathe dvds are great too b/c of all teh premixes you get different workouts. I love my body max 2 b/c I use the full workout and three of the premixes, so I am constantly chanign things up with the same dvd.

I am soo jealous that you have an exercise room!!!! good for you. I have to do everything in my living room, which is really the family room and it gets hectic at times.

Kristin
 
When I got my treadmill & eliptical, I cleaned out a junk room in my boyfriend's house to put them. Took me 2 days to find spots of all the "junk" he had in there. It's just a small spare bedroom. We now have another family living with us because of a house fire (husband, wife, 11yr old, 150lb dog) and the 11yr old has kind of taken over my "workout room". I still use my equipment, but I can only use it at certain times.
So, my boyfriend has 2 boys which live with us every other week and they have this "room" that used to be a playroom for them and it's huge. We've been living together for months now and I've never seen them use it - it's just a spot to store all the toys that they no longer seem to want to play with but Daddy won't get rid off. So I got "permission" to clean up that room and make it into a workout kind of studio for myself at least until the company leaves!! At the same time, I'll be gathering up all the toys that are for "babies / toddlers" and getting rid of them (the boys are 6&7) So, I have a big chore ahead of me but it'll be better then doing my DVD's in the family room - I hate to be watched and with that many people in my house right now, it's hard not to be. Then once the company is gone, I'll make the smaller room into the "kids" room and I'll really have an awesome workout spot and I'm excited about that. Like I said, anything to keep me motivated!! Perhaps I'll have to buy some "funky" paint colours and go to town!!!
 
cardio and weights was my first cathe dvd. it's an excellent introduction to cathe and her style of step and weight training. i think once you see the results you are going to be hooked on Cathe. Using Cathe in combination with Weight Watchers, I've lost quite a bit of weight in just under 3 months. good luck.
 
Hi Ruthie,
I'm just starting back into fitness again and am doing Cathe's beginner's rotation. So far I really like it, though I worked out with Cathe in years past and keep wanting to grab the workouts I used to do with her, but I know I'm not ready for that yet.

As Kristin pointed out, Basic Step is a great place to start. Cathe has designed her beginning rotation in four, three week increments, so it gives you time to accumulate the DVDs. The first three weeks uses Basic Step & Total Body Stretching. Basic Step contains "Body Fusion", which is used during the second phase, and Low Impact Step (4th phase) also features Total Body Sculpting, which is used in the fourth phase.

You can find this rotation in the rotation section of the message board. All of Cathe's rotations are stickied, so I hope it's easy for you to find.
Good Luck!
Shari
 
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So, I'm scrolling through the step DVD's available on the site and I don't see anything that is low impact step and stretching. I see Hardcore series Low max & Low Impact Circuit. I see one called Total Body Stretching - is that what you are talking about? Am I missing something??? I have Basic Step coming and Cardio & weights coming. Hopefully will receive them this week. I know these will keep me going for at least the 1st month. It'll take me that long to catch onto the routines I'm sure!!
 
There are two low impact step workouts that I know of, Low Impact Circuit and Low Max. There are two stretch dvds, Stretch Max and Total Body Stretching (I think.) If you want to try Stretch max its one of Cathe's classes on FitTV. I have it on my Tivo. I use that after my jog/walk.

Welcome!

Do you like step? A good portion of Cathe's workouts use the step. Which DVDs are you getting? Are you going for mostly fat loss or do you also want to tone up/or build some muscle?

Whatever you choose to do with Cathe will get results, and I see that you are eating clean which is vital. Actually, I think that the eats are more important than the workouts but that doesn't mean don't workout. The exercise will make it easier to stick to a good diet.
 
I had to enter "Low Impact Step" in the search box to find it (in the Cathe store). It's a beginning to inter. 40 minute step workout. Harder than basic step, yet not to the level of Rhythmic Step or Step Blast. I think it was a workout that was sold retail with a smaller step, though I bought it through this site. Cathe and Cedie are on the cover...

http://www.shopcathe.com/Low_Impact_Step_Total_Body_Sculpting_DVD_p/699.htm


I hope that helps...
 
