Questions on new videos/DVDs

[kathryn]

Hi Cathe!
I've been reading the descriptions of the new workouts, and they sound great! Can't wait to get them (but I bought DVDs, so I have quite a wait ahead!). I'm glad you included rotator cuff exercises in the shoulder work, and "supermans" for the back. I have a couple of questions, though. I'm a stickler for safety, and the 10-degree forward tilt bicep curl variation seems rather stressful on the back. Can you assure me that it isn't, or suggest a substitution (I'm thinking maybe dumbell bicep curls on a 45%-ish incline, though it hits the muscle from a different angle). Also, since tricep dips are what first brought on my carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, I avoid them like the plague! Do you show, or can you recommend, any alternatives? My last question---I'm loving the Cross Train Express series, but one thing that bothers me is the extent to which music is repeated from one routine to another (To me, it makes the routines seem more repetitive than they are). How much repetition of music is used in the new workouts?
Thanks!
Kathryn

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Kathryn! The 10 degree tilt is ever so slight and actually is designed to make the movement a bit more intense because you are practically eliminating the ability to use momentum in this position (momentum is also considerably reduced because of how slow the speed is). As long as you have no special considerations for your back, and your spine maintains a perfectly neutral alignment it should be fine. But the key is that the spine and head remain neutral regardless to what degree the tilt is. In these workouts we actually do a lot of 90 degree bent forward positions (flat back, table top, position) with a dumbell in each arm. This may cause a bit of discomfort for those with back conditions and/or those with tight hamstrings, however, if this is not the case for you, you will actually find that your lumbar region will get stronger since it is isometrically engaged. If, however, the 10 degree tilt simply does not suit you, then another way to help reduce the momentum in a movement, is to put your legs in a split stance vs. your legs hip width apart. If you would like an option to work your bicep muscle from an angled position rather than an upright then you can substitute preacher curls if you have access to a preacher unit.

We do show a modification for tricep dips but if that modification does not appeal to you, I do suggest that you repeat another one of the exercises that we had done (or you could even substitute one of you own favorites if you like).

The new workouts have little music repetition. Rhythmic Step (8 new songs) and Power Hour(10 new songs) share only one song. The slow and heavy series are 75 percent all new and 25% shared from the CTX series. Take Care !

 

[kathryn]

Thanks!