Mambo, Cha Cha, Pivot — Sweating and Having Fun Doing It! by FairLadyJ

Hopelessness, lack of energy and motivation, and depression plagued me every morning as I got dressed. My husband generously allowed me to purchase attractive clothing to accommodate my larger size, but that was only a temporary fix for my emotional state. I knew I had to loose some weight, and I knew that aside from expensive surgery, the only way to make changes was to exercise and eat healthier. So about a year ago I made some drastic changes in my life to pursue health both physical and emotional. Beginning with modifying my diet, I started eating foods low in fat, high in fiber and protein. I also paid very close attention to portion control. I discovered I was eating three times as much as I needed each day. My weight loss was slow, but steady.

I was not an active person growing up and LOATHED exercising, but I knew I had to do it to reach my goal of being

physically fit. I enjoyed dancing and knew step would probably be for me. Last June I began to use the Cathe step DVDs. That is when my weight loss was accelerated. I started with the Basic Step DVD, huffing and puffing through the whole thing. Eventually I was able to add a riser, and tackle some of the more challenging work outs. I dropped from a size 10/12 to a size 4/6 in three and a half months! Inches and pounds melted away: arms – 1.5 inches, thighs – 3 inches, waist – 4 inches, hips – 5 inches, and 28 pounds!

The time loosing weight was not an easy one. There were many mornings I had to convince myself to exercise. I felt discouraged at times when I could not do the more difficult step routines. On those days I would talk to myself, sometimes out loud, “You can do this! You will feel great afterwards! Let’s go!” I allowed myself time to work up to the difficult step routines and eventually the addition of circuit workouts with weights. I reminded myself that even the little I was doing today was better than the nothing I had done before. After exercising, my mood is greatly improved. Emotionally I am much healthier. I no longer feel stressed, depressed, or hopeless. I am strong, capable, and confident. At 38 years old, I am happier, healthier and have more energy than when I was 28!

I have several of Cathe’s DVDs and alternate my workouts throughout the week. Every month or so, I add a new work out to my exercising repertoire so I do not become bored. I honestly do not think that is possible with all the choices she has to offer. I am looking forward to adding some of the boxing DVDs to my library soon. Cathe is my favorite motivator, she constantly cheers me on. She chooses cool, up beat music and choreographs exciting step combinations filled with fun dance moves. (My family thinks it is great that I’m naming my next two dogs Mambo and Cha Cha.) Cathe’s enthusiastic and energetic attitude shines through on every DVD motivating me to give it all I’ve got. I sweat, sweat, sweat, and have a fantastic time doing it! Thank you, Cathe!