Videos limit you???

naughtoj

naughtoj

Cathlete
Ok, no one stone me here, but.....


Do any of you feel that your fitness is limited by actually doing videos?? I really am starting (well, have felt for awhile) to feel that they are. For instance, if you never deviate from the set number of reps/sets within a given Cathe, you never change. What happened to the good ol' three sets of 10-12 reps mantra? I don't think Cathe knows it exists. Either that or she knows she cannot sufficiently exhaust the muscles at that rep level with a weight you can use at home.

For example....what is with all the varied tempo training in Cathe workouts. I am not saying this is bad, but why is it in almost EVERY one of her workouts? I think it is because she is forced to find a way to fatigue each muscle group assuming we are home exercisers and don't have access to huge weight loads. So, if you do a grand total of 75 squats...some 2-2 tempo, some 2-4, some 4-, and lets not forget those low ends and "holds" with a 40lb barbell, all you are getting is endurance. NO size. BUT....if I work out at a gym and squat 3 sets of 8-10 at +165 pounds, I get strength and size!!!! WHAT is wrong with this picture??!!!

Don't get me wrong. I love Cathe for increasing fitness. But is she really something you want to turn to if you really want to get BUFF, like, say, Chynna?? (WWF phenom)

I read an article that said varied tempo training was great, but that it was not something you would want to do EVERY workout. I can say that for me, personally, if I know I have to do a butt load of low ends and "holds" that my weight is going DOWN, and if your weight goes DOWN, don't you end up working at the endurance level and therefore killing your opportunity to gain size and strength (assuming we are not beginners here)?


Doesn't anyone else here feel like they have plateaued extremely with vids? It was awesome in the beginning, but now I am not so sure. I am saying this in regards to Cathe WEIGHT vids only, by no means her cardio tapes...they still kill me!!

Slow and Heavy is my most fav Cathe strength tape and I think that is simply because it allows me to use more weight for lesser reps, which is more like traditional weight lifting. Even though I am not using as much weight as, say, in the gym, it is comparable enough that the slow tempo makes up somewhat for the lack of poundage. So, I get my best results with Slow and Heavy.

I work out with people at work (on my lunch hour in an extra office) that I doubt would continue to be motivated without Cathe workouts, so that is why I continue to work out with her. I would love to do my own thing, but I want to do it on my lunch hour and all the weights are in THAT room.

Does anyone feel me here or am I just making no sense???

Janice
 
HI Janice,
I can't say that I feel limited at all.I did PUB on Mon and I was sore for a few days.That last set of dumbbell curls do me in.I did take a break from weight training over the christmas holidays so thats probably why I was so sore.But over the christmas holidays someone commented on my arms and said that they were bigger then my hubbys.Needless to say my husband is a VERY slim man.
There was a point in time when I wondered if the cardio was enough, but never the weights.I think it is entirely up to ourselves how we want to use the videos we have bought.I think we could build some serious muscle if we wanted to do strength every day and eat all of the protein that weight trainers do.
If I were gonna look like chynna when I did these videos,I would have burned them.No thanks,that ain't my cup of tea.
I am sure Cathe is well aware of the 3 set mantra.She probably created it.
I am not defneding Cathe here, I am just talking about weight training in general.When videos are made for at home use,I don't think that they have body builders in mind.If someone is training for a competiton or wants to look like a body builder, then they would have to train like one and eat like one.Egg whites anyone?:) ANd that would mean spending numerous hours training and yes,I agree it would have to be done in a gym.
But I think that people who by videos are doing it b/c they don't want to go to a gym, and they may have small children at home, not b/c they want to look like WWF wrestlers.
As for things we read, that could change next week.But thats where slow and heavy comes in.Thats as close as we can get to the 3 set mantra, and up your weights when you feel like it isn't challenging enough.
I wouldn't have any motavation to workout if I didn't start with home workouts.When I started working out I couldn't afford a gym memebership,nor did I feel co-ordinated enough to take a step class.
If you are concerned about your fitness leven then maybe you should take it to a gym for a few monthes and see what happens.I can't workout on my own, I need someone talking me through it and telling me what to do.I don't have the knowledge with weight training to do it on my own.
I know that there are a few gym rats around here that use to go to the gym but don't anymore.Maybe they found cathe tapes to be harder and hopefully we will hear their side of it.
I aslo know many people in this town who go to the gym and I am in much better shape then they are.And they are amazed when I tell them that I workout at home.
Anyway,this is just my 2cents on the topic.Bottom line,I don't know what I would look like if I went to a gym but I am happy with what I am doing now so I don't need to be concerned about it.
Good luck with whatever you do.Maybe you could mix it up, go to the gym 3 out of 6 days?
Lori
 
