What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

C

CathyV

Active Member
I couldn't pass up Cathe's fantastic April sale. Within the next day or two I should be receiving STS!!! I'm not sure why I waited so long to get the STS series. When it arrives, I think I will own practically every single workout that Cathe produced since 1997!:D

I definitely have to read through more of these threads to better understand STS (especially, what do I do when I complete the whole shebang). I thought I had been working fairly hard up until now but I'm ready for a new challenge. Anyone else starting STS this month too?:eek:
 
Mini-Natty, you're going to LOVE STS. I finally (FINALLY) purchased it in January during the big sale and hands down, it's the best purchase I've ever made. The whole system is so easy to follow and you also get the STS guide book, which makes everything so simple to plan out ahead of the disc. I was really uninterested in lifting heavy, so MESO 3 kind of scared me, but now that I'm onto week 2 of Meso 3, I'm a true convert. I've lost 11 pounds and can tell I've made fitness gains. I think I may just do the STS 6 month plan. You won't be sorry!
 
Hi Natasha,

I'm going to start in May also!

Right now, the DVDs I reach for most often are Low Max, Tri-Sets, Muscle Max, Push-Pull, Supersets, After Burn, Athletic Training, Lower Body Blast and Kick, Punch and Crunch (I LOOOVE KPC!!!).

I'm trying to learn what everyone does after they finish the entire STS program. Do they go back to old favorites for a while, then start STS all over again? This is all so exciting...it's like when I had just discovered step aerobics in the 90s and I couldn't wait to get a new tape, like "Step Heat" or "Power Max"! Only the STS workouts seem much harder and I'm older now (49 in July!), yikes!

Good luck!!
 
Whoops, I should have addressed my last post to Cathy V. I just rec'd my order for Cathe's weighted gloves and Intensity. These sales are KILLING me! ;)
 
CathyV said:
Hi Natasha,

I'm going to start in May also!

Right now, the DVDs I reach for most often are Low Max, Tri-Sets, Muscle Max, Push-Pull, Supersets, After Burn, Athletic Training, Lower Body Blast and Kick, Punch and Crunch (I LOOOVE KPC!!!).

I'm trying to learn what everyone does after they finish the entire STS program. Do they go back to old favorites for a while, then start STS all over again? This is all so exciting...it's like when I had just discovered step aerobics in the 90s and I couldn't wait to get a new tape, like "Step Heat" or "Power Max"! Only the STS workouts seem much harder and I'm older now (49 in July!), yikes!

Good luck!!
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I'm very excited myself! Congrats too on starting at such a wonderful age! I admire people such as yourself who don't shy away from weight training.

If you are interested, we can start a check-in to help each other along. This will be my first time and it would be nice to talk to others who are also "newbie's" to STS.

:)
 
CathyV said:
I'm trying to learn what everyone does after they finish the entire STS program. Do they go back to old favorites for a while, then start STS all over again?

Good luck!!
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Pretty much! I go back to kettlebells, kickboxing and my favorite weight lifting workouts, mostly full body. I'll do them all several times, and then I'm back for another round of STS. I am hoping someday Cathe will do STS #2, that would be amazing.
 
Cathy,
I'm going to start The STS "Kikster" Pyramid Rotation in 2 weeks :eek:! I have one week left of the 3 Month Transformation Rotation (my first rotation I've ever followed) and really had a nice introduction to STS and the Workout Manager because of it! I LOVE having a rotation to follow and find that I've been getting MUCH better results with one. If I can control my eating and not let my appetite rule me, I know I'll have some beautiful muscle definition by this autumn ;)! By the way, I'm doing STS in honor of my 50th birthday back in March! WAHOOO!!!
 
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Nancy - Congratulations on your 50th! (I'm a 1962 baby, too). I just finished the 3 month Transformation Rotation and really enjoyed it. It was nice to do a different variation/sequence of STS. I did substitute a few cardios for running and older workouts (I started missing HiiT and kickbox).

To everyone doing STS for the first time, be ready for good (fun) challenge!

Michelle
 
Natasha, since we'll be starting at the same time, I'd love to have a check-in with you for the extra motivation!! My STS arrived this morning. Surprisingly, the DVDs don't take up a lot of space at all! They're very nicely packaged.

Up until now, I've been doing all of my strength training with 5, 8 and 10 pound dumbells and one adjustable pair of dumbells. I've put off getting a barbell since I manged OK up until now, but I want to get one for STS. I've heard some good things about the Troy brand and I found one on sale on some home fitness website, but it only goes up to a total weight of 65 pounds. That seems light for a barbell, no? I don't want to buy this one and then discover that I need a heavier one!

