Wow. I posted this message this morning and I cannot believe how many of you out there read and relate to what is said. I just love this forum. It is one of the few places I can "meet" and "talk" to others who share my interest in fitness and especially in Cathe's workouts. No one in my social circle or co-workers is interested in exercise. They all marvel at the changes I have made in my appearance since last spring and a few have asked me how I did it. As soon as they hear that they actually have to work for it I can see their eyes glaze over as they mumble that they don't have time for all that. Pathetic.
Anyway, that is what makes me glad that I have found a place to be with others who are not afraid of a little sweat (did I say "a little"?) and understand how hard (but rewarding) a solid Cathe program can be.
To answer Susan's question about how many days I did cardio and how many I did weights I can easily tell you.
My first challenge was to lose weight so I was put most of my energy in cardio.
Since I started with the three Pure Strength tapes plus Step Heat (and I had dozens of other step tapes to use also), I did it like this, at first:
Day One: Pure Strength Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
Step tape or other cardio
Ab work (usually one of the Firm's)
Day Two: PS Legs/Abs
Day Three: PS Back/Biceps
Step tape or other cardio
Day Four: Step tape
Ab work
Day Five: Same as day one
Day Six: Same as day two
Day Seven: Same as day three or rest, then begin where I left off.
My goal was to do cardio at least 5 times a week, abs a least five times a week and go through the PS twice a week.
After I lost the weight my goals changed. I wanted more cuts and definition so I reduced cardio, got Max Intensity Strength and did this:
Day One: PS Back Biceps Abs
Day Two: PS Legs/Abs
Day Three: PS Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, step tape, abs
Day Four: step tape, abs
Day Five: MIS
Day Six: step tape, abs
Day Seven: rest (whew!)
I rotated in Slow and Heavy and Power Hour for four weeks and went back to the above for eight more weeks.
I realize this is a lot of stepping in a week and probably too much. However, I have not found any other cardio that interests me. I do not like jogging, running, walking, biking etc. and if I don't like it I won't stick to it. I plan to purchase Cathe's Cardio Kicks tape now so I can get off the step once in a while.
I love everything else from Cathe so I will give that one a whirl. But, as you can see, I reduced cardio to three times a week and worked each body part twice a week.
I plan to start Slow and Heavy again next week.
My diet is not for everyone but it worked for me:
Myoplex Light Protein Shake after workout for breakfast
Lunch: Nature's Best Solid Protein bar
Dinner: Protein and vegetables.
Mind you, every day did not go as planned and plenty of times I ate empty calories even though it was contrary to my goals (I did not get chubby eating wholesome food so it was hard to give up the junk). But as long as I stuck to the exercise the weight did come off. At first I saw nothing. It took at least two months before I really noticed good things happening and then it all come together quickly.
I hope this answers your questions, Susan. I did not start this reply intending to talk so long but once I get going on Cathe and her programs I can't seem to stop.
I don't have any pictures to share. When I was too heavy I avoided having anyone take my picture because I hated the way I looked. I guess I will have to get some now, huh? I will see what I can do.
To Shanda: I know you can do this and would love to have your updates. You can post them here or email me using the icon at the top of this message that looks like a little page with print.
If anyone has any other questions please let me know. I hope what I have written helps someone out there.
