Cathe Friedrich's Hardcore Series: MUSCLE MAX Review

This is one of the first Cathe DVD's that I bought.It is broken up into many different sections so if you want to just work your arms one day you can, or your legs or whatever.The arm workout is only 45 minutes and that's with a warm-up.Great reps, great rest time, good stretching.My arms are finally cut!! The leg workout is even better, 22 minutes long, only 5 different execises, but really good ones!Squats, split leg lunges, wide squats for inner thighs, and a step up execise for your butt.I am always sore the next day, not as sore as when I do the leg workout in the P90X DVD, but that's another story!I love Cathe, she is my favorite.The slow heavy DVD is another favorite of mine, I switch between these two of Cathes and the P90X DVD's and I'm sore pretty much every day of my life.Great workouts!!

Product Description
Muscle Max, approximately 72 minutes in length, is a total body, moderate to heavy weight training workout. This workout focuses on the effective basics and is sequenced in a manner to deliver results. While this workout can be done 2, but no more than 3, times per week on its own, it can also be used in conjunction with the Gym Style workouts as a way of targeting all the body parts a second time per week.

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Stretch Max with Cathe Friedrich Review

I'm almost 40 and have never been as flexible as I am after one month of using this DVD.It has helped my golf game and made me feel like a whole new person.I actually can't wait every morning to wake up and start my day with about 25 minutes of stretching.In fact, many days I do the routine twice!The time goes fast and you feel so good and are completely relaxed that before you know it you've done 25 minutes of stretching and feel great.

Product Description
STRETCH MAX is a 60 minute program that consists of three 20 minute stretching segments. The stretches you will see are a hybrid of basic, athletic-based, yoga-based, and gymnastic-based. Feel free to do any or all of the segments as often as you like. For best results and to enhance your flexibility, it's recommended that you do at least one of the segments 3 times per week. Also note that you should be completely warmed up before participating in the segments. Cathe personally likes to stretch after a minimum of a 20 minute cardio. That's when she finds her muscles completely pliable and open to elasticity gains. Each segment focuses on stretching all of the major muscle groups in the body. Segment one does this without any equipment, while segment 2 uses a stability ball and segment 3 uses a resistance band. The overall atmosphere on the workouts is calