Getting into STEP

[bicker]

My wife and I are looking for a new high-intensity exercise. I've been doing The Firm for a few years, and have done Power Yoga off-and-on since losing weight, but it's time for something new, that we can do in our basement through the winter.

I've decided its going to be The Step.

We've got The (real) Steps, so equipment-wise, we're all set. I'm trying to find videos that actually help us get into it and get good. I have some Cathe videos (off of FitTV), but most of the Step aerobics ones have choreography that is too advanced for us, which is demoralizing. I've got The Firm Super CardioSculpt, and that's going to be good, but I'd like more choices, that are more step-focused, but still high-intensity and structured for the fit beginner.

Any suggestions?

 

[sm4987]

I don't have any other than Cathe who is extremely hard for me to follow too. I do the firm and often wish I could get in some extra step work. I'm interested in knowin if anyone has an answer for you my self.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I had a step once upon a time. It was nice but my knees couldn't handle it I am pretty heavy. Maybe when I get in better shape and more fit.

have fun with it.

 

[ZerasPride]

Like Sheree mentioned, I've heard great things about Cathe's work outs. The only thing keeping me from taking the plunge is the price! Her tapes are NOT cheap and you need to invest in additional equipment (barbells, her special stepper and a balancing ball to name a few) but if I was going to supplement my Firm work outs, it woul definitely be with Cathe's step exercises.

For what's worth, the new Firm work outs from the BSS3 series kick butt!!!! I love them and feel they are a two steps above BSS1 and a step above BSS2 in intensity.

Bicker - you and your wife have done so well losing your weight and I just wanted you to know you are inspiration to us here on WISH!

 

[bicker]

Thanks for your kind words.

Currently, Cathe's tapes are being broadcast on FitTV, so price isn't the barrier for me. The ones I've seen are Step Blast, Rythmic Step, Upper Body Pyramid, Lower Body Pyramid, IMAX 2, Cardio & Weights, Boot Camp, Muscle Endurance.

Any idea where Step Blast and Rhythmic Step fit in terms of difficulty?

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi bicker!

I'm a FIRMie and also a big Cathe-ite! If you're looking for advanced, intense cardio and strength training workouts, than she can definitely provide them for you. It's great you get FitTv--you'll be able to sample a lot and see what you like!

Both Rythmic Step and Step Blast are advanced step w/o's, which can be *extremely* challenging choreographically speaking, and quite intense cardiovascularly (but you can keep your step height low to reduce intensity). I was familiar with Cathe's moves before I purchased Step Blast, and still had a lot of difficulty getting the choreography down. I went through the exact same thing with Rythmic Step, but both were worth it because they have a terrific fun factor for me! Do you enjoy cardio/weight training/circuit work? My fave circuit of all time is her Boot Camp. It alternates 1 minute (very intense) cardio/upper body/lower body/core work. You can use your Fanny Lifter for her High Step work and dumbells. She also has a workout called Kick, Punch & Crunch, which is a cardio-conditioning/punch & kick combo kickboxing w/o. You need no equipment for this one, although she does use a stability ball at the end for killer core work. You can easily modify without a ball. I find her strength work second to none. I absolutely *love* Pyramid Upper Body! Pyramid Lower I use on occasion when I want to build some leg muscle. I mainly do endurance work (Cathe's Legs & Glutes) for lower body.

Cathe has a new Hardcore series coming out soon (I preordered all 10!) which includes a step interval w/o, IMAX3 (I have IMAX2 and it's a killer fave! The intervals make you go anaerobic and really increase cardio capacity and give a great calorie afterburn!), a low impact step w/o called LoMax, and new kickboxing, KickMax. I'm sure it'll be a while before they hit FitTv, though.

Like I said, I really love Cathe, but do have to go back to my FIRMs on occasion to take a break from her. She is so very intense that I just can't look forward to her 6 days a week! I call it my Cathe Dread Factor.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Way to go on your weight loss and exercise comittment (I lost 110 pounds, so I know how difficult it can be!)! You've done an awesome job!

Best wishes, bicker!

 

[bicker]

Thanks Kim. I'm really hoping to find some beginner Step stuff, because Cathe's stuff is so complex!

I did find Upper Body Pyramid incredible. That's a fantastic Sculpt work-out.

 

[luvmydogs]

Oh, bicker, I forgot...

Cathe has two beginner/intermediate dvds: Basic Step/Body Fusion and Beginner High Step (I've always subbed my Fanny Lifter for her High Step work). You can preview these w/o's at www.cathe.com . She also has an advanced High Step vid called High Step Training Advanced--it's a killer circuit and can be done with the Fanny Lifter. This one has no difficult choreography--just power and plyo moves. I know a lot of people on the fitness boards I read have raved about Cathe's beginner/int. w/o's. I'm sorry I forgot to mention them to you! They came out in the spring, so I'm not too sure when they'll be on FitTv. Hope this helps!

***Edited to add:

I just looked up some favorite beginning step instructors on www.videofitness.com and they reccomend Gin Miller, Denise Austin, Kathy Smith, Tamilee Webb and Leslie Sansone. VF is a great resource!

 

[sm4987]

I have Cathe's beginner/intermediate series. It is a good one. The moves are great without being to hard. It's a lot like the new firm series to me. It would be a great starter of Cathe's.

 

[bicker]

I tried Step Jump and Pump this morning and it was pretty far out of my league (too advanced). I'm going to keep checking FitTV to see if the broadcast the beginner series you mentioned.