Will I ever get it or should I just do something else?

J

jocisne

New Member
Hi everyone,

After losing 110 pounds, I just started doing Cathe videos. However, I feel like I am retarded...I can't even get the basic step moves down. I started with the Low Impact Step DVD. Does this happen to everyone or am I just not coordinated enough to do step videos? It sure is frustrating sometimes. I like Cathe a lot...much better than Kathy Smith or some of the others that I have tried, so I would hate to give it up, but instead of enjoying my workout, I just get upset with myself for not being able to follow the steps.

My workout before starting Cathe consisted of high intensity treadmill training and weights, but the treadmill is so freakin' boring! lol

Thanks everyone for your input!

Joanne
 
Oh, goodness. I remember the first time I tried Cathe. It was Body Max (the original). I was literally in tears because I could NOT figure out what the heck she was doing. Just take your time, maybe break the workout down into pieces and learn each piece rather than trying to learn as you're doing it. It'll come. And the more Cathe workouts you do, the easier the choreography gets because you know the moves and what they're called, etc.

Good luck!
 
Joanne,

YES you will get it! Just give it time. They are not easy.
Learn few moves each day by rewinding the tape over and over
(oops thats how I did it now they have dvd's :)and with time you will get it. I could not get it in
the beginning and I know how frustrating it is but belive
me it is so rewarding and so fun once you do get it.
Don't give up and keep on trying.


Kathy
 
Hi Joanne,
I started with Basic Step. Instead of using the step itself (without risers), I used a towel on the floor in place of the step. That way, I didn't have to worry about falling or tripping while I learned the moves. I would just do a short segment, and the remote a lot until I got it. I remember when "knees around the world" were hard too. Not any more. You'll get it, just stick with it.

Way to go on the awesome weight loss!!!

Jeanette
 
Don't give up!You will get it. My first Cathe was MIC and I was so frustrated when I first started. But after the third time, I finally got the steps. Good luck!
Lorrie
 
Good Morning Joanne. I absolutly agree on the treadmill issue I have found treadmoves dvds and I now Love my treadmill. But only once a week. On the step issue. I did a little step aerobics with Denise Austin I then discovered Cathe in January I am choreo-challenged but I just keep moving. I have warm up or paractice days on my day off and I will put a segment in and just keep practicing. You might give it a try. Eventually you will get it I have a difficult time moving around the step and ending on the side I should be on I can not get distracted during my workout or I am everywhere in my living room except where I need to be.

Good Luck

beth6395
 
You will get it!!! I have no doubt.

My first was "CTX All Step." I was thinking, "Thirty minutes, how hard could it be?" GEEZ, what an idiot I was! (okay, I was just naive!) I had almost decided to give up on Cathe, and I don't even know why I didn't. Maybe it was this board or just picking it up and doing it over and over.

You will be so surprised and HAPPY when, one day, you put Low Impact in, and it, somehow, just clicks! That happened to me with that one.

You will get it!!!!!!
 
joanne- LOL You lost 110 pounds lady...I think you can DO ANYTHING YOU DECIDE TO DO! lololololol

I never stepped a day in my life.... HiLo Queen here because I am basiclly a klutz!. I just had a great time listening to the music getting a few new combos down every day and within 3 months owned Cathes library! I am a step fool now.... perfect? absolutely not but down a few pounds, great leg definition and loving the daily workouts. Laugh, have a good time, do the premixes first.... you'll be there in no time! :)
 
I always kind of think of it as I used to when I had trouble in school. I was always determined that I WOULD get it! I practiced and learned one combo or one step at a time (which, in and of itself is a great workout) until I could do the whole thing. Did you ever do cheerleading or dance where you HAD to learn the combos? I guess I just think of the old theater days when I had to practice practice practice until I finally got it. It's always a challenge to me and always such a feeling of accomplishment when I finally do get it. You didn't lose 110 pounds by giving up. Something tells me you really aren't going to give up. You just needed a pep talk. Now get busy and practice!!:D
 
Joanne,

Congratulations on your weight loss!!!:7 :7

I think most people had a some problem with Cathe's style of step in the beginning. None of us gave up. Once you get familiar with her style, you will want more of her workouts. Most of us have all of them. Cathe's workouts are an addiction!!!If you can, go back to Basic Step. Maybe this is the one that you should start with. It has more basic moves in it. Once you lean this one move back to Low Impact step. I think I read in the Beginner rotation that after you master these, move to Cardio and Weights. ;-)

Good Luck, and Don't Give up!!!! :)
 
Wow, what a major accomplishment you have made. Should you do something else? Of course not. Whenever I have a hard time getting the chorography and don't get it (which is often), I just tell myself that it is not only an exercise for for the body but for the brain, too. It is wonderful to workout to a form of exercise that is not mindless and mentally stimulating.

Cheryl
 
RE: Will I ever get it or should I just do something el...

>Oh, goodness. I remember the first time I tried Cathe. It
>was Body Max (the original). I was literally in tears because
>I could NOT figure out what the heck she was doing. Just take
>your time, maybe break the workout down into pieces and learn
>each piece rather than trying to learn as you're doing it.
>It'll come. And the more Cathe workouts you do, the easier
>the choreography gets because you know the moves and what
>they're called, etc.
>
>Good luck!

