Newbie - where to start

[rhinosmom]

I have been watching and trying to do some Cathe on TV - want to buy a couple of dvd's. Where should I begin. As for fitness level. I am 48 and I have been doing a fitness class (cardio mwf, strenght tth) for 6 months. I do not feel like I got much out of the last 3 months (boredom) however I lost 23 pounds and 10% body fat the first three. The fact that I had to get up at 4:45am to make it to class across town didn't help. I still have a good 30 pounds to lose. I would be happy with 20 but 30 would be even better.

We have put some taekwondo mats on the floor in the basement (son's space) have a bowflex, free weights, stability ball, weighted ball and regular step. I just need a place to start. With winter here in the midwest driving across town has no appeal. I am looking for a class closer to home for spring.

You all seem so friendly and helpful I hope to become an old pro some day too.

Renee

 

[Dela]

Wow, awesome progress!! Sounds like you are all set up for at home workouts, not sure if you have a weight bench? But you can use the step for that anyway.

There are some great experts on this board that could better suggest than me, but I can say you definitely want to continue with both cardio and weights.

But to help others best answer..
What kind of cardio do you like to do? Cathe has great variety for Kickbox, Bootcamp, Drill style workouts, and especially Step.

With weights, are you currently doing circuit style or more heavy lifting, and which do you prefer? Or maybe it's a good time for a change if you were doing circuits, you could try out more of a "split" routine.

I don't have it, but people really like the 4 Day Split series, it provides both cardio and weights to do on alternating days, and I believe the workouts are not very long. You can review all of her dvds on shopcathe.com.

Good luck, and I'm sure others will chime in with some great ways to start. I only do kickbox and some bootcamp for cardio, so my opinions are kind of limited, but if you like kickbox, Kick Punch Crunch is amazing and for a great full body weight workout, you can't go wrong with Muscle Max.

 

[jonahnah]

Hi Renee,

Congrats on your accomplishments!! You will love Cathe and find that her workouts are addictive and effective. First question is: Do you get Fit TV? If so, watch for Cathe's programs (Cardio Blast, Coremax, Stretch Max). While they show most (not all) of many of Cathe's slightly older workouts, they are still fantastic! Most have been edited for time but they will give you a sense of the level of exertion, format and what equipment is required for many of Cathe's workouts.

Cathe's website also has really long clips of ALL of her workouts, including her beginner ones. Most clips are in the 15-16 minute range so you really get a feel for what ones might fit your needs.

I'd suggest Low Impact Circuit (an intermediate level step/circuit workout) that with the premixes (New combinations of the workout chapters) give you a lot of bang for your buck. This one isn't on Fit TV. Body Max 2 is another step/circuit with a lot of premix options. For both of these, you can do a strictly weights premix that cover your body from shoulders to legs, including abs and arms or a pure cardio workout. I also LOVE, LOVE Kick, Punch & Crunch which comes with Legs and Glutes. KPC is a fun kickboxing workout + abs while Legs & Glutes is a lower body weight workout that uses a high step and dumbbells.

I'm sure others will give you lots of suggestions, but start with the Cathe.com previews! Good luck and welcome!

 

[punka274]

Hi...Welcome!

some more great workouts are Body fusion, basic step and Low imapact step! There all very basic and easy to learn but challenging for beginner/intermediate levels!

Take care and good luck

 

[LaughingWater]

Drill Max. *evil laugh*

All kidding aside, definitely check out the Cathe DVD previews Jonahnah mentioned. Those are always a big help when I'm deciding on a new purchase.