Chapter 4
This is the phase where I stumbled upon Cathe Friedrich on the Internet. I was searching for women’s workout that incorporated weight lifting and hers was the ONLY website that popped up in Google. This was back in 1999 or 2000 (not sure exactly – I think 2000).

There was no hesitation, no question that I was going to try her out. Her website showcased quite a few DVD and VHS and she appeared to know what she was doing. She had a great lean body and was sporting almost a 4-pack. But what hooked me was one of her earlier releases that showed her pear shape and not so lean thighs. And I realized, her hard work will pay off and I have never regretted my association with her in my living room!

Cathe’s workouts are fun and fast. Back in 2000 I don’t believe I came across any that were choreographed for a beginner. I had also not stepped in such a long time (many – many years) so getting back into the routine of high intensity, high energy workout was tasking. But, I did 10 minutes each day and build on it.

Actually, one of my first workouts from Cathe was her Slow and Heavy Series. Now that routine doesn’t have any cardio – it’s all weights. The first time I popped in the DVD I was disappointed because I matched her weights, I completed the entire workout and could have done more and felt nothing!

Then 2 days later, I couldn’t even drive my car because my entire body was sore! When I say sore I mean sore!!!. Turning the steering wheel of the car, even walking was a very loud ‘ouch!’ experience. And I knew – Cathe and I will be forever! Today I own 70% of her series (that’s a lot of DVDs and a heck of a lot more workouts especially if you mix and match!).

With every goal, I always say—one has to be ready to change. And over the past 7 years, I have managed to maintain my weight within a range. This is mainly due to my eating habits (bad, bad eating habits I should say!). If I had been eating clean, today I would most definitely be wearing size 1 or zero clothes thanks to Cathe. She is never boring (if you use her variety that is) and always leaves you feeling “time and money well spent!”