Switching to Cathe

S

sue320

Cathlete
A friend told me that I'd get some great input here.

I've researched and researched and I'm still terrified to take the plunge with Cathe (although I have a list started of what I like of hers). I've been exercising since September (treadmill and weights) and switched to "The Firm" in December. I've been doing the firm ever since. The height of the fanny-lifter (FL) is killing my knees. I like that it seems I'd see some serious results with Cathe, but I'm definitely one that has to do a tape a few times to get the choreography (I'd say I'm challenged in the area of coordination). I'm only really seeing ab results with the firm. I've recently increased my weights for lower body (which is my trouble area...it's not toning like I want) and this has been what's causing the problem with my knees (you use the weights while stepping up on the FL). I suppose I have a few questions...am I out of my league with Cathe? Any ideas on what I should start with? (I'm not looking to die my first time out.) I'm 5'5"...do I really need to invest in the "big step" that she uses or could I use one available at a local retailer?

Thanks for the input.

Sue
 
Hi Sue,

Don't be afraid. If I'm not out of my league with Cathe, no one is!!!! No one is really in Cathe's league, anyway, for that matter. There's a rumor she's not even human, some skeleton-in-the-closet story about her being fathered by the Energizer Bunny or something like that. But don't be afraid. She can't MAKE you do anything you're not ready to do.

I started slow like you did. Well, I started REALLY slow. I was nearly 300 pounds and could barely walk the six blocks to the corner store and back. But I built up from that to using a Tony Little-style glider (sad, I know), to an elliptical trainer, to bicycling, and finally to weightlifting with Kathy Smith, then the Firm, and at last . . weights and step aerobics with Cathe--with modifications.

It's all a matter of building your strength and endurance, and nobody will push you like Cathe. But you can start with whatever you're capable of doing now and work your way up. When I first started lifting with Cathe, I could barely do lunges with no weight while steadying myself with a broomstick. Sometimes it took me 2 or 3 hours to get through Power Hour because I'd have to stop and walk up and down the block a time or two to catch my breath and recover. But I was an extreme case. And now, after only 1 1/2 years, I can do all of Cathe's strength videos in the time they actually take, using at least the weight Cathe uses and sometimes more. (She has to talk while doing all this stuff, after all! I can't even imagine!) Now I can do lunges with 60 pounds on my back! I can hardly believe it myself. I'm still working on intensity/endurance, which is much harder for me than strength, but I'm making progress I never thought I'd ever see. It's like a miracle to me.

As for step aerobics, you might want to start with something simpler choreographically than Cathe. Kathy Smith, Gin Miller, and Gilad have some good basic videos that will give you a decent workout while teaching you the steps. Then you're off with Cathe! Try Cathe; you'll like her. Honestly, you can't lose!

As for the big step, Wal-Mart/Sams has the Original Club Step for a little over $50. I love mine! But I started with--you won't believe this--a fireproof cash box. Yup, that's what I "stepped" on. Very unsafe. At the current price, I'd go with the "real thing." I'm not sure you could get one of the smaller ones much cheaper. You might even try e-bay or a Play It Again Sports kind of shop for an even better value.

Congratulations on your decision to switch to Cathe!
 
Hey Sue :)
I think you will be fine starting out with Cathe, because you can modify and use a weight that works for you. I just started doing Cathe's strength videos about a month and a half ago, and I am feeling tremendous improvements, and I'm starting to see some definition in my arms. I don't use as much weight as Cathe but I hope to get there eventually!
My first strength tapes were the pure strength series. I absolutly LOVE that series because the body parts are broken up into 3 tapes, each tape meant to be done once a week. Vol 1= Strong Legs and Abs, Vol 2= Chest/Shoulders/Triceps, and Vol 3= Back/Biceps/Abs. These are VERY thorough with a focus on building strength, not muscle endurance. You can choose a tape or a series based on what you are looking for. There are some great descriptions and video clips on this site that can give you an idea of what each tape is about.
As for cardio I've heard that Cathe's Step Heat is a great one to start with, or any of her earlier step tapes. In the early tapes she breaks down her moves more, whereas in the newer ones she she expects that we know them, but she cues perfectly so you can definatly still catch on. It almost always takes me a couple tries to nail her choreography. Just stick with it, and rewind when needed! Good luck, and I hope you like Cathe!!!!!!!
 
