Question about Cathe and gym use

[meowracer]

Cathe, or anyone who may know the answer -

I have been debating for some time as to whether or not to quit the gym. I sent in the letter to end my membership but they have not yet gotten it, several weeks later. Looking at the blog, I see the definition in your (Cathe's) legs that I want to achieve. It's not bad now, but I want more. So, can I do that through Cathe workouts, etc and not use the gym, or do you (Cathe) supplement with gym work too? I seem to be making gains without the gym, so that should be my answer, but I guess it is like my security blanket ... I much prefer working out at home, and I don't push myself at the gym like I do with the DVD pushing me on. I guess I just want to know that I can work towards having that muscle definition with strictly at home workouts, and be sure that leaving the gym behind will actually improve my fitness level, rather than finding out down the road that I should have kept it up. Thank you! Shana

 

[Vee]

Shana,

My two cents:

The best results come from working out how/where you push yourself most and enjoy your workouts.

In theory, with spotters and squat racks and the multitude of equipment, it is possible to lift heavier or isolate muscles more efficiently at a gym. But so what? How many people who work out at a gym work harder/as comprehensively/as all-round balanced as with Cathe DVDs? I have worked out at many gyms and I think a Cathe DVD will be too much for most people I see at gyms. If you enjoy working out at home with Cathe, I say go for it. If you workout consistently and with DVDs that offer the appropriate challenge to your current fitness level, you will only improve. You will not lose out. If you change your mind down the line, you could always go back to a gym.

In my country, India, a lot of young people cannot afford gyms. There are these little shacks with just free weights, a bench and posters of Arnold Schwarzenegger adorning the walls. Many young men who can only work out at such places, have better definition than anyone at the "modern" gym I go to.

~* Vrinda *~

 

[Beavs]

I love my gym membership but I pay only $10.00 a month for it. I lift much heavier than I do at home because I cannot afford to go out and purchase all the dumbbells I would need to lift as heavy as I do. Also, I have found someone I can train with. And the smith machine.....simply wonderful. At then end of the day, it's all about what works for you.

 

[atiman]

I workout at both places..at home and the gym....but I love and I am spolied by the energy I feel from others in a group fitness class. So, I do most of my cardio at the gym, which is usally step, double step and kick boxing.


However for weight training my legs and back, I need the gym. On my heavier weight weeks, I usually squat more than I weigh. My legs are my best asset. Having a good genetic base helps quite a bit, too.

I just do my own routine and it works for me.

 

[workingToBeFit]

There probably isn't one answer - it's probably different for every person and in the end, only you know what is the best fit for you. But in my own case, I quit my gym membership about a year ago, and never looked back. I have been very happy with my results at home with Cathe DVDs and some others too. Since I did not have to pay the gym dues I was able to get more DVDs and more weights and I love my "home gym" more than any public gym I've ever belonged to. I push myself harder and longer at home - part of that is probably that I never have to wait in line for equipment or miss signing up for a group class because it's full!

~ Ann ~
Aim for nothing, and you'll hit it every time!

 

[meowracer]

Thanks for the responses. It is my legs that I am worried about, for the most part. They are strong, and I want them to only get stronger. That said, when I use the DVDs, my muscles are screaming, and I don't do that to myself at the gym. I'll just say, ouch, that's enough! While I'll push myself more than most, I won't push myself like I will with Cathe in my face Guess that is my answer. As long as I know I can continue to improve the strength and further tone my legs at home, then I'm good.