please help me!

[crittie]

Hi
I have spent HOURS reading the forum and looking at video clips so that I can figure out which Cathe videos to start with. I must say that you Cathe fans are really enthusiastic about her workouts and I cant wait to get started.
Here's the deal - I am a spinning instructor and so on Tuesday and Saturday I get a great cardio workout. Now that all of my kiddies are in school all day I can finally workout at home , without interruptions, which I definitely prefer instead of working out at the gym. I am 43 years old and really want to firm up my upper body and core, and also I would like to drop 10 to 15 pounds, which I have been carrying around for the last several years, and I am finally ready to make a committment to getting it off. I am going to preorder all 4 of Cathe's new videos, and I definitely want to get Low Max (for my other cardio days) and Muscle Max (for my weights days). So my question is : Should I also get Terminator?
I really dont like dancy step routines, but it seems that everyone loves the mix of Imax 2/Cardio & Weights/ Bootcamp.
Or do you think just waiting for the 4 new videos is a good idea?
Also, should I get Core Max?
And lastly, do you like my first 2 picks -Low Max and Muscle Max- or do you have any other suggestions? I really need to work with weights at home.
I know I have really rambled on here , and believe it or not this is the first time in my entire life that I have ever posted anything on the internet.It's just that you enthusiastic Cathe fans have gotten me all fired up to start a home workout program. I hope to hear from you soon , I only have until Friday to get in my preorder.

 

[Stacy]

Hi and welcome! I really wouldnt classify any of Cathe's step routines as dancey except possibly Rhythmic Step. She does have some step routines that are easier to learn than others, but I think they're all doable. How good are you at catching onto choreography??

I do like Low Max and Muscle Max and I'd also definitely get Core Max. Terminator is good, but long so alot of people don't make it a regular part of their fitness rotations. You mentioned wanting to firm up your upper body, so in addition to Muscle Max I'd recommend getting either another total body routine for variety, like the Pyramids, or getting a split routine. I think Gym Styles are excellent.

Also, what equipment do you have at home?? The bands and a stability ball as well as a club length step and varioius dumbells and a barbell if you have it though it isnt a must should get you started for your home workouts.

Good luck!!

 

[Runcrazy]

Hi cs and Welcome! I think your first two choices Low Max and Muscle Max are excellent! Muscle Max is my favorite total body workout. I agree that you should get more weight workouts and suggest the Gym Styles.

Terminator is a good choice because of the compilations and because it would provide you with circuits. They are longer then the other workouts but if you have the time then they are great! I usually do these kind of workouts on the weekends.

As Stacy asked, what kind of equipment do you have? That would help with recommendations.

I think its great that you made your first Internet post on this forum! This is a great place to be!



Jo

 

[xschwarz]

Any chance that you like kickboxing? Cathe's KPC is an amazing advanced workout that is a real fat burner, works your upper body effectively and lower body with tough conditioning drills. Good Ab section at the end AND Legs and Glutes is the other workout on this DVD.

The premixes leave a lot of variation using the 2 workouts. This, along with Boot Camp/ Muscle Endurance are my desssert island Cathe DVD's.

Althought I like Cathe's Step, I find the workouts that I mentioned more athletic in style vs. dance.

Good luck, they're all great purchases.

X

 

[lindadrobinson]

I LOVE THE TERMINATOR!!!

Of all Cathe's full mix series, I favor this over Timesaver and Hardcore. Each segment is a value in its own sense. It works you to the max. I found I like doing one of the segment's at least once a week, with other rotations. I would also, definately invest in Core Max. This full abdominal workout (3 in all) will not disappoint you and get you closer to what you want your abs to look like. Also, getting Low Max is a good mix with your spinning and Muscle Max is a good start for overall body weight/strength training. With weight workout, it depends on your goal. Is it to slim down, strengthen, endurance or full power? I, personally, find myself reaching for Muscle Endurance for a full endurance strength training and Slow and Heavy for definition. But research before you buy and keep asking questions. This board is full of information and help.

I hope "I" helped out.

Linda
"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated."
Maya Angelou

 

[andtckrtoo]

CS - I hope you have a credit card with a lot of room on it *grins*. I think you picked some great workouts. I agree with the others who say go with one of the full length workouts as well - like the GS - but I think starting with MM is a good idea - you can order more later (or should I say you WILL order more later... *looks sadly at smoking credit card*)

IMAX 2 is a blast (no pun intended). It's not dancy at all, and the blasts will get your heart rate right up there. I'm not thrilled with Cardio and Weights - but I like the ab routine. BootCamp is a great Circuit workout and Muscle Endurance is another great muscle workout.

I'd say start with the two you mentioned, their both great workouts and see what you think. Keep in mind that the preorder will take a while - filming doesn't start until November.

 

[MSJ]

I think that Muscle Max and Low Max are good to start with and go ahead and get the terminator (one of my personal favorites)--but be forewarned--you'll get addicted and soon want the intensity series in it's entirety}( }( .

Once you start with Cathe, you've got to have them ALL--resistance is futile....

have fun
Maggie

 

[red_mct]

Well, I'll take the other side of the issue and say I don't like the Terminator at all; I love the Intensity series but the Terminator workouts are far too long for me. But again, that is me, and you might consider yourself more of an advanced exerciser or have more time to devote. I would suggest getting the Intensity or Body Blast series; both are AWESOME and I believe you can get them for a reasonably good price. (It is much cheaper to buy the bundles than one at a time; I wish I'd known that way back when!)

Good luck and let us know what you choose!

Marie

 

[crittie]

Hi Girls
Thank you all SO much for your replies!!! To answer some of your questions:
Stacy and Runcrazy- I have a step , lots of dumbells, stability ball, 8 lb. ball and a treadmill. It seems like I am going to need to buy a barbell set and a resistance band. I have to admit that I have never really cared for the bands, but I was thinking that maybe it would be OK to use dumbells instead ,since I prefer them. What do you think?
Xschwarz: I never have enjoyed kickboxing in the past, however maybe that is due to the instructors.
Linda: The goal of my weight workouts is really to get a toned upper body and core. My legs are actually very toned and muscular due to years of soccer, running and spinning.I would love to get rid of the little jiggle in my upper arms.
Christine, Maggie and Marie: Thanks for your input.
Since today is the day that I need to put in my order, I think it sounds like a good idea to for sure start with Low Max, Muscle Max, and Core Max and all 4 new dvd's. Then, as I become addicted like the rest of you I will add on. I am trying to start with just a few so my sweet husband doesn't have a problem with it. Actually, I am going to give him Core Max for part of his birthday present, but let's face it , it is really for me. (He has lower back pain and I thought if he worked on his core it might help)
If you girls have any additional comments I would love to hear from you.
Thanks, CS

 

[Stacy]

My only additional comment would be to purchase a band. I never thought I'd use it or like it either, but Muscle Max and Gym Style series changed my mind....what a burn!

Enjoy your purchases!

 

[kidsleepdoc]

I love both Muscle Max and Low Max, these are the 2 workouts that switched me from the FIRM to mostly Cathe. I also really like Step Blast for cardio, and Muscle Endurance (Bootcamp is on the same DVD) for weights. It depends on whether you can do a split weight regimn or need a total body workout. You can't go wrong with any of the suggestions!