Step-Workout HELP!

S

shaan

Cathlete
Okay people, I need some serious help here please.

I have been working out with Cathe's tapes since February. But only recently (I think about 4 weeks now) I started to do her
cardio with Body Max tapes.

Well, initially it was hard because I had to learn the moves and all - but within 1 week I mastered it all.

Now my problem is, it must be 3 weeks since I have mastered the moves but cannot seem to get past 14 minutes per session!

I run out of steam or I end up hurting myself or I just become too bloated with all that water I keep sipping during the workout! (I need my water otherwise I choke with dryness!)

Am I being impatient or is there something I can do that will help me complete all 34 minutes of Body Max Step?

I don't have any problems completing other workouts like S&H and PowerHour. I can also complete Kathy Smith's kickboxing and Michael Olajedi's Aero-box (minus the jump rope). Both these workouts last approx. 45 minutes. Intensity of Aerobox I though was the same as the step workout but obviously not if I can't complete even 20 minutes of the step!

Help me please because I am feeling discouraged now and am neglecting my cardio!

Thanks!

P.S.
Without the step I can do full 34 minutes but at low impact.
 
Hi Shaan :)

Patience .. patience ... BodyMax is NOT an easy tape to master. The workouts you're comparing it to, while great workouts, don't have the added element of step. BodyMax has a lot of power moves. Are you performing it on a 4", 6", or 8" step? Additionally, if you've only been at it for four weeks, you're not giving yourself much time to condition yourself to a new workout. Up until now, you've been doing floor focused acitivities (kickboxing, boxing, weight training). Every time you take on a new activity, you're basically at 'beginner' status for that activity specifically. I've been working out consistently at least 5 days per week for 8 years, and when I started running, I thought I was going to hyperventilate! Now, I've become more conditioned to it, and therefore it's not as difficult to get through a run, BUT, I had to take it one mile at a time. You're presenting a new activity to your body, thus challenging it. Give it time, you'll get there!

Best of luck!
Nicole
 
Thanks niclyf !!!

I just needed to hear that I guess. I always feel so disappointed when I look at the clock when I stop and feel a few more minutes and I would have had a superb workout!

I will keep at it. Hopefully this week I can pick up a minute or two.

I use just the board so I guess that is 2" step. Was planning to add the extension only after I can finish the entire workout.

Thanks again!
 
Actualy, using just the board is 6"!
Bodymax and all fo Cathe's tapes are much more advanced than those you listed (although Aerobox is pretty intense in the jumprope sections)! Her bpm's are faster, and the other poster is right with all that she said (new activity, added step, etc.) Don't feel bad, and don't rush it! If you started the tape and used the step for the first 10 minutes, and then removed the step, maybe you could go a bit longer. Add a bit at a time, and remember that Cathe is the queen of advanced stepping, she uses tons of power moves (which you can and should modify down to your level), and you will grow with this tape and all of her others!
Good luck!
Wendy
 
Hi Shaan!

Have you tried any of Cathe's other step tapes? You might give them a try. Bodymax was my first Cathe step and I thought I would die before finishing it. I have since been doing other videos in their entirety but still have trouble getting through Bodymax. One of the other forum members pointed this out a while back and it made me take notice (I think it was Clare aka "ClareMC") that Bodymax tends to move quicker than her other videos... there's a LOT going on in that video and it is a terrific workout, but don't beat yourself up for not being able to make it through yet. YOU WILL!
 
Wendyloo - GET OUT OF TOWN!

Really? Just doing the board is 6"? No way? :-wow Yeah?????

6"... just the board that Cathe uses with 2 squares on each side. I don't use the square - use them only for inclide chest flies etc.,

THAT is 6" Ooooooooh!!!! I think I am going to faint! :-wow
 
Hi Lizzie

I own Cathe's PH and S&H.

PH contains MIS and BodyMax. Body Max is the only one with a full length step workout so I guess I will have to buy a new one.

Maybe I will try G-Force this time. Someone recommended them. Anyone done their latest super step workout?

I really enjoy doing Cathe's workouts because I find her the greatest motivator. Maybe I should get her MIC ... okay I have browse again because I don't remember if MIC has a floor segment or not.

And I will check out the post by ClareMC.

Thanks for responding to my cries of help!

You are ALL great! Thanks! I love Cathe's boards - all of them!
 
Ooops! I was thinking of my step,which is a Reebok step. It is 6" on its own. I think the step Cathe uses is 4" with no risers (those squares), and each riser is 2".

I'm sorry! But 4" is still great! Sometimes I don't use the step at all.

Ooops, sorry again :)
Wendy
 
Hi Shaan :)

MIC is a split cardio routine. It starts with 28 minutes of hi/lo, followed by 36 minutes of step. It's quite the workout. If you're looking for something to help you through BodyMax, I would suggest interval training. While I wouldn't necessarily start with Cathe's Interval Max (it's a tough workout!!), maybe you could try Intense Moves (Reebok), and work your way up to doing the full intervals. Cathe has a lot of other wonderful step tapes as well, that you could use in between trying to master BodyMax. Some of the easier ones to grasp would be Mega Step Blast, How to Get in Shape for your Wedding, and Step Max. They're all winners though! :)

Keep at it girl!! :-jumpy
Nicole
 
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