Do you already have a barbell? How heavy is yours?

PS Belated Happy Birthday Nancy!
 
Cathy,

I just recently bought a barbell (like you I was putting it off :eek:). Mine is not a Troy Lite though, it can hold in the 100's. I find that 65lbs may not be enough, especially for chest presses and back rows, where you may tend to go heavier in Meso 3.
I also have 3, 5, 8, 10, 12lbs dumbbells and an adjustable dumbbell set w/plates. I may invest in weighted gloves for small 2-4lbs increments so I don't have to buy any more dumbbell's. Do you have a Turbo Tower? What a great piece of equipment! I had no where to put my barbell on for chest presses, so it's a necessity for safety. You can use it for pull-ups and chin-ups and barre work :).
BTW, did you get a chance to preview the DVD's? Cathe is not playin' around!! :eek:

Natasha
 
Shall we start a new thread for May?

Hi ladies, I'm looking forward to beginning STS next month!

I've been using the STS Total Body DVD to get a taste of what's to come with the STS series. This week-end I'm getting my barbell set (I had trouble ordering it online so I'm picking one up from Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority this week-end...it's on the to-do list).

Also, I don't have a turbo tower and they seem to be hard to find so I'm thinking of getting an inexpensive weight bench for bench pressing and then I'll just go to the park to work on chin ups.

So...who's still on for starting STS in May? Shall we start a new thread to get others on board? I'm feeling pretty psyched!
 
CathyV said:
Hi ladies, I'm looking forward to beginning STS next month!

I've been using the STS Total Body DVD to get a taste of what's to come with the STS series. This week-end I'm getting my barbell set (I had trouble ordering it online so I'm picking one up from Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority this week-end...it's on the to-do list).

Also, I don't have a turbo tower and they seem to be hard to find so I'm thinking of getting an inexpensive weight bench for bench pressing and then I'll just go to the park to work on chin ups.

So...who's still on for starting STS in May? Shall we start a new thread to get others on board? I'm feeling pretty psyched!
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Hi Cathy!

There is another lady named Gina (trotchase) starting STS for the first time this May. I suggested she contact you and you both start a check-in together. I don't mind participating, however I'm already part of 2, and it's been very difficult to keep up lately :(. I will try to check-in, but it might not be daily. It's great to have support on these forums, especially with such an intense program.

Hope to talk to you soon :)

Natasha
 
Hi Natasha,

I started on Monday, April 30th! I'm going to try to stick with a MWF routine for STS. I did disc# 3 this morning and I loved it (those forward lunges with the disc are super tough!). It's great that Gina is starting in May also. She should definitely contact me or we can start a new May thread for STS. The more the merrier, as they say. Like you, I may not be able to check in daily, but it's nice to know others are also working towards the same goal!

PS If all goes according to schedule, I'll be finishing STS right around my 49th birthday so even though I won't be able to attend the Glassboro Road Trip in July, I'll still have a great present to give to myself!
 
Hi Cathy,

How much are you lovin' STS?! I'm totally in love......and it's only my 2nd week. I love the DOMS I'm getting too, especially in the biceps and triceps where I usually don't feel much. I just finished disc 4 today and enjoyed every minute. My arms are still trembling as I'm writing this :eek:. Good stuff!!

What a wonderful birthday present too. Increased muscle mass, a positive spirit and a healthy lifestyle is the best gift we can give ourselves :).

Take care,

Natasha
 
CathyV said:
Hi Natasha,

I started on Monday, April 30th! I'm going to try to stick with a MWF routine for STS. I did disc# 3 this morning and I loved it (those forward lunges with the disc are super tough!). It's great that Gina is starting in May also. She should definitely contact me or we can start a new May thread for STS. The more the merrier, as they say. Like you, I may not be able to check in daily, but it's nice to know others are also working towards the same goal!

PS If all goes according to schedule, I'll be finishing STS right around my 49th birthday so even though I won't be able to attend the Glassboro Road Trip in July, I'll still have a great present to give to myself!
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Hi Cathy!

I started STS on Tuesday, April 24th so it looks like I am just one week ahead of you. I finished disc 8 last night. The first week was really hard for me. I realized that I have never lifted heavy or hard enough to push myself to fatigue like I should have been. So, now that I am, I am hoping to gain some much needed muscle mass!

