Official Beginner Rotation Question

[saraseth]

Hi Cathe. I am at the beginning of Week 3 of the Official Beginner Rotation. Thank you so much for posting it.

I started out doing Basic Step using just the step with no risers. Then, as the routine got easier, I added in one set of risers. Big difference! At first, I just added them in for one combo, then two. Last night was the first time I did the whole routine with the risers. It was very difficult for me. My question is, should I be comfortable doing Basic Step with one set of risers before I move on to Body Fusion? (Following the Beginner Rotation, I will only be doing Basic Step two more times before I move on to Body Fusion).

In general, is it best to aim for the step height that you're using before moving on to the next level of the rotation?

I've done some of your more advanced workouts, modified of course, and I love them (especially Low Max and Step Blast). But now I just want to make sure I'm working at my level (I have 100+ pounds to lose) and work my way up to doing those advanced workouts for real.

 

[saraseth]

Update: I did Basic Step last night without the risers. I realized that my confidence had been shot from using the risers last time, because I found it difficult to get started. Throughout the warm-up, I was afraid that I might just give up. But, I just tried to use some positive thinking, and thankfully by combo #1 I was feeling better.

I realized that, right now, when I do Basic Step without the risers, I can have fun with it. When I used the risers on Monday, it was difficult and not fun at all. I pushed myself onto the risers too fast because I had the idea in my head that I had to do the routine with the risers by the end of the 3 weeks.

I have to keep reminding myself to workout at my own level. Discovering what that is, is the trick. Now I've decided that if I'm not having fun, I've pushed myself too hard or too fast. If I can keep it fun, then maybe I can stick with this.

(BTW, Cathe, I forgot to mention that Rhythmic Step is also one of my favorites. I love to dance and that one definitely feels the most like dancing).

 

[BelovedHeather]

Encouragement!!!

Saraseth:

I am not Cathe, but I will tell you what works for me. I am 5'3" and started this journey at 260 pounds. I am still 80 pounds above my goal weight. In the interest of protecting my knees while I am still hauling around this extra weight, I prefer to stick with a 4" platform and have fun with Cathe’s more advanced workouts. I have fun with the higher impact moves, and it is easier on my body to use a step with no risers and add “power” to the moves. (For some reason, adding risers stresses my joints in a way that impact does not.) I focus on giving it my all by using strong arm movements and executing all the moves with good form. When I get to my goal weight, all workouts will be easier for me without this built-in resistance. I want to have the option of increasing the intensity then by adding more risers. If my body adapts to the workouts now, how else will I make them harder when I am not carrying an extra person?! Cathe’s advanced workouts are tough enough to leave me feeling very worked out with no risers.

I am a fun-loving girl too. :7 I encourage you to keep it fun. If you start to dread your workouts, you will find excuses to avoid them.

I pushed myself too hard in the beginning by trying to keep up with my instructor, and I would definitely not do that again or recommend it to anyone else who is new or significantly overweight.

As fit and strong as Cathe is, I do not think she would be using extra risers and smiling about it if we strapped 100 pounds on her. ;-) I would love to see her try though! :7 This is your workout. Modify it, have fun with it, and make it work for you. Please do not feel the need to “compete” with Cathe. She is not human anyway. ;-) Check the blog pictures!

Can you even imagine how good you will feel 100 pounds lighter?! I can testify what a big difference shedding 50 pounds has made! Congratulations on taking the first steps to a lifestyle of fitness. Feel free to send me a PM if you ever need any encouragement.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my package from Cathe! :7 The UPS man usually delivers during my lunch hour!

By the way, Rhythmic Step is my favorite too. I may need to add it to my new rotation to get a dancy choreography fix this month! :7

Blessings,
Heather B.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).

 

[saraseth]

RE: Encouragement!!!

Heather, I responded to this message a few days ago, but the post didn't show up for some reason. I'm reposting it here:

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Heather, thank you SO much. This was just what I needed to hear and know. I am so moved by your response, it brings me tears.

I did Basic Step for the last time in this 12-week Beginner Rotation last night. No risers. I had fun with it. I can definitely feel the improvement in my fitness level from when I first started 3 weeks ago.

--In the interest of protecting my knees...

Yeah, my knees were bothering me when I used the risers.

--As fit and strong as Cathe is, I do not think she would be using extra risers and smiling about it if we strapped 100 pounds on her.

LOL!!! I'm so used to having this extra weight that I don't even think about it as built-in resistance. If something is hard for me, I usually think I'm not strong enough or fit enough. But you're right. Thank you.

--Please do not feel the need to "compete" with Cathe.

Oh gosh, I wouldn't dream of it. lol I just figured that since this is a beginner routine I should follow what she's doing.

--Can you even imagine how good you will feel 100 pounds lighter?!

Thank you for this. I feel good just reading that sentence. lol It would feel amazing and that's definitely a feeling I want to reach for more often to keep me on track.

--I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my package from Cathe!

I hope you get yours soon!

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I just want to add that I've moved on into Week 4 of this rotation and am continuing to see an increase in my fitness level. Thank you again. I am so grateful for your words.

 

[BelovedHeather]

Cathe's Beginner Workouts

Saraseth:

Keep in mind that Cathe is very humble and unassuming. What she delivers is far better than what she promises. Consider the “little” surprise for the preorders that turned out to be a huge surprise! It is the same way with her “beginner” workouts. What is a beginner workout in Catheland is not a beginner workout anywhere else. ;-) A Cathe workout for beginners is not an easy workout by any stretch of the imagination (especially when you are carrying around the equivalent of an extra person)! I know because I did Low Impact Step for the first time after doing her advanced workouts for months. I was not expecting to get a good workout. I was surprised. It is definitely not as intense as her more advanced ones, but it is still a good workout and would not be easy for someone who is overweight and new to Cathe. Getting through any of her workouts is worth celebrating! Good job with the rotation. Keep pressing on, keep dreaming, and keep imagining what it will be like to enjoy these beloved workouts when you are free from the burden of excess weight. The journey is tough, but it is worth it. You are worth it!

By the way, I received my package from Cathe shortly after I posted my response to you last week and started enjoying these long-awaited workouts Saturday morning. Fun, fun, fun! :7 When you complete this rotation, Low Impact Circuit looks like it would be a great next step for you.

Have a fun workout today! I am recovering from Body Max 2, so it will be a gentle cardio day for me.

Blessings,
Heather B.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).