I am new to strength training and would like to firm up my inner and outer thighs. Problem is that I hate squats and lunges. Can I obtain good results from floorwork alone? Also, does Cathe offer any total body strenth training tapes for beginners? I'd prefer to work my whole body at one time 3X a week. Thanks so much!
Squats & lunges a necessity?
- Thread starter ChelleK
- Start date
Hi,
Cathe has a video called "Get in Shape for your Wedding" that includes a total body strength training section. The strength section is around 50 minutes. This video also has a 50 minute step workout. It is not necessarily for beginners but it is probably the least intense of Cathe's videos. Obviously, the amount of weight you use determines how difficult a workout you have. I think this video sounds perfect for you. It has great music too. It does, however, include squats and lunges but it also has alot of floorwork (if I remember correctly). I also prefer floorwork to squats and lunges. By the way, the video was made to target brides-to-be however, the wedding info is not bothersome. I own almost the entire Cathe library now, and the wedding video is still one of my favorites. Also, Maximum Intensity Strength is another total body workout that you might like. I just ordered that one recently and haven't done it yet. Either one of these videos would probably help you, but MIS is more intense (from what I've heard). I hope someone else can answer your question about if squats and lunges are necessary.
Lisa
Cathe has a video called "Get in Shape for your Wedding" that includes a total body strength training section. The strength section is around 50 minutes. This video also has a 50 minute step workout. It is not necessarily for beginners but it is probably the least intense of Cathe's videos. Obviously, the amount of weight you use determines how difficult a workout you have. I think this video sounds perfect for you. It has great music too. It does, however, include squats and lunges but it also has alot of floorwork (if I remember correctly). I also prefer floorwork to squats and lunges. By the way, the video was made to target brides-to-be however, the wedding info is not bothersome. I own almost the entire Cathe library now, and the wedding video is still one of my favorites. Also, Maximum Intensity Strength is another total body workout that you might like. I just ordered that one recently and haven't done it yet. Either one of these videos would probably help you, but MIS is more intense (from what I've heard). I hope someone else can answer your question about if squats and lunges are necessary.
Lisa
This is just my opinion, but I don't think floorwork for legs can ever give you anywhere near the strength and endurance that standing weight-work can. Not to mention the added benefit of building bone when you do work that requires your body to work against a substantial amount of weight, as you do with squats and lunges. Personally, I love doing them because they're so hard and I see such amazing results.
Could part of the reason you dislike them so much stem from trying to use too much weight too soon? Maybe making them a little too much or you get too sore? I'm just taking guesses, but maybe you just find them boring.
Still, I haven't found anything to give me the leg toning that standing weight-work does. You can do some fine tuning with floorwork but if you want to see your body really change, even just doing some squats and lunges helps tremendously. Maybe just try sneaking in one set of each for a while and gradually increase that, right before your floorwork.
Could part of the reason you dislike them so much stem from trying to use too much weight too soon? Maybe making them a little too much or you get too sore? I'm just taking guesses, but maybe you just find them boring.
Still, I haven't found anything to give me the leg toning that standing weight-work does. You can do some fine tuning with floorwork but if you want to see your body really change, even just doing some squats and lunges helps tremendously. Maybe just try sneaking in one set of each for a while and gradually increase that, right before your floorwork.
Thanks so much for your suggestions. The reason I hate them is because my balance is horrible (even when I hold onto something) and it is so difficult for me to keep my knees from going over my toes, especially on the lunges. But I like the idea of slipping in a few in the beginning. I'll give it a try!
DebbieH
Cathlete
Hi Chelle!
Try holding onto a bodybar stood on it's end while doing your squats and lunges for balance. Do this w/o weight while perfecting your form then you can do away with the bar later. You could also substitue a broom handle. See if that helps you with your balance & positioning! Also, think about pushing your rear back and not moving your knees to keep the knees from extending past the toes. Happy Squatting & Lunging!! Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH
Try holding onto a bodybar stood on it's end while doing your squats and lunges for balance. Do this w/o weight while perfecting your form then you can do away with the bar later. You could also substitue a broom handle. See if that helps you with your balance & positioning! Also, think about pushing your rear back and not moving your knees to keep the knees from extending past the toes. Happy Squatting & Lunging!! Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH
Chelle, I think you will like the squats and lunges in the wedding tape because of the way Cathe does them. You lunge your leg forward, pulse three times, and then step back. It's much more stable than lunging right, left, right, left.
I've been doing the wedding tape since 1/1 and my legs have never been so cut! I can't wait to move up to MIS.
Kath
I've been doing the wedding tape since 1/1 and my legs have never been so cut! I can't wait to move up to MIS.
Kath
suzannaerin
Cathlete
balance
Chelle - Hi. My balance used to be awful but since I started using the Pure Strength Series and Max Intensity Strength, it's improved significantly. Stick w/the lunges and squat--they are power house exercises for strengthening and toning your legs. Once you start seeing results--and it won't take long, you'll be motivated to keep doing them. Good luck, Suzanna
Chelle - Hi. My balance used to be awful but since I started using the Pure Strength Series and Max Intensity Strength, it's improved significantly. Stick w/the lunges and squat--they are power house exercises for strengthening and toning your legs. Once you start seeing results--and it won't take long, you'll be motivated to keep doing them. Good luck, Suzanna