Hi, all!!

So, I'm wondering what is wrong with me....

I've gradually worked my way up to working out at a fairly advanced level. Started some years ago w/ Leslie Sansone (I still think of her as an old "friend"!).....then progressed to intermediate, then to advanced routines. I generally do a Cathe DVD about twice a week (usually KPC, the entire cardio section.....less frequently the entire cardio portion of Kick Max). I also do another int/adv or advanced DVD for cardio another two days a week. I also do a couple of hours a week of strength training.

Anyway, the weird thing is that I don't feel like I'm improving my fitness level cardio-wise (strength-wise, I definitely am seeing improvement). In fact, if anything, I feel less fit than I did when I started with Cathe about nine months ago.

So, I'm really curious what others have experienced with Cathe....I know her workouts are very challenging. Do others find that the workouts do get easier though over time? Or is it that her workouts are so tough that they will always feel, well, tough? And, if it's the former...that they should get easier over time....what should I be doing differently to improve my fitness level....e.g. working out with Cathe more than twice per week, etc.?

Regardless, just wanted to add that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Cathe - her KPC is the gold standard by which I judge all other workouts.

THANKS!!!

I used to feel that way, but then one day, I just did it  (BM2) with no problems. Things have since changed and I can no longer use her, but give it time...you're fairly new to her still.

I find her newer workouts more challenging than her older ones...to the point where I really don't enjoy the workout.  I think I've done Butts & Guts twice, and I haven't even used the first disc (the one without the step workouts) from the Split series. 

I'm sure they will get easier for you over time, but I remember Cathe saying on her forum once that workouts like Body Max and Maximum Intensity Cardio will never be easy for someone to do.  HTH.

I have to agree with Singular Girl. I have been doing Cathe dvds for a long time, and am an advanced exerciser. I don't find that they really get easier... I do feel that I get in better and better shape from doing her workouts, but easier... not really! I think what happens is that you work harder as you get in better shape because you can, which you then perceive as the workouts becoming more challenging. What really is going on, imho, is that you are able to workout harder and your effort is more actually more work, more exertion, more energy expended, which feels harder. I hope this makes sense! :) :) ~ work out woman ~ (:

This thread and all the replies has really meant alot to me.  I feel the same as Miriam, wondering if I'm making any progress...then I thought about KPC in particular and how strong/high my kicks are now, how I'm keeping up with all the moves (it's my favorite also) and that I don't get so winded I have to pause, which I used to have to do...I'd forgotten about that.

I do Cathe workouts plus alot of other DVDs and other Boot Camps workouts I do in my yard.  When I started working out 10 years ago, I used to think that some day this will get easier but I don't think it does.  Yes, I've gotten stronger, have better balance and agility and more endurance but I don't think a workout gets easier.  Also, somedays I may be more less motivationed, tired, stress out and I do think will affect a workout.  Personally, I don't really want a workout to get easier as I always want to be challenged and I may be working out harder than in previous months.  You may be putting in more effort than you used to but that is a good thing.  If a workout is too easy, I'll find a way to make it more challenging.

I did have a realization-- some of Cathe's dvds do get easier for me (particularly the strength training ones). I recently did part of STS (Meso 2) and found it easier than the first time (when I did the entire STS program). So, what I realized it that I need to re-test my 1 RMs and do the Meso again with heavier weights. I didn't feel as "worked" as when I did it the first time. I just thought I would communicate this because I think with strength training, you do have to keep increasing your weightloads to make progress and keep it challenging. But, that's a good problem to have, I s'pose! The cardio dvds are a different story! :) ~ work out woman ~ (:

I totally agree with all the comments and would like to add one. Because I've been doing Cathe for so long, I've started getting the "dread factor" That's why I'm looking into different instructors.  And I love Cathe, but I have to back away for a bit. Denise


"I've had a wonderful evening, but this wasn't it".
Groucho Marx

That makes sense Denise. Variety is key to keeping things fresh. Let us know what workouts you start doing! :) ~ work out woman ~ (:

Thanks, I'm looking at some KCM's and Petra Kolber's Boot Camp Boogie (I think that's what it's called). I definately need more variety.  I really want Turbo Jam also, it looks so good but kind of pricey. Denise


"I've had a wonderful evening, but this wasn't it".
Groucho Marx

Taking a break or even just a total rest week really helps when you are doing Cathe workouts.  I had been doing her rotations for months and a personal trainer told me to take a total week off.  I did and actually saw better endurance and strength when I came back.  I also just did barre work for the last 2 months and then did a couple of Cathe workouts and again found that I did better.  Cathe is hard there is no question but time off really helped me.

Hi, all --

Thanks for the input. It is possible that I am working harder (doing the same video) than I used to.

I may try taking a lighter week next week, as PhyllisG suggests...(I'm too addicted to exercise to take a total break, I think). Sometimes my body kind of feels like lead, so maybe I'm overdoing it and that's contributing to what I'm experiencing. I also need to get more sleep. Anyway, we'll see what happens....

Thanks!