I could have written this post! Body Max was also my first Cathe-talk about frustrated! Up to that I had only been working out with The Firm. But.....I took my time, watched it over and over and over again, and finally got it. Once you get Cathe's basic movements down, it becomes much easier with additional workouts!

Two of my co-workers are currently tackling Low Max. They come to work and talk about moves that are difficult. But they're sticking with it and it is getting easier.

Trust me, I'm a big, tall, clumsy nerd, so if I can get it, anyone can!! Hang in there!!
 
<Instead of using the step itself (without risers), I used a towel on the floor in place of the step. That way, I didn't have to worry about falling or tripping while I learned the moves. I would just do a short segment, and the remote a lot until I got it.>

That's a great idea! I can SO relate to your problem because I have such a hard time learning the step routines. Somedays when I read the forum it sounds like everyone but ME can "step". I have a few workouts that have sat on my shelf far too long because I have put off taking the time to learn them. I tend to keep reaching for the familiar ones because the new ones seem difficult and time consuming to learn. I will have to try the towel idea!
 
RE: Will I ever get it or should I just do something el...

Thank you everyone for your kind words, suggestions and encouragement. It is greatly appreciated. I have lurked for a while and I love this forum because everyone is so supportive of each other.

I am not going to give up!!! But perhaps I need to start with Basic Step first. I'm going to Cathe's store right now and purchasing it. I think starting with the basic one will build my confidence so that I don't feel like such an idiot!! lol

Again...thanks everyone!! :)
 
RE: Will I ever get it or should I just do something el...

Hi Joanne,

Congratulations on losing 110 pounds. You didn't say how long you've been doing Basic Step but, I started doing it about two months ago. It was frustrating for me too at first and I spent quite a bit of time doing knees corner to corner or marching in place because I just could not figure out what she was doing. I know the workout now but it got a little easier after I relaxed and modified the workout to suit my current abilities. There are still some steps that I won't attempt like straddling the step or knees around the world. I lose all sense of direction so I do the same moves I just make sure I am always facing the TV. Cathe's knees around the world is my knees corner to corner. I will work up to doing them eventually but right now this is what I am comfortable doing. I didn't do the sashays(sp?)around the step when I first started the workout either because I would always end up on the wrong side but I can do them now. I also don't get too hung up on being on the same side as Cathe. If she starts off on the right and I am on the left, there are enough reps where each side will get worked equally. I also found that concentrating on Cathe's feet on the moves that I was having difficulty with helped too. Oh, and someone posted this http://www.turnstep.com/Moves/index.html. It is a great tool that shows the moves step by step. Good Luck. I know you can do it.

Tracey
"Where there's a will, there's a way."
 
Joanne,

My first time with Cathe was humorous. I was all over the place, tripping falling. I figured out that if you watch the sequence as Cathe says the night before, then you can remember some of the moves. Then use one riser (or perhaps just the step) and try to follow along that way. She is unique and before you know it, you will be moving along with her. It takes a little time, and once you pick it up, stepping with Cathe is so much fun. Better than anyone out there.:D

You are an inspiring person to lose 110 pounds. WOW!:eek: If you can do that nothing will get in your way. You have determination enough to learn anything you want. Congratulations! I'm so impressed.

Janie

The idea is to die young as late as possible.

www.picturetrail.com/janiejoey
 
RE: Will I ever get it or should I just do something el...

Hi Joanne! Welcome! Nice to "see" you! I also agree that starting with "Basic Step" will def help you. Like everyone has said, just practice, practice, practice and use your remote. It will eventually happen! I am very choreo-challenged but keep at it til it comes & then, it feels sooo good. Glad to have you join in on the fun here. We just KNOW before long, you will be purchasing all of the Cathe's available. ENJOY! And CONGRATS on your weightloss. Woo-Hoooo!http://www.mainzelahr.de/smile/sport/0864.gif[/img]


http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid8692709
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie") http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/aktion/action-smiley-066.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
RE: Will I ever get it or should I just do something el...

One last tip..... I started w/ SJP/SB (crazy!) but becauise I loved the music so much I did a full month of premixes where segments are much more doable.... After a month I tackled each one as produced...IT was surprisingly easy! (choreography that is;) )
Maybe find 1 DVD that you adore the music on and just work it to death... Cathes moves are fairly similar w/ to w/o.... but you get to know her cuing which I have found is really key.
Glad you'll be hanging in there!
 
RE: Will I ever get it or should I just do something el...

I just have to say congratulations...wow!!! You will get it! Welcome to the world of Cathe!
Angela:7
 
RE: Will I ever get it or should I just do something el...

I am another that is very challenged in this area. I am also new to Cathe so I was very unfamiliar with her steps when I got all the new workouts. What I do when there are some moves that I don't get is to put it on slow motion so I can see where she lands each foot. Once I do that then I can usually pick right up on it.
Congrats on your weight loss and good luck with Cathe. I think that once you understand her moves you will be addicted.
 
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