Question from a VERY new beginner.......

S

StephanieS

New Member
Hello everyone! My name is Stephanie and I am VERY new to Cathe's exercise program. I was just wondering where I should begin and what video I should attempt first? I'm a big girl also (264 pounds) so I need something that won't have me tripping all over myself. :p Thanks for the advice!


Stephanie
 
Welcome to Cathe!
I haven't used this tape myself, but I've often seen recommendations for the "get in shape for your wedding" tape for beginners to Cathe. It contains both a full=length step workout and a full-length weight workout, so you get more bang for the buck.
 
I'd second the Wedding Tape. I can't get thru the whole thing yet (done it oh, maybe 4x, but have been doing other stuff for about 6 weeks now), and I would like to lose 30#.

It has easier step moves, but it's not easy either!! I just stop when I need to, and do what I can, and thats all you can do, right? :) I am working on building up endurance by doing this, and I'm working very hard, so I know I'm accomplishing something. Each time, I'm sure I accomplish a little more of it. (even thought it doesn't seem like it!).

I use the 4" step too! And, it has the weight segment also, so it's like 2 workouts in one.

Kathy
 
I agree that the wedding tape is an excellent way to begin. Cathe has many great workouts. Congratulations on making the commitment to exercise. Remember to have fun with the workouts.
Sheila
 
Hi Stephanie,
The Wedding Video is very good. I also recommend Body Max. Even though it is very intense, you can modify the step portion easily, and the choreography is easy/atlethic type instead of the dancy stuff. I also like BodyMax because you can break it down into 3 sessions: step, step and leg circuits, upper body weights. Good luck.
Linda
 
Hi Stephanie,

I agree with Linda on the Wedding video and BodyMax. BodyMax is a faster pace, but as she said, more athletic moves rather than dancy, which I found helpful when new to Cathe's choreography.
Also, if you're going to "hang out" with us a while, we have a weight loss check in thread under the "Open Discussion" forum that gets started up every Monday where a bunch of us check in and talk about our eating, exercise, etc., for the week. We just kind of give each other basic support towards our goals, some have 5# to lose, others of us more, so check us out if you want, there's a new posting every Monday morning. :)

Donna
Fitness~ It's a journey, not a race!
 
Hi Stephanie,

You are at about the same weight I was when I started (289). To be honest, I couldn't even think about Cathe at that time. I started out with one of those Tony Little-style (I know--ahhhh!) glider thingys because it's no impact on the joints. When I got strong enough, I started riding my bike. I'm talking major celebration when I rode an entire mile. (I ride 30 or 40 regularly, now--daily in the summertime). Then, when I got stronger from all the bike riding (about a year or a little more), I started lifting weights. It was all I could do to get through a 20-minute segment of Lift Weight to Lose Weight with Kathy Smith--with no weights. I can do Cathe, now, at the weights she uses and have almost all of her newer tapes. Currently, I'm still trying to conquer IMAX before I move on to IMAX II. I just can't do that last interval--but I will!!!!

The point I'm trying to make is that you may not be able to begin with Cathe. She's quite advanced. I'd hate for you to get discouraged before you get started. Even walking the six blocks to the corner grocery store and back were daunting when I first got started. Don't get me wrong, there are people who start with Cathe. I think Donna is one (getnfit@39). She could probably tell you a lot more about it. But don't give up, no matter what you do. It's a long road, but it IS possible. I've been at it three years now. A little at a time, but the gains you make will seem big to you. You'll feel better and you'll look better.

Good luck
 
I started at a high weight with Cathe after having gotten some cardio endurance going with Gilad Step and Gin Millers videos.

However, you could get Cathe's weight training videos now and do them. I'd suggest CTX Upper Body and Leaner Legs as a place to start or the PS series. Remember start light and listen carefully to all Cathe's form pointers.

Edith
 
Oh great!! I just put my Body Max on ebay b/c I was scared to death of it!!! I never even previewed it :(

That'll teach me, won't it? I knew better than to part with one of my dear Cathe tapes.
 
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