Over the last several years, I’ve participated in numerous marathons and triathlons. Sometime early last year, I started to really burn out both physically and mentally. I knew it was time for a break. I didn’t see the inside of a gym for a few months. Triathlon season came and went, without me even lacing up my shoes to go for a run. Deep down inside, I hoped that somehow my desire and passion for sports and fitness would return to me but I also knew that I was looking for a new challenge to change up my years of endurance training.
I came across one of Cathe’s Slow and Heavy series workouts on FitTV. I was totally intrigued. Having worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, I’ve seen a lot of different fitness personalities essentially trying to sell the same thing. Cathe was so different to me. I’d never really seen anyone on the commercial side teach weight training philosophy and technique the way she did.
I hopped on the internet to learn more about Cathe. On a whim, I purchased the STS DVD set. Since the thought of entering a gym was still a little overwhelming, I started by watching some of the DVD’s from Mesocycle 1. I couldn’t believe the thoroughness and creativity of this program. This is the stuff people pay personal trainers major dollars for. I got really psyched about trying a whole new program. Before I knew it, I was back in the gym fighting my way through some really tough muscular endurance workouts.
Over the course of the three month program, I have had major successes. By following the STS program, I was able to build enough strength to start doing full sets of pull ups on my own. That is a goal I’ve been working on for over 10 years with absolutely no success prior to STS. I’m squatting and benching more weight with much less effort than ever before.
Ironically, a really unexpected change I have noticed is the gains that following such a well rounded program weight training program has had in other areas of my fitness. I’ve practiced yoga for many years (mainly has an injury prevention measure) but never really enjoyed it. I’ve just never been able to move beyond a certain point in my flexibility and balance. Since I’ve started STS, I’ve developed the strength to stretch much deeper, hold poses longer, and even start doing some advanced poses such as handstands. I’m also throwing kettle bells around with ease and recently started learning some power lifting techniques.
I also recently started using the HiiT, Cardio Core, and Circuit Blast workouts that are part of the Shock Cardio series. They are awesome! Utilizing them as allowed me to develop such a great cardio base that I am still able to go out for a run from time to time without the monotonous task on constantly keeping my mileage up to maintain my fitness.
Most importantly though, I love being in the gym again! STS has reminded me about the importance of well rounded fitness. I’m also so grateful that there is a program out there that encourages women to lift heavy. It was great to be reminded of that. My sincerest thanks and appreciation goes out to Cathe and her staff for the incredible work they did in creating such an outstanding program.
