Hey everyone!
When you don’t belong to a gym, you need to be inventive in finding ways to exercise. I prefer running, cycling and yoga but there are days when I can’t do any of those and need to either come up with my own workout or rely on a something like an exercise DVD. Recently I was sent Cathe’s Tabatacise, part of her XTrain series. I had heard great things about Cathe from others – she’s tough and makes you work so I was looking forward to a kick butt workout.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Tabata, it’s a short but very intense workout that improves your aerobic capacity. It’s generally eight intervals, 20 seconds each, of all out effort followed by 10 seconds recovery for a total of four minutes. It may not seem like that’s a workout but if you are truly putting in an all you’ve got, you should be exhausted when time is up.
Tabatacise uses this formula but adds to it with five different four minute Tabata workouts. After each Tabata there is what Cathe calls a “step recovery blast.” It’s the rest portion but an active rest to lower your heart rate.
A very nice feature of the DVD is that it’s broken down into Levels. You can perform level one and gradually work your way up to performing all five levels. Perfect for those just starting out with Tabata style workouts. There’s also additional bonus tracks for targeting the core, back, triceps and biceps.
After going through all five Tabatas, I see why everyone ravs about Cathe. I really like her style of teaching and she’s tough just like everyone says! Don’t expect her to take it easy on you. Lots of plyometric moves but the choreography is easy to follow. I was left super sweaty with legs quaking and shaking. The DVD does rely on a step with risers for the recovery blast and some of the bonus tracks. I don’t have a step but was still able to do the workouts just at a lower intensity on the floor. Now that I’m in the thick of marathon training, I won’t be doing as much plyometric work. It’s tough on my knees and kind of like another day of running. I don’t want to risk an injury. However, after May 26th I will definitely be using Cathe’s Tabatacise XTrain Series to add variety in my weekly workouts.
5 By The 5th Virtual Race Recap – March
Yesterday I got in my 3rd 5K “race” as part of Laura’s 5 by the 5th Virtual Race Series.
I’m using this series as a way to improve my 5K time on the treadmill. I’d prefer to run it outside but my early morning runs aren’t possible just yet and at least this way is consistent. If you’re interested, here’s January and February’s recaps. This month was the first that I actually ran the right distance (duh!) and did not have a race within 2 days of it. My calves were feeling a little tight and fatigued but other than that I was ready to better my time.
I did a gradual, easy warm up for 1.5 miles before clearing the treadmill. I’m finding that I do better with a warm up of at least that distance to get into the groove. My average pace was 7:50 and I finished in 24:19.
I’m still trying to figure out what my 5K pace should be. I find that I get in the long distance mind set – start slow to conserve for the duration. I will say that I’m happy with my improvement over the past 2 months. I feel stronger and am more confident in my running abilities. I finished the run off with an additional 1.5 miles for a total of 6 for the day. I’m hoping to reach at least the 24:00 mark for April.
I received the DVD for free to review. My opinions are completely my own.
Do you use workout DVD’s?
Do you prefer short or long distance running?
I love workout DVD’s!!! I have one oCathe’s too, I will be reviewing on Friday!! This one sounds great!!!
Runninglovingliving (@tonee78) recently posted..What’s In My Gym Bag? featuring @BrooklynFitChik
This looks like a cool DVD. Good point on not doing plyometrics while marathon training.
Coco recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday (The Am I Getting Enough Protein Edition)
ok EVERYONE LOVES THE CATHE.
It’s time for me to try.
it’s time
Miz recently posted..Preview of coming MizFit’tractions.
I haven’t tried the Cathe’s Tabata yet but I’m loving her XTrain series. You’re right! She’s tough
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..13 in 2013 Virtual Race Series
I love Cathe, too! I haven’t tried the tabatacise yet. Awesome job on your 5k! You’re getting faster, and I love that you’re getting more confident. Once you get outside, I bet you’ll surprise yourself.
Sub-24 is definitely in your reach!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Wiaw Munchkin Edition + Carrot Chips
I’ve only ever done Tae-Bo and that dates back ions ago!
Video sounds great!
Kierston @candyfit recently posted..Competition Prep: Kitchen Creations!
Absolutely loved this one and agree that you really don’t have to have the step to do those blasts in between the tabatas. I’m glad you mentioned that. And I really love that you’re using the 5 by the 5th to increase your speed. Smart lady
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Plantar Fasciitis Woes & Way to Go Wednesday Shout Outs
Love hearing the reviews on Cathe’s DVDs. I’ve heard such good things and she does look like she’s a tough one! Great job on your run too! I’m not a huge fan of the shorter distance races but they are fun to run.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Dear Body
I love work-out DVDs. I just got several of Cathe’s that I can’t wait to try out – trying to finish up Les Mills Combat first.
Kim recently posted..One-on-One
I think the DVD sounds awesome. But I also totally get the need to dial back from it while marathon training. I had a hard time doing Crossfit for a month while in the thick of mine.
Good job on the 5k! It’s a tough distance to nail, I think. It’s got to be super hard, but at the same time, a sustainable pace. You’re making progress and that’s what counts!
misszippy1 recently posted..The 10-year rule
I wish I would have signed up to try this dvd. Maybe next time- sounds great! I’ve been working on my shorter run time too. Hopefully it helps me overall when I run a longer race.
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potato and Cabbage Salad
I’m planning on relying on them more when baby #2 comes around. I can see already that I’ll be home a lot more and will need them to help me stay in shape. I’ll have to check Cathe out!
Thanks!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Wednesday Words of Wisdom
She’s perfect for an at home workout.
Tabata is starting to feel like a flavour of the month to me. The original study used a stationary bike, where you can actually sprint for 20 seconds, and then spin easy for the 10 second rest. I see a lot of ‘Tabata’ workouts out there where the exercise is a complicated motion that you can only do a handful of times in 20 seconds (e.g. burpees) and you end up with half a rep or something at the end of 20. Is that the kind of workout that Cathe is doing on this DVD?
Axel recently posted..Race Recap: Chilly Half-Marathon in Burlington
Essentially, yes. Tabata’s are definitely the hot buzzword in the workout world now.
I go way back with Cathe..before I started running I was an exercise video queen! I have always loved her style of teaching. Right now, I have another XTrain workout that I’m doing, SuperCuts. Yes, it’s hard. But oh, so effective.
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Saying “So Long” to a Friend
I used to do insanity a lot when I couldn’t get out for a workout but it has been a while. I definitely prefer long distance running over short distance running- it has been a while since I have done a 5k!
Christina @TheTinyRunner recently posted..Being in a long distance relationship
That looks hard core!
I like short distance becasue I like to sprint. I once had a marathon goal… but that went out the windown when I had was informed I needed knee surgery if I kept up the distance. Oops!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Designer Whey Protein + WIAW
I have never tried tabata work, but think it sounds fun.
Like you I am such a distance runner (a slow one!) and I’m trying to figure out how to run at a quicker pace when I am running for a shorter time. I am doing 5 milers for the 5 by the 5th series.
Your pace looks super fast to me! WOW! (I am kind of hoping to break 9 minute miles next month.)
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..5 BY THE 5TH – RACE 3 RECAP