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Thanks so much - that is exactly the one I was looking for. If I use basic step for the 1st month and then switch up to this low impact step for month 2, I should get a pretty good handle on it. I'll have cardio & weights DVD too to add in there. Good start to my collection. I hope my DVD's arrive soon. Can't wait to start!!
 
So, my first Cathe DVD arrived in the mail today! I'm quite excited and can't wait to try it. It's basic step (30 min) + cardio & weights (60 min) on one DVD. I plan on doing it for the next month and then purchasing a new one. I'll have to do some investigating into which one will be next. I'll keep you posted as to what I think!!! Of course, I'm working my 2nd job the next 2 evenings so I won't even get to try it till Wednesday but I'm off all day Wednesday (yahoo Canada Day!) so I'll be able to make some time then.
 
Oh My God!!! I'm hooked!!!! I did Basic Step yesterday for the 1st time and loved it. I actually did it in the morning and again in the evening!! My calf muscles are on fire today but it was wicked. I even watched "Cardio + Weights" - looks like I'll love that one too but I need to master a few moves first before I move on and maybe pick up a couple of heavier dumbbells. It's nice to look forward to working out again instead of dreading it!! Thanks for all your information!!
 
Welcome to the forums. I think you will really enjoy Cathe's workouts. I've been hooked on them for years and have all of her workouts. Just wondering what part of Canada you are from? I'm in Winnipeg:D
 
ruthie33 said:
Oh My God!!! I'm hooked!!!! I did Basic Step yesterday for the 1st time and loved it. I actually did it in the morning and again in the evening!! My calf muscles are on fire today but it was wicked. I even watched "Cardio + Weights" - looks like I'll love that one too but I need to master a few moves first before I move on and maybe pick up a couple of heavier dumbbells. It's nice to look forward to working out again instead of dreading it!! Thanks for all your information!!
Click to expand...

YAY!!! I'm so happy for you! I love Basic Step!

The funny thing is I had never heard of Cathe, we don't have tv, let alone cable. I had gotten the Jillian Michaels dvd's as a gift and realized I would need a step, walmart had them on sale, so I grabbed one. And there was this step workout in it. I tossed it aside, after all, step was the one workout I was NOT interested in! LMAO!
Well, I was looking for some different cardio, was bored out of my mind, and my son said here mommy, I chuckled and said why not! It was Basic Step! OMG I loved it! I did it for the next 2 weeks for my cardio! LOL

Thus becoming a new Cathe fan!! Then I ordered Butts and Guts, then could barely walk for two days! LOL But it's still my all time favorite lower body workout!! And it WORKS!!
 
I'm so excited! I just got the full version of Basic Step and Body Fusion, and the High Step Circuit dvd off Ebay! YAY!! I only have the shortened versions because of getting them with the step. So, I'm looking forward to doing the full ones! I think Basic will be the same though.
Oh, and I'm thinking I will get Low Impact Step next, I want an interval and its quite a bit of lower body work too, so thinking it might be a wonderful addition! I saw you were looking at it it too!
Okay off to do Butts and Guts!
g'nite!
 
Ruthie33
You can't go wrong with any of the Cathe videos -- No matter which one you order, you will love. Enjoy building your new body AND your video collection!
Sheryl
 
Hi Cab:
I'm in Barrie, Ontario - hoping for a little bit of summer to come soon - seems all we are getting is rain with the odd nice day thrown in to tease us!!!

Still loving the basic step - been doing it faithfully. There are 4 more Cathe DVD's on my wish list and I will get them in this order:

Low Impact Step + Total Body Sculpting
Total Body Stretching
Cardio Fusion
Butts & Guts

Because I live in Canada and it gets expensive to order them (shipping & customs charges) I've decided I'll order them all at once (to save a little $$) and because I'm a member of Weight Watchers - everytime I reach a "mini" goal (which has to be at least 5lbs lost) I'll "reward" myself with a new workout. I have 35lbs to go so that's 7 new videos!! Which, I might add, I'm hoping to have a new one at least every 6 weeks.

Thanks for all of your support everybody!!!
 
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