STS vs. other Cathe workouts

sunsdaughter

Cathlete
hi all,
i have been debating whether or not to get the STS series. what do you think are the advantages to using STS compared to Cathe's other strength workouts? are the results that superior? also, how long are the individual workouts?
appreciate your help!!
 
Why STS is Better

I'm sure you will want to hear from other Cathletes too, but the following is why we feel STS is harder, more thorough and better than other workout program on the market today, including our other workouts.

There are several differences between STS and our other workouts or for that matter any other workout series you could purchase. But first let me direct to where you can find a list of STS workout times: STS FAQ page

1. STS offers a different workout every time. Not only does this help to decrease boredom, but also keeps your body constantly challenged thus maximizing muscle confusion more so than any other workout program on DVD. STS has forty strength workouts while our other workout series usually have three or less.

2. One rep Max testing - STS is the only workout series to use one rep max testing to make sure you get maximum results by using the correct weight for almost every exercise.

3. Step by Step progression. Since the days of ancient Greece and Milo the foundation and most important principle of strength training is to continually increase your weight load lifted in small increments over time. STS is the only workout series that each week has you increase your weights in small steps. These increases may not seem like much, but after three or six months they result in some truly amazing results. With other workouts you're more likely just using the same weight every week and your results will not be as significant as a person who increases their weights almost every week.

4. Periodization - STS is not just individual workouts, but a complete workout program based on periodization. Studies have shown that people using a program based on periodization get better results than those who don't.

5. Since STS is a three or six month workout program you are less likely to quit than when you don't follow a program like STS. It's hard to explain, but people tell us they feel guilty about missing a workout or quitting. STS gives you a goal and challenges you like no other workout series.

6. Rep pattern changes. STS uses different reps throughout each of the three mesocycles. The first mesocycle focuses on muscle endurance with 15 reps. The second mesocycle is devoted towards "Hypertrophy" and uses reps in the 10-12 range. The last mesocycle works "strength" and uses reps in the 6 to 8 range. These different rep ranges help to keep you body constantly challenged in different ways and help to produce superior results than if you would have chosen to do a workout program that always uses the same reps in their workout program.

STS has been designed to mimic the same program that a world class trainer would give you if you were to hire them for a three month or six month program. Though any strength training program you do will probably produce results as long as you stick to it, few if any will produce the same results as STS. This is why many feel that STS is the best strength training program on the market today.
 
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I couldn't have said it better myself! I love not having to debate what to do for the next couple of months strength training wise. I just finished mesocycle 1 and I can already tell I've made HUGE gains.

I put off buying it but based on the first 4 weeks alone, I would buy it all over again. Can't wait to see what the next 2 months bring!
 
I agree

I have to agree with the other posts. The training is all laid out for you, no need to think, just go and sweat. I am on Meso 3 first week, doing the 6 month rotation. Yeah, I'm stronger and I can actually see definition. Hard work but well worth it, and when you have Cathe and the gang working out with you, well it's fun.
 
I actually prefer Cathe's older series. The Intensity Series and Body Blast Series are the ones I go to every-time along with others such as P90X. The stability ball workouts in BB series, the Terminator in IS are my favs.
 
STS is very advanced

Sunsdaughter,
There is not much I can add to what has been said, except to say that the STS series is VERY advanced -- in contrast to Cathe's other strength videos. I myself constantly use the earlier strength DVDs, and recommend them highly. My most enjoyable videos in my entire collection are MIS and PH.

Last summer I did make it through Meso 1 and half-way through Meso 2 -- but found it too much for me. So this summer I am back to the earlier DVDs, but I will try to work in one STS disc a week.

I find that the one Cathe tape that comes close to STS is the strength portion of "4-day split". If you find that this is becoming to easy for you -- or if you find that the other Cathe strength tapes are becomming too easy -- go to STS, and start at a more reduced pace, then work up to the stanard program as outlined in the STS manual. This is my opinion, but I realize that there are others who say to start directly into the formal program.
-- David
 

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