I agree with ya lori, I don't feel limited at all, I just started all this last March, and cathe's weight dvd's are very challenging for me, if I wanted to look like chynna, I would go to a gym and get breast implants.
I wouldn't mind looking like cathe, and diane sue :7 ... I am not where I want to be, but I know continueing to use cathe's workouts I will get there in time. .......... Rhonda :7 :7
 
Yeah, I agree, it all depends on what your goals are. If I can match every rep cathe does with the same amt. of wt she uses, I then I hit my goal. I don't want to look like a body builder so you're not going to find me in a gym squatting 165lbs. If I could do that, my dh would probably be afraid of me. LOL

But what you're saying does make sense though. Body-buliders do have a very intense program that involves many hours in the gym, but that's their job. If that's your goal, I wish you the best of luck.
:)
 
Hi Janice,
I hear what you're saying. Cathe definitely motivates me but you are right, Cathe's workouts will build endurance but not the muscle mass you can build in a gym. If you are fortunate enough to have a spotter, you can challenge yourself to the max. I don't have a spotter so I don't think I ever push myself to true failure. Running also is important to me...it is quick, to the point, can be done without having to learn intricate moves and really burns the fat. I am addicted to Cathe workouts but enjoy my gym workouts too.
Lisa
 
Hi Janice,
I think it really depends on you. I've belonged to gyms and can't tell you how many times I was disappointed because of class changes or cancellations, inconsistent instructors or my new favorite instructor has gone on. Or, I can't get on a machine or someone trying to intimidate me off a machine, etc. With vids I can do anything I want any day and at any time. I'm in control. I'm also very motivated so will work my hardest with a video where maybe some people won't. I have not plateaued because I constantly vary my routine and cross-train.

If you're goals are to be like Chynna, then yes, you may have to go to a gym, but it's all about your goals. For the definition I want and health benefits, I have everything I want and need in my home! I've been doing videos for 18 years and it's been great!
 
I don't feel limited either. In fact, I love working out with Cathe. I have worked out on my own but I quickly lose motivation and going to the gym increases my overall time and I like free weights better than machines anyway. But what is important is how you feel! If you want to go as heavy as Chynna, I agree with Jo. You may actually need a spotter or a trainer to help you safely meet your goals. Cathe's workouts will be there for you when you need them. The options are limitless. Make it work for you!
Bobbi "Chick's rule!" http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif
 
Hi Janice,

No stones here :) .

Like a few others have mentioned here, I think how limited you feel depends on what your goals are and what works for you. I, too, strive to be buff. My best friend (a guy) teases me because I keep asking him if my arms look bigger.

That said, I can't really say that I find Cathe's tapes limiting. One of the things I've been impressed with is the variety of weight training techniques that she's incorporated into her different series. If you are looking to periodize your workouts, as a lot of body builders do, her weight tapes really lend themselves nicely to that effect. I do lift in a gym once in a while for a change of pace and equipment, but I must say that I saw my greatest upper body gains doing Slow & Heavy.

Pure Strength and Slow & Heavy really strike me as "no nonsense" gym type workouts (set # of reps, 2-3 sets, mostly set tempo). PLB and PUB also seem to me to have that limitless quality in terms of going heavy and to your maximum ability -- tempo changes based on increased weight for safety. The only "non-purist" thing they include are some supersets.

I think Cathe mentioned in PS Legs that she uses the varied tempo for legs because some home exercisers don't have access to very heavy weights or a SPOTTER for getting really heavy weights over their head. If I had a squat rack in my home gym, I'd go a lot heavier on leg work. Since I don't, it's nice that I can get a different kind of killer leg workout with what I can SAFELY get over my head.

Every _body_ is different. If you feel that tapes are limiting your strength and muscle gains, then work some pure gym-style weight workouts into your routine. Do what works for you and your goals.

BTW - I have Chynna's home workout video :). It's a "Boot Camp" style circuit workout. I must say that I end up using it on my "light" days.

Take care.

Edited to add: If the number of sets on a body part is really problematic, the options that one has with Cathes workouts on DVD really are limitless. Having just gotten my first DVD series, I'm discovering how much can be done to tailor her workout to fit my goals.
 
I hear what all of you are saying, and I agree that Cathe makes the most awesome tapes on the market. In fact, I don't buy any others anymore, unless I am getting them for a few bucks or something. She was the most wonderful introduction to weight lifting I could have hoped for!!! Prior to three years ago, I didn't touch weights. Today, I would not be able to exist without them!!!

Some of you may know that for a while I had a trainer at Bally's (only about 10 sessions). It was VERY expensive, but I am telling you, the difference between a GOOD gym workout and a Cathe tape is huge. Cathe is very hard, but heavy weight loads and 3 sets of 10 in a gym really killed me. I couldn't believe that all this time I felt SO superior doing Cathe when an effective gym workout could be so debilitating. I think it is hard to understand unless you have done it, and done it with someone who not only spots you, but is very knowlegeable on the exercises and how to increase the intensity. I lifted heavy, but in between I would do roundhouse kicks and that to keep the intensity up there, so it ended up being no rest either.