Now that I am in the third week I seem to be adjusting and enjoying the series more. I am eager to do the next disc! I will be 41 in June and have decided to focus more on weight lifting. I am known to do crazy amounts of cardio and I just can't keep up that pace so I need to build muscle!

I need to lose at least 20# to be where I'd be happy, but I've dieted for so many years and really restricted calories a month ago that I need to rejuvenate. So, I am going to work STS, but not my diet so much. I need a break to mentally recover so to speak. But I am hoping that as I continue STS I will want to eat healthier and healthier, which I know I will.

I would love to check in with you and Natasha to see how our progress is going. I swear I am starting to see upper body definition especially in the shoulders! My triceps are the most improved so far as I believe they were the weakest area for me. The pushups I think are getting better (on my knees), but I went deeper this week and didn't complain as much! I can do about 8 or so on my toes, have to go to my knees then and in some instances where Cathe goes rep crazy I have to even do the table top ones!

How is it going with you? See any improvements thus far? Do you have a favorite of the three w/os for the week that you look forward to doing? What are you hoping to gain from STS? For some reason, I could talk all day and ask lots of questions!

Nice to meet you and I wish you much success on your STS journey!

Gina

My STS tracker isn't working for some reason. I saved all my STS workouts on my calendar through Disc 8, but it's not updating! I'll have to look into it.
 
Hi Gina & Cathy!

I started STS April 30th and now wrapping up W2 with one last disc (D5 Back & Tri's) schedule for Sat. I did D6 (legs) yesterday and let's just say the DOMS is so bad I can't sit on the toilet! Good stuff!

I am completely in love with the program so far. I have always loved weight training, but it was not until I found Cathe that I have come to appreciate it even more. I am petite, coming in at 5'1, and pear-shaped. I'm at an ideal weight and my goal is to tone up and increase my lean muscle mass. So far I have done 4 Cathe rotations (this one being my 5th) and I have seen DRASTIC improvements in my body composition and lean muscle mass. My clothes fit better, my thighs and butt are firming up, and I'm starting to notice more UB definition. I am in better shape now at 33yrs old with one child, then I was at 20yrs old. I owe it all to Cathe! She is THE BEST trainer a home exerciser could ask for.

Gina
I could also talk on and on about STS :D.
Triceps are also my weakest muscle along w/biceps. Shoulder's and chest being my strongest. Great jobs on the push-ups too! Cathe has somehow made those dreaded things bearable. I'm actually kinda liking them in a sick twisted way ;). Don't worry about doing them on your knee's or table top. The #'s on your toes will increase.

I think as women age, we tend to neglect weight training. Each decade we lose a % of muscle mass (is it 5%?) and so it's critical we make strength training a priority along with cardio. I'm not afraid to lift heavy. I have found my body has responded better when I challenge myself with a heavier weight. I think pear shaped gals are afraid squats & lunges w/heavy weights will make the thighs/butt bulkier, but I'm proof this is simply not true. I'm hoping to squat 50lbs soon, and my thighs have never looked this slender :).


It was great talking to you both! I wish you ladies continued success and support with this program. Hope to talk to you soon :)

Natasha
 
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mini-natty said:
Hi Gina & Cathy!

I am completely in love with the program so far. I have always loved weight training, but it was not until I found Cathe that I have come to appreciate it even more. I am petite, coming in at 5'1, and pear-shaped. I'm at an ideal weight and my goal is to tone up and increase my lean muscle mass. So far I have done 4 Cathe rotations (this one being my 5th) and I have seen DRASTIC improvements in my body composition and lean muscle mass. My clothes fit better, my thighs and butt are firming up, and I'm starting to notice more UB definition. I am in better shape now at 33yrs old with one child, then I was at 20yrs old. I owe it all to Cathe! She is THE BEST trainer a home exerciser could ask for.

I think pear shaped gals are afraid squats & lunges w/heavy weights will make the thighs/butt bulkier, but I'm proof this is simply not true. I'm hoping to squat 50lbs soon, and my thighs have never looked this slender :).



Natasha
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Hi Natasha!

I am pear shaped as well. I am so happy to hear that lifting heavy has worked for you b/c I have to admit I questioned if I was going to lift heavy esp in Meso 3. But I definitely need help in the lower body! From the waist up I look to be normal weight, but the lower half is what makes me overweight! I've had the feeling heavier weights would work for me and you give me hope that they will!

My problem is consistency. Kuddos to you for completing 4 rotations so far :) I started with Cathe back in 2005, but have never followed a rotation. I would hit it hard excercising and dieting, but then fall back into old habits. I honestly think I was overtraining in many instances which led me to quit/cut back on excercising. Things are a little crazy for me right now, but I am so determined to complete this rotation that I have not let anything get in the way of doing my STS w/o! I do have to say, that I also am in better shape now than I ever was before Cathe!!

