What was I thinking?

D

dallas68

Cathlete
Hi Everyone! Well I took your advice from a few weeks ago, and ordered PH/MIS/DVD. I was the one who loved cardio but knew I needed to get into weight workouts. I recieved my order today (yahoo), and I just spent about two hours previewing the workouts. I'M SCARED!!! Are you people out of your minds?? My muscles will be sore tommorrow from just watching!! Seriously, you guys actually complete these workouts? I'm feeling very intimidated right now, and in need of some motivating words before I attempt this. My first Cathe order was cardio hits about two months ago. Upon previewing that I thought, ohhh tough workout, Let me at it!! And I was right. Kicks my butt, but LOVE IT! This is a whole different feeling, I'm way out of my league here. If anyone out there has had similar feelings upon viewing a new (strength) workout, but went on to master it, I would love to hear how. I really really need to get into weight training! Thanks, Carolyn

"Pain is the sensation of weakness leaving your body"
 
Carolyn- Don't be scared!! I felt the same way on some of them as I watched but once you get in it- you'll see that you'll surprize yourself. There are still times when I am doing a workout (in fact just yesterday)when I get half way through and get to a tough spot and stop for a sec look at the tv , make a crinkly face and say "Cathe- girl what are you trying to do to me?" then I grab a small sip of water and get back in the game..(I also later thank her for being so rough- even though she can't hear me...sometimes I'm sure my neighbors can hear the frustration..hehehehe I live in an apartment complex...)you'll find that the more you do that tough workout the less times you'll stop and the easier it becomes. take it step by step- do as much as you can do then get back in asap. it's fun and neat to then look back and say- "I remember when I couldn't complete that workout- now I can and need MORE WEIGHT!" YOU'LL SEE....YOU'LL SEE.

I still have many more Cathy workouts to see and complete but I'm on my way- and can't wait till the next day when I see her on Fit Tv for something new!!!:7
 
Well Carolyn, it may seem at times as if we are out of our minds, but only because Cathe is the best and we will try any workout she makes!!! And yes, those of us who do Cathe's strength training really do complete the workouts ... somtimes ... :) Please remember that Cathe and her crew have been doing this a LONG time, and I'm sure like each of us, it took them time to build up to the weights you see them using. If you've never before used weights, try doing one of the workouts without weights first to get comfortable with the different exercises. Give yourself time!! None of us got where we each are overnight. It's not a contest, and the only one "judging" you is YOU. Of course you can do this!! My first Cathe strength training tape was MIS. I had only done the Firm for strength training up until then, and Cathe felt intimidating to me too at first, but soon I realized my fears were groundless. You will love her teaching style and the way she makes you feel as if you can do anything!! Of course you can do this!! Just start slowly and work your way up according to your own comfort and strength levels. Don't judge your progress according to anyone else's. We are each unique in our strength training abilities, and we each progress at different paces. If you really are ready to do this, you will! Just start!! Keep us posted, okay?

Carol
:)
 
I agree with everyone else. I am just about a month back into a regular workout routine after basically an 18-month hiatus (had a baby and it took that long to get back to a regular routine!). Anyway, if you start with really light weights, or no weights at all, you'll do fine. You can also just fewer sets than she does to start out. I definitely modify as I'm getting back in shape, and DVDs are great for this. You can do it - good luck!
 
Let me be a voice of reason here...

Cathe is great--however, you sound as though you haven't lifted weights seriously (or ever?) before. Am I misinterpreting your thread? If you have not lifted weights, you need to go VERY VERY light when starting out with these workouts. You may even want to try these workouts without using weights to start with.

You may also want to consider not doing every rep. The leg work in Power Hour will fry your legs if you aren't careful. Stretch often.

Cathe will kick you butt like no one ever has. Good luck!
 
Dallas,

I haven't worked out in a month, and yesterday, I was totally intimidated before doing PH. Like everyone said, start out light, and definitely pause whenever you need a break. If you don't finish the first time, no big deal. Cathe's workouts are advanced, so just about everyone takes a little time to adjust!

Gina
 
Hi Carolyn!

In addition to the recommendations to start light, I would add that MIS is an easier workout to start out with since it is the traditional 3 sets with 8-16 reps while Power Hour requires a LOT more concentration for what seems like endless reps (and the dreaded low ends!)

Also,you can easily split up the workouts into UB and LB and complete your whole body over 2-3 days instead of all at once. My first Cathe weight tape was MIS and I started out with a 12# bodybar and 5# dumbbells and it took awhile before I could do the whole tape at once-weight training really wears you out!!

Good Luck and good for you for starting weight training! Don't worry, you will get over your intimidation quickly. Soon you will love the challenge, how strong and powerful it makes you feel, and how it reshapes your body.
 
