Questions for all of the Freestyle Experts

[WitMom]

I am a "lapsed Cathe-ite", and I have just recently returned to working out after a much-longer-than-necessary hiatus after the birth of my daughter. I have always had a problem with my hips/thighs, and pregnancy and lack of exercise have done nothing to improve it. I have been reading many posts on the forums about freestyle training, and think that I might give it a try. I have some questions, though, for anyone who is willing to answer.

My understanding is that I should be using 70% of my maximum weight for the lower body exercises. I haven't worked out in forever, so I have no idea what my maximum is- any suggestions what to do?

What Cathe videos would be good for this type of trainig? I need to have someone to watch and talk me through a workout- I can't just say "Today, I need to do X amount of lunges and Y amount of squats". I just won't do it if that's the case. I'm a "follower". Would Legs and Glutes be okay? What about LowMax- would that count for this type of training?

Finally, I see a lot of talk about walking lunges. What the heck are these?

Thanks to anyone who takes a stab at all of my questions! I appreciate it.

 

[Fit_mommy]

Walking Lunges: Stand with your feet together (and some room in front of you to move forward). Take your right foot and place out in front of you and go down into a front lunge position. Pause. Pull up to a standing position by bringing your back (left) leg up so that your left foot meets your right again. Pause briefly and then continue with your left leg out into a lunge position in front of you. Pause. Pull up to standing using your back (right) leg now. Pause briefly...continue this. Just think of doing lunges "in motion". They are great for freestyle. You can do them with or w/o weights!

HTH!

 

[SRP]

I'm not a Freestyler, but I've read posts from the pros on this forum that say yes, any of the Cathe workouts can be used for Freestyle. Just adjust your weights accordingly (don't ask me how to figure that out!)

I think Low Max should be categorized as more of an aerobic workout, instead of lower body. But it definitely places an emphasis on the lower body, so if you're not in the mood for weights, or if you're in a hurry and need to get cardio plus legs, you can sub it every once in a while.

 

[WitMom]

Thanks for the feedback. I sort of thought that walking lunges are the way you described them, but then I was trying to figure out where people do these- my house just doesn't have any room!

As for LowMax, I figured that it would be considered more cardio, but I thought I would ask anyway. I have a fairly limited amount of time to workout, and by doing so much leg work, I'm going to have to give up some cardio (which I love). I was hoping that I could "cheat" and have LowMax count for Freestyle. DOesn't sound like I can (at least on a routine basis).

 

[Fit_mommy]

Freestyle certainly does take a lot of time. They say though that if you do your walking lunges correctly that there is no need for as much cardio as you would think. I'm not exactly sure what they are referring to w/the lunges...speed perhaps?? I don't really know...but anyway...best of luck with it! I have done a very loose version of freestyle and really like the results I have gotten from it!

 

[Mckmain]

I see Wendy answered the walking lunge question......as for what wieght to use in Cathe workouts...how long has it been since you did any weight exercises for the lower body? Legs & Glutes is great for Freestyle but I would use less weight than Cathe if you have not worked out in a bit...she uses 12lb & 15lb Dumbells, you might want to start with 5 & 8 or 8 & 10...hope this helps...