I guess I sorta have a dilemma to figure out. I want to go back to the gym, but I LOVE working out on my lunch hour and I can't go to the gym then. Also, to lift the weight I am talking about, I would need a spotter, and I don't have one. I am very focused when I work out and just have never met anyone in "real" life as focused.

I think maybe I have just plateaued with videos, or I need to do my own little tweaking of each tape...an extra rep...slow down the pace...like that. I don't want to look like Chynna, but my muscles are already big. I am 5'0 and 131 pounds, with 22% fat. To gain muscle now takes alot of work. I am reading a book right now called "Maximize your Training". It is HUGE and is really scientific about lifting and programs. It details how three sets have really NOT been proven to be more effective at building mass or endurance than one set. That if you really know how to train heavy with one set, you can forgo all the rest and have the same results. It advised picking a weight and making your set as many reps as required to really fatigue and not be able to do even one more rep. But there are no set rep numbers. It is a really interesting book for those of you who have a huge interest in fitness, especially strength training. It talks about how, if you stop ONE REP short of total failure you are limited yourself. NO growth happens. I think I do this alot with Cathe....almost NEVER with my trainer. Maybe that is what it boils down to.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Next week Slow and Heavy is one the program until I figure out what I want to do....


Janice
 
Why don't you buy a good BowFlex and do heavy lifting at home at night or early in the morning? You can lift heavy with it and do not need a spotter. One bodypart a day for only ten minutes with the BowFlex should give you the strength gain you desire.

I am using only free-weights and Cathe tapes, but I have been adding on sets with the help of Cathe's DVDs. If I do Bootcamp, I add on the Chest workout from MIS, if I do Cardio & Weights, I add on the Biceps from the Pyramids and so on (you get the idea). Sometimes I am adding one bodypart in the evening and I go heavier then I would if I was doing the whole workout. In PS Chest, Shoulders & Triceps the difference is about ten pounds for the military presses (25 lbs dumbells instead of 15).
 
I hear what you're saying. We definitely can't use the same amounts of weight that we could in a weight room, or with safety equipment and a spotter (which is why I find it somewhat odd that people are asking for "REALLY HEAVY" weight tapes in the Suggestions for new Videos forum...it's not safe at home!). Cathe has found ways to give us intensity in other ways than just heavy weights (pyramiding, focus on endurance, other techniques you mentioned).

I think the limitations are especially true for lower body. Our lower bodies are potentially so strong, and it's hard to find a way to exhaust the muscles SAFELY at home, unless you bring some piece of equipment (like a leg press machine or Soloflex Rockit) into the mix.

I've used my Rockit (and should dust it off and get back to using it!) for PS legs and can get up to 180# on the squats. That's something I wouldn't even attempt (or be able to attempt!) with free weights at home.
 
Janice, while I wouldn't use the word "limiting" because it's negative, I agree with you that nearly all of Cathe's strength workouts are endurance type. And if someone like you is going for maximum strength & size gains, they would not be the ideal workouts for you.

Personally, I prefer endurance workouts & the tempo changes that Cathe's using. Not only do I enjoy them, but they're compatible with my fitness goals. I need muscular endurance for my activities.

From some of the responses, it looks like some people misinterpreted your comments. Yes, you can work to exhaustion doing 50+ reps, but you're going to get different results than the classic 3 sets of 8-10 at maximum weight.

I've been baffled by the opinion that Cathe's newer workouts let you really "heavy up". Specifically the Pyramids. How do you go heavy if you're doing 52 consecutive reps?? Again I enjoy the Pyramids, but it seems like endurance work to me.

Janice, besides Slow & Heavy, the Pure Strength & MIS upper body work is also traditional. The leg work is higher rep, but not nearly as high as the newer workouts. Just wondered if you had the older workouts since they might meet your needs.

Debra
 
Debra...
Actually, yes, I do have MIS and PS. MIS is agreeably a killer, but PS (except for legs) always ends up making me feel like I did not get a good enough workout. Possibly I am being too conservative and not going heavy enough!!:)



The book I am reading is really making me think. Why am I spending so much time weight training and getting nowhere when one set-two sets super heavy would get me not only endurance gains but also add mass and strength. AND give me more time for the "fun" cardio I enjoy. Every week, if I want to work with S&H, I have to cut out cardio unless I want to add more total time to my routine and usually cannot. The book I am reading is suggesting no more than 20 total sets each workout, total body. So literally, you would have three different exercises for legs, 2 sets of maybe 6-10 reps for each (that is already 6 sets right there). Then you construct your own program with the rest of the body parts until you get to 20 sets, NO MORE. 2 exercises can have three sets, but the book advises that you not do that for the compound, many joint exercises, since it may contribute to overtraining.