Don't be afraid of Cathe. I started with the Firm and was a little afraid too. Once I started her workouts, I kept thinking, "Where have I been?" I have never had so much fun working out as when I'm doing a Cathe. It's so worth the plunge!!!

Make sure you get the big step, not a little one. Once you start Cathe you will eventually want one like hers anyway. You can find the step she uses at popular sporting goods stores.

A GREAT Cathe to start out with is Cardio & Weights! This workout is a BLAST! It's one of her most recent workouts from the Intensity Series. It's not as intense as the rest of them from the Intensity Series, but you still get a great sweaty workout! You will be so pleasantly surpised!

Have Fun!!
 
My first Cathe tape was IMAX, I thought I was in good shape until I did that one. I was gasping for air, but having the time of my workout life!

I used to exclusively do firm workouts, now I find the older ones boring (cardio). I just love doing Cathe tapes, but I do like the new firms (don't want to knock them too much).

I think you will love Cathe tapes, DO NOT start with IMAX or Imax 2, they are some of the hardest tapes that exist in the work out world.

I really like her Classics DVD (step Classics I think), that has 3 tough ones, but they are really good, easy to modify, and the last one has very simple step moves, yet is still fun.
 
Tall Step

I know you didn't ask this, but I have a few suggestions for using the tall box (14" step) and minimizing knee pain. :)

If you start with both feet on the floor, and step up on the box, really focus on tightening your quads and glutes. The bend in your knee should be minimal. Really emphasize pushing with your heel on the step and using the muscles in the backs of your legs. I know a lot of times, they drop down really low, before pushing up, but I have found it's sometimes better for my knees to not go down as low. Also, this really gets to the glutes, hamstrings and quadricep muscles. You can start going lower as you build strength.

The same is true if you are standing with both feet on the box and are doing reverse lunges. Don't go down too low, and really focus on pushing with the foot on the step, and shifting your weight more to the heel of the foot on the step. Be careful not to overly bend your knees. Bend it just enough to move freely. Your knee should not bend beyond your toe. Your hip should not go below your knee.

Also, I have seen other people post that they have difficulty using a taller step if they are shorter, or have shorter legs, so maybe 14" is too high for you.

Anyway, you may know all this already, but if not, try it and your knees may feel better. Good luck!

Oh, and I woud recommend purchasing the long step. Get the one from "The Step Company" or "Bollinger". This is a high quality gym step that is well worth the investment. Other steps may not be as sturdy and can crack or break. I started with a cheaper step, and it broke. :( I should have just spent more up front, because I still ended up paying for it later.

Lisa
 
Hi Sue!

Welcome!! You really do need to take the "Cathe-Plunge"! Trust me, you will be thanking us all later for encouraging you. (Like in a week!:7) She is totally addicting and sooo much fun. I agree, IMax 1 & 2 are not a good place to start, although, you WILL be ordering them eventually. IMax 1 used to be my fav tape, but since IMax 2 came out, it has moved into first place. They both rock! I would suggest The Wedding vid & MegaStepBlast as two good starters. The Wedding vid has nearly an hour of muscle conditioning added on, so that is a BONUS! I am Miss "Two-Left-Feet" when it comes to choreo also, so just be patient. It is soo worth the rewinding. The two tapes I mentioned were easy choreo-wise. Very lil' in the rewinding department! ;-) Let us know what you decide. Oh yes, do get the long step. (The Club Step) I feel it is a must once you really start moving with Cathe. Have fun and keep us posted.
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.smilies-world.de/Smilies/Smilies_klein_1/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
I've done it!

First, I have to thank all that posted. There was tons of great input and I appreciate that!