I realized that I need to find a healthy balance between weights, cardio and eating. I can't work out 2-3 hours a day any more! That's how I would lose the weight, but obviously I cannot sustain that much activity and then I gain weight back. So, as I get older and wiser, that is my new focus. I would love to be one of those that can just do weights 3x/week and cardio 3x/wk with a sensible diet. I realize it may take me longer to reshape my body that way instead of my quicker but crazier routines, but it will be healthier for me and maintainable in the long run! Curious, how many days do you do cardio? When researching pear related advice, it seems that cardio is recom. 5-6 days for us to help slim down.

Here I go again, chatting away! I gotta get going. Keep up the good work!! I will definitely check back in with you and Cathy.

Gina
 
Hi Gina and Natasha! It looks like we're on track to finish pretty much around the same time! I started April 30th and this morning I finished Disc#6, legs.

Gina, when I figure out how to update my profile, you'll see that I have almost all of Cathe's workouts (I almost called them "tapes"...I started dong them in 1997!).

One thing I have to say is that when I was doing Cathe's workouts exclusively and focusing more on weight training, I became "smaller" as I became stronger. I didn't really have to lose weight but as an exerciser, I tried to eat right to fuel my body and that did the trick. Consistency is a big factor too. When I added running to my routine and focused on that more than strength training, I sacrificed my strength gains and I definitely gained more body fat, since I was too tired to do much weight lifting after all that running!! Some of that fat could've been perimenopausal related belly fat (I didn't start having it till I was about 45ish and I didn't like it!!). I'm 5'5" and close to130# now. I'm a size 4 or 6. I'm not trying to lose weight at this point in my life. I just want to feel fit and be able to navigate middle-agedom with a positive, "can-do" attitude.

I'm really excited about STS. I don't know if I have a favorite yet...but I really enjoy when she adds those bonus burns to the upper body workouts! So far, I've been able to alternate strength days with running (although last week I ran on Sunday morning instead of my usual Saturday because I didn't want to push my legs too much after Disc#3 on Friday). The one body part per week concept seems to be agreeing with me! I'm registered to run in an all ladies 10K in NYC on June 9th. It's the NYRR 10K Mini and it's a lot of fun. After that, I'll go back to some of my Cathe faves like Kick, Punch and Crunch.

See Gina? I too can go on and on about STS and Cathe's workouts!

Have fun and let's keep checking in with each other!

PS I have a pear shape too so I can say that based on personal experience, weight training (squats, lunges, dead lifts) and step-ups on the high step is a guaranteed way to change your body shape and blast off saddle bags! I'm a mom of three so I know a thing or two about post-pregnancy weight gain in all the wrong places!:eek:
 
Oh my!

Oh my gosh girls!! I started week 4 and did Disc 10 for ch,sh,bi. Let me tell you, the 5% increase is noticeable!! I swear I fried my muscles on every move! Feels good to lift stronger. I need to tell myself sometimes, that "yes, I can lift this!" My goal is to hit it the hardest yet since recovery week is next for me.

My chest has improved and pushups now were all intermediate no more table tops; although, I don't think there were as many pushups in this disc. Still a lot though mind you!

I think I finally pushed my biceps where they need to be. I think my earlier weeks the weights were too low so today on some moves I fatigued before I could finish all the reps. That's a good sign! I swear looking at my arms this morning that my biceps are more prominent. Lovin the changes, albeit slight, to my body and I'm excited to see more!

All of this hard work and I am finally reeling in my eating habits. Healthier options with moderate calories, like I said I was restricting too low before. I need the energy to do STS!

In the past when I lost weight, mainly with diet and cardio, d/t my pear shape I would look anorexic on top when I finally got my lower half looking decent. So, I am hoping that lifting more often and heavier will help balance that out building up my upper body so I can get down to where my lower half at least looks reasonable ;)

Let me know how you ladies are coming along. Any move you absolutely love? Incline hammer curls with the band is my new favorite! Any move you hate? Well, sometimes there are a few moves that I have a love/hate relationship with! Like the lateral raise high ends has a dread factor for me cuz they are sooo hard!

Keep lifting strong! You two are keeping me motivated and accountable to do my workouts and to do them hard. Thank you Natasha and Cathy. Just knowing that you are out there working STS for the first time too just like me helps!!

Gina
 
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