I think I am going to try this and really find out what is the MINIMUM amount of time I can spend strength training for the maximum strength and mass gains that are within my preferences. Isn't this what we are all looking to do? It will be my own little "experiment".:) If I could keep the sessions under one hour, total body, three times per week or less, I could fit in 5 cardios in addition throughout the week. Or even three would be great. Plus, you get the metabolic surge of doing three TOTAL body workouts...which burns more calories, especially if you are focusing on multi joint movements such as squats, deadlifts, rows...
It is hard because I work out with people that don't have quite the same goals (they don't want to look like Chynna :), and I motivate them, so ditching our workouts will make me feel guilty. But I guess I gotta do what works for me.

I have a Nautilus weight set, with lat pulldown, leg extension, bench. But, it really isn't designed to be employed without a spotter either. Anyone know any other machines that I could work with spotter-less other than a Bowflex??? Hey, if it is cheaper than a trainer (likely it is), I may go for it.......

Janice
 
Katerchen...

You have peaked my interest in the Bowflex. Do you have personal experience with one? I am very anti machine, so I will have to be convinced this is a good product. My husband worked with one once, but he said it was a POS, but he is no expert either. I think Costco has one right now, maybe i will go try it out. If it can provide me with adequate resistance without the need of a spotter it sounds like it is right up my alley!!!

Janice
 
Janice, I agree with you. I know esp for lower body, home workouts can be 'limiting'. I think I can do better at the gym. But for me, getting a gym membership is not a consideration. I know with my personality and everything that's going on in my life, I will hardly use the weight equipments in the gym. An unused machine is no good to me even I have the best machines available to me. The best equipment is the equipment that you use.

Also, I am satisfied with the way my legs look. I don't mind not changing it a bit... although going at a higher weight might benefit me in other areas (not just vanity). Right now I am using the SAME weight for all my lower body (barbell). I have not changed the load of my barbell for a LONG time. I have thought about weight vest/belt, but haven't done anything with it either.

So I guess in the end the answer to your question is -- what is your goal... would you use the equipment to its fullest potential if you go the gym? I don't have a spotter either (I don't like working out with a partner... I feel like I'm stuck to a 'schedule'. I like to do it on my own.).
 
Maximize your training?

Hey Janice,

You question & reason behind your question has piqued my interest in the book you are reading. I just tried to find this on barnesandnoble.com & amazon.com but came up empty. Is the title wrong? Would you pass on the correct title & author? I'd like to take a look at it.

Thanks in advance.

Came back to add--I don't know if I feel limited but I have been wondering if there is something I'm missing. I LOVE Cathe's tapes & she has really taught me a lot about my form & lifting. I, too, wouldn't buy any other "instructors" tapes because I just don't see them as being as "real" as Cathe; for lack of a better way of putting it. However, I have NO interest whatever in her new tapes because they are so "innovative." I really like S&H & PS because they are more like the kind of workouts I would do at a gym. I would love for her to do more along those lines & quit this "let's try something new" stuff.

I do have access to a gym at work & could get in a good 45 minute workout during my lunch hour. I may just have to give it a try for a while & see how I feel.
 
Hi Janice,

I trained with a personal trainer several years ago and I know what you mean about the difference between videos and gym workout. I have never been pushed so hard in my entire exercise life. When you're done, you walk away shaking! And you're right - it is very expensive!

One of the best fitness products I purchased was a squat rack. Fortunately, we have a workout room and so I have a place to put it. I did the lower body Push/Pull premix (3 sets) and using the squat rack I was able to work myself to where my legs were shaking (and continued shaking during my shower!). We went to a fitness store and bought a good quality squat rack and set of weights for use with the rack - the barbell alone weighs 45 pounds. When I'm in the mood to go heavy - the squat rack really makes a difference.

Margie
 
RE: Maximize your training?

Hi naughoj,

I'm in the same predicament myself! I've started upper body at the gym; now I'm ready to go pick up the phone and spend some money for the trainer to "teach" me how to use the squat rack! I am now using two 35-lb dumbbells for squats, 30's for lunges, etc and my legs aren't getting more muscular. I'd love the convenience of continuing to do lower body at home too......ugh,dilemnas. Well bright side of it is it's such a long way from my wimpy beginning!
 
RE: Maximize your training?

Interesting.. I started with a gym in the early 90s but actually now feel in better shape that I was then...

I've been getting very good results with BB, IS (on my 4th week). I"m thinking of doing S&H next love the results. I guess it's all what you are looking for.

I love the fact if I"m running late I can work out at 11 pm or if I have time in the morning can work out at 6 am.. GREAT flexibility with tapes.
 
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