I've taken the Cathe plunge...actually, quite by accident. I purchased the full sized step and it came with Cathe's All Step. Of course, I haven't had the guts to try it yet, that's my goal for tomorrow. Now, I'm trying to round out the rest of my training. My main goal is reducing my body fat (my goal is to lose about 3% body fat) and toning. I'm looking at Cardio & Weights and Vol 1= Strong Legs and Abs, Vol 2= Chest/Shoulders/Triceps, and Vol 3= Back/Biceps/Abs. Is this enough or is it overkill? Remember, I'm newby to Cathe so I don't want to destroy my ambition by doing too much. Also, the less equipment that I have to buy the better (at this point). I have weights, the step, the ball, but no barbell.

I figure my week to look something like this...three days cardio and three days weight training. This will be a change since I normally take Wed. and Sun. off.

I'm also wondering about circuit training--or is that what I'm doing?

Thank you!

Sue<><
 
RE: I've done it!

Great!

It's not good to work the same muscle groups 2 days in a row. It looks like all the workouts you mentioned have weight work in them. Make sure after doing Cardio & Weights you don't work the same muscle groups the next day. Also after the cardio in "All Step" there is shoulder work. (All Step is part of her CTX series where one body part gets worked a day)

Here's the link that describes the CTX series (All Step is part of this & by the way its my favorite of the CTX...but I do love all of them)

http://www.cathe.com/presale6pack.htm

All Step is only 30 minutes of cardio but its VERY INTENSE and has some tricky footwork. Don't be alarmed!!

You don't need a barbell for Cardio & Weights, you can also substitute dumbells on your shoulders for the workouts that do use a barbell.

Try to add different cardios on your cardio days. This will keep it more interesting and fun.

Cardio & Weights is a Circuit Training type workout. You do some cardio and then pick up weights, then you do more cardio then pick up weights again and so on. If you're interested in more of her straight cardio workouts to start out with, there's "Step Jam", "Step Heat", and "Mega Step Blast". I see these recommended all the time for people new to Cathe.

Not sure what type of ball you have but, she uses the stability ball in the "Pyramid Upper Body" and "Pyramid Lower Body" Workouts. She uses a medicine ball in "Boot Camp" and "Muscle Endurance".
 
Hi Sue,

I see that the gang on this forum have given you some great advice. Like they said and I told you before take the plunge you won't be sorry. You mention circuit training I have Circuit Max which is a great circuit training tape, I highly recommend that one myself. I usually post on the open forum board but I found you here so here I am posting to you. You really don't need a barbell, I don't have one yet either, but I do plan on getting one. Take it slow and you will get the moves and learn to love Cathe's workouts.

God bless you!!!

Annette(from the other board)
 
One more question

I've finally narrowed it down...really! I wanted to ask the "pro's" one more time which should I go with. Some of you pointed out a couple of weaknesses with my previous post so I went back and did more research and here's what I came up with....

OPTION A: Strong Legs/Abs; Chest/Shoulders/Triceps; Back/Biceps/Abs & a cardio. Since I have the ALL STEP, I was thinking maybe the wedding one. Someone said that was a good one to start with (and the write up says it too).

OPTION B: Pyramid Upper, Pyramid Lower & Ab Hits (with a cardio). The only thing I'd see is alternating through the weeks...one week twice upper and the next week twice lower. (I like that the write-up for this one specifically says it's to shape and sculpt...my main goal.)

Thank you...again!

Sue<><
PS. Really, I can make a decision...
 
RE: One more question

Hi Sue,

Since you already have a stability ball, I would go with the Pyramid workouts. They are just awesome and you can sub dumbells on the shoulders for the barbell work easily! Actually, I prefer to use dumbells in the Pyramid Lower Body workouts because it's easier than having to change the weights on the barbell so often. The Wedding Workout is a great one to start out with too. Sounds like you're off to a good start!
 
RE: One more question

Hi Sue, you will not regret getting the PUB&PLB, I just love this workout. I also only use dumbells in the PLB because it's too much changing the weights, but that is up to you. Well good luck;-)
 
I did it...

I ordered Wedding, Pyramid Upper, Pyramid Lower, Ab Hits & Step Heat (as my freebie).

Thank you all for your input and time!

Sue<><
 
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