New here and questions about DVD's and equipment

[luv2bfit]

Hello everyone- I posted this in the DVD forum and thought that this might be a good place to post this. Thanks!

"New here- need help on some DVD's and equipment"


Hello everyone! I've been *lurking* for the last few days trying to learn as much as I can about Cathe and her workouts- there is SO much stuff my head was spinning! Also you folks seem so supportive, helpful and caring that I felt comfortable reading these forums.

Anyway, I am looking to start some Cathe workouts- saw her on Fittv and was blown away. I have been doing the FIRM for the last few years about 4-5 times a week, and did martial arts for over 15 years. I have have a type of anemia (hereditary) that causes me to use up my red blood cells 5 times faster than normal people so I get winded easier and faster (I just pace myself and modify moves if I need to). I've been using a heart rate monitor hoping it will help me to improve my endurance (seems it got worse once I turned 40). I would like to improve my muscle tone (FIRM helped me alot but I would like to mix up my routine with some more challenging workouts). I'm thinking of starting with her BB Timesaver DVD (shorter but still intense)- what's your opinion? Also what equipment will I need for this DVD? I'm 5'2" and want to get her new ministep- what height should I order? I'm also thinking of preordering her new ones. Any feedback would be so welcome and appreciated. Thanks everyone and have a terrific day!

 

[dutchgirl]

Hello and welcome!

I really enjoy the Timesaver DVD for the reasons you seem to be drawn to it: not too long cardio segments combined with some great weight work. The equipment used in the five workouts includes 1) a full size step from The Step company, 2) a high step, 3) various dumbells, 4) a barbell with plates, 5) a stability ball. A note about the step and high step. Both use the same size risers so if you order the step it comes with the platform and 2 sets of risers (4 total). To reach 14" (the same high as the famed Fanny Lifter and what a lot of people use for step ups) you could then buy just the high step platform and one riser. I personally feel 16" is the maximum for step ups and only if you're pretty tall. For your height, a 55 cm ball is recommended, although some people like to use the next size up 65 cm. Dumbbells can be found at any sporting goods store (Cathe uses plain hex dumbbells). The barbell Cathe uses is the Troylite system. You can check her links for sites that sell it (I think www.fitness1st.com sells this one). You can also purchase weight sets from amazon.com, some Wal-marts and walmart.com, and Target has a set too (I have the Target set, regular price is about $50, it frequently goes on sale for $35).

Another similar DVD is the CTX series. This DVD consists of 5 cardio with weights after workouts and an all leg workout, Leaner Legs. The DVD also has the bonus of having all the upper body segments grouped together as well as all the ab segments grouped together. Timesaver doesn't have these two bonus features. The CTX cardio is more advanced, IMO, than Timesaver and the weight segments are about equal.

I imagine that if you like Cathe's style you'll eventually get both of these DVD's plus all her others. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[luv2bfit]

Sabine-
Thank-you very much for both the welcome and the great detailed information! You really helped me to decide what items to buy. I have dumbells from my FIRM workouts (up to fifteen )lbs so I would need the barbell set. DH and I went to a fitness store here in our town and can get the ball, tubing (BB workouts)and The Step. Nice to know that I don't have to get BOTH the step platform and high step, though I was prepared to if it was necessary. I'm very excited about starting my workouts with Cathe- love her style (warm, encouraging, good sense of humor and tough).

Again, Sabine, thanks for taking the time to post. I'm also sure that I will be getting more DVD's by Cathe. Have a wonderful day!

Elizabeth