Your advice on S&H?

[KayM]

I found a copy of the Slow and Heavy series on a swap board, and decided to buy it! I don't care if I'm ready for it, I just want to see what it's like!!!

So I thought maybe you experienced people could give me your advice on how to use these videos. I'm still at a beginner level and most interested in gaining some basic strength. I've heard the portions that work your core are just killer!!

Do you have any advice on how to incorporate this into my routine? I was thinking I could do each video on a separate day, with a day in between (because I'm such a wimp), and then skip a week, then do it 3 days the next week, then skip a week, etc.

Does anyone know how Cathe recommends for these videos to be used? Since I'm at a beginner level will I just absolutely die from using these?

I am eagerly looking forward to any and all recommendations and advice!!!!

Thanks in advance, fellow Cathe-ers!

 

[kathryn]

Kay,
First off, have you done any strength training before? If not, you might want to get a base of strength and technique before going straight into Slow and Heavy. If you already have this, then I'd say go for it...but start with light weights until your body gets used to the specific technique. Your plan of leaving a day off in between is the way to go. Since this type of workout is more intense than some others, your body needs a rest and time to recover overall, not just arms, chest, or whatever you work out on a certain day.
Good luck and enjoy!

 

[sharonm]

I agree with Kathryn. If you're just starting out, start light or as heavy as it feels comfortable to you. S/H is definitely one that you can grow with. I think Cathe recommends doing a 3wk. rotation then you can take a break. You can do a tape a day with one day of rest in between. There's so many ways to work with S/H. I've done an abbbreviated version of just doing 2 sets vs. Cathe's 3 sets. Just pace yourself, work with a weight that's right for you and if you're not sure, experiment a little. You can start the first sets light and if that really seems too light, you can add more weight. Cathe is really great with form pointers and modifications. You'll love S/H. It's my favorite strength series.


Sharon

 

[Jilliana22]

I agree also with the ladies' advice, but wanted to say that since you're looking to split up the S & H series and use it every other week you could probably stick with that rotation a lot longer than the recommended time frame of 3 weeks. One, because you're a beginner and won't be using nearly as heavy a weight as Cathe and putting a day of rest in between each tape your body will be getting more than enough rest to help build up your muscles and overall strength. Of course, so as not to lose what gains you've made during the week that you do S & H the following week that you take off you should try to get in at least 2 or 3 total body endurance workouts (i.e. Power Hour, Circuit Max, Body Max, etc.) Hope this helps and gives you a few more ideas for a rotation that you like.

-Jilliana

 

[Connie1]

Dear Kay,
I agree with the other post-ers and want to tell you that at the beginning of each part of the series, Cathe gives a short talk full of information about the series.

This series is unique in the video world today in that it's slower thanm any other video I believe to exist. The form pointers are excellent and it is a great way to start weight training.

You will see that other styles of weight training are critical to include, for development and interest. You will be able to use everything you learn from this series on other tapes. Every Cathe tape will teach you something new.

S&H is my favorite series.
-Connie

 

[KayM]

Thanks everybody for your advice and encouragement! I started doing weight training about 2 months ago. I'm still pretty wimpy. I've been using the FIRM's tapes like Maximum Body Shaping, Tough Tape 2, etc. While I appreciate the FIRM because they keep it interesting, I sometimes feel the workouts are not balanced and I'm not sure that every muscle is being worked, and being worked the same amount. I really hope that Cathe's tapes will give me that, it seems that way from the descriptions I've read.

I'm not new to Cathe, just new to her strength training.

I may try the 3 week rotation? Depends on how much I wimp out. I thought since this is supposed to be a pretty intense series I might benefit from taking more breaks than intended (hence one week on, one week off). Then I could do a couple of FIRM tapes for strength the next week.

I got a huge set of weights recently, so now that I have such a large variety I will finally be able to work up to a heavier weight when I'm ready. I've still got my 3 and 5 pounders ready though!

Again, thanks for your support and encouragement. I figured everyone would try to talk me out of doing this since I'm not at an advanced level (or even intermediate for that matter). I LOVE the idea of working different muscles on different days.

 

[sharonm]

One of the great thing I love about Cathe's workouts is you don't have to be advanced as far as how much you lift. If you've been using weights for 2 months, you should do fine with Cathe. There's not one thing wrong with using 3 and 5 pounds if that's what's right for you. Cathe even says that in many of her workouts, she'll tell you what she's using then she'll say, grab what's right for you. This is a great way to track your progress too. When those weights you're using seem way too light, you'll know you've made those gains and you can go heavier. The first time you do S/H, it may be trial and error, seeing what's the best weight for you. Have fun with it.

Sharon

 

[kweller]

Hi! Just two things to add:

You might find that you don't actually go 'heavier' on S+H, because the movement is done so slowly, and the momentum is not there as it is even when you're doing regular 'slower' a 2-up 2-down count. I know you probably already know this, but I'm just here to tell ya, it's true!

You can start S+H easier by only doing one or two sets of each exercise instead of the three that Cathe and Crew do (for most of the exercises). That way you can make it work for you as you learn the workout and grow with it.

HTH
Kathy

 

[Seabush]

I've been doing a three-week rotation working a muscle group per day. This might be a way to ease you into the series without overtaxing a number of muscles in one sitting.

Crystal