Starting weights?

[winter2b]

Hi all,

I am going to do Push Pull or Supersets tonight - any suggestions for which to start with? Does it matter??? I think I'll save L&G for this weekend... I know Cathe uses somewhat heavy weights...should I start off with no weights - or just use like 3-5-8 pounders (this is what I have used with The Firm)? Also when she uses a barbell - I'm assuming that I can just use dumbells?

These may seem like dumb questions...but I want to get off to a good start - and still be able to move tomorrow. Or should my goal be to work hard enough to achieve that feeling???

Sorry for the "duh" kind of questions...

Amy

 

[materialsgirl]

Hey, there are no "duh" questions around here! Your questions are all valid - we all asked the same questions when we were all starting out with Cathe too, I'm sure.

I just did Supersets for the first time on Monday - that's a great workout! I cannot match Cathe's weights (on this or ANY of her workouts) - I've only been using her DVDs for 2 months. I came from using the Firm too. If you've been using 3-5-8 lb dumbbells with the Firm, that may be a good starting point with Cathe - although you may find you can go heavier because Cathe doesn't do as many compound exercises as the Firm. It allows you to focus more on one muscle group, rather than trying not to fall over while doing bicep curls and lunges at the same time.

I do not have a barbell (yet) - I used dumbbells for all the barbell exercises with no problems at all. So you'll be fine.

You will want to be working hard enough to fatique the muscles at the end of the reps. You'll probably be sore the next day - it's a good sore. Don't fear it, embrace it! You should still be able to move though - just maybe a little more stiffly than usual.

It probably doesn't matter whether you do Push/Pull or Supersets first - just pick your pleasure. Have fun and work hard!

 

[dananmis22]

If this is your first time using weights, I would start off light and slow. You want to be able to move tomorrow! When I started working out after I had my baby, I started with 8 and 5 pound dumbells (maybe some 3's, too) and nothing heavier, and I was still sore the next day! (It had only been 2 months since last workout) I can't imagine if I would have used a 35# barbell what I would have felt like! I wouldn't start off using heavy weights, or even worry about working as hard as you can this time and working your muscles to fatigue. If they are not used to resistance, then you will get a workout. It is easier to do a heavier weight the next time you work out than to have to wait a few days to work out at all because you can't move, IMO. I don't have PP or SS, but have L&G, you will love it!!!!

Good luck and have fun!!!
Missy

 

[kathryn]

Since you're new to Cathe, but not weight training because you use the firm, I suggest being rather conservative the first time out. Then take notes on what weight you used and how it felt, so you might go up next time. Since you are familiar with weight moves from the firm, I'd start with whatever weights you use for similar exercises for body parts (biceps, triceps, back, chest, shoulders)or maybe a bit lighter for the stability ball work, because there is the extra challenge of using stabilizing muscles.

Your possible weight choices, based on your use of 3-5-8 with the Firm: heaviest weights for back and chest (8#, though you might find you want to move up); next heaviest for compound shoulder work (overhead presses): 5#. 5 for biceps and triceps (or 3 for triceps).

Your "goal" should be to find a weight that is challenging, and that makes the last 2 reps or so of each set difficult (and, ideally, so that you couldn't do another rep with good form). But I wouldn't necessarily go for this your first time out. Instead, work on form and on feeling your way around the weights that seem best to you. It's better to have perfect form with a weight that might be a bit light than to use a too-heavy weight and have sloppy form and risk injury.

And these are not at all "duh" questions!