Ok, That was what i needed, encouragment and some good advice. I'm gonna start with MIS, maybe no weights the first time... and I will look at this as a challenge instead of something to dread. How good will I feel the day I do the whole tape with weights?? I think I just panicked last night. At certain points in those workouts Cathes' legs were shaking! And my legs don't look like Cathes!! LOL, I have tommorrow off, so good day to start something new. I'll keep everyone updated (that alone will make me give a good effort) Thanks everyone for being there, I appreciate it! Carolyn
 
Yes, but also remember Cathe is filming her workouts under hot studio lights, with hours of rehearsals behind her before the actual filming. I worked out with the Firm for years off and on before I ever found Cathe, and to me the idea of picking up anything heavier than my 20# Firm barbell was absurd!! LOL!! I started doing Cathe at the end of July, 2003 and I was amazed how quickly I progressed in strength. There are still days I can't get through a workout - we all have days like that - and sometimes you just aren't up to snuff and need to go a bit lighter or take a break. But hang in there and soon you'll find yourself posting asking where to find dumbells and a barbell - LOL!! I think it's a great idea to start with no weight at first. That way you can concentrate on your form and learn to do the exercises correctly. Add the weight slowly. There are plenty of "rules" as to how often to increase the weight. I'm sure the folks on here can share their knowledge with you in that regard. I tried to up my weight by about five pounds every month for lower body work, and one or two pounds per month for upper body work, just as a rough estimate. But again, it depends on so many things. Don't get discouraged if you find you aren't "progressing" according to some set "rule". Just listen to your body and progress at your own pace, and you'll enjoy it more and get the results you want. Best of luck to you, and keep us posted!!

Carol
:)
 
Hi Carol, Your right about form. Seems like in the past whenever I have done any kind of weighted workout I always "feel" it in the wrong spots. For example, last time I did military presses I had to stop because my neck was sore?? So I am going to go slow and really work on my form this time. And I laughed when you mentioned pretty soon I'm going to want to purchase new equipment. My barbell and dumbbells are ANCIENT, and I have already been checking out the Troy lite set, haha I did have a little talk with myself, reminded myself that it would probably be wiser to wait and see if I stick with this stuff. I think It's this web site. I read about new stuff and just automatically want it. I have a perfectly good large size rebock (sp?) step, but after seeing pictures of the original club step now I have to have one!! Even so, I am SO glad I found Cathe and this web site. I tell you, I was so bored with my old workouts. Same old same old. I got the cardio hits dvd, and I am addicted. Step works and Powermax!! WOO HOOO. I got rhythmic step with the MISdvd, and just viewed that a little while ago. Don't hold me to this because I haven't actually done it yet, but it looks funner then powermax..... Take care Carolyn
 
Carolyn, (Always thought that was such a pretty name! :)) I see you have gotten great advice. I agree with everyone. Just take it slow and easy and TRUST me, you WILL want that Troy Lite because once you start Cathe, you will never want to give her up. Also, try to pick up the Original Step. It will give your workouts a whole new feel. I just wanted to say welcome to the group and let us know how you do with MIS, if you have any more questions and of course, advice on how we can help you spend your dollars! WELCOME!!!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Carolyn you sound like you're well on your way!!! I just did Step Works today and although I don't do that one as often as some others, it's always fun!! You will LOVE Rhythmic Step!! It's a lot more challenging than Step Works and Powermax, but once you learn the moves it's really different and fun!!

I used to feel pain in my neck doing military presses too until I figured out I was simply trying to lift too much weight, and I was doing them too quickly. Cathe is an EXCELLENT teacher for using correct form.

Carol
:)
 
DebbieH, thank you for the compliment and the welcome! This message board is awesome! I swear I keep signing online just to come and see if there are any new posts, my DH(haven't figured out if that stands for darling husband, or darn husband yet, LOL)keeps getting a busy signal and just asked me today whats so interesting online!! Carol, I bet I was trying to lift too much, and I was using a Cory Everson superset tape which I found very speedy. I'm glad to hear Cathe go's slower. I have tommorrow off and If for no other reason then to be able to post here tom. I'm doing MIS. Carol, Rhythmic step did look challenging, but in a very good way. Those moves look like a blast. And I'm opposite of you, I love step works (accept for those long way lungs at the end)But you must take into consideration my Cathe step tape knowledge is limited (i've only done three of them)Hmmm, this is getting very long better go before Debbie takes back that welcome. I don't find very many people outside of this forum who share my love of working out. Have a great night! Carolyn

"Pain is the sensation of weakness leaving your body"
 
Hi Carolyn,

I wanted to throw out another suggestion - if you want to add another workout to your collection, try the Wedding Video. This was my first Cathe, as well as my first foray into weight work. It is much less intimidating than the weight workouts you have. The other thing I like is that this is two workouts on the same tape - a step workout and a weights workout. Cathe uses 5 lb. weights! This workout is geared toward those new to her style and new to weights in general. (I also like that she was just recently married when this was made and she shows some clips from her own wedding.) I got this when I was about to get married and it was so nice working out to it while I prepared for my wedding - it was like having a nice group of friends who were going through the same things I was, but Cathe always comes across like that!
I now own all of her workouts and use them regularly in my rotations, (another thing I never used - Rotations! I feel like such a grown up! LOL.) I just wanted to throw that out there for your consideration. As you will see, we are nothing if not willing to help spend your money as well as support you on these forums!

Good Luck,
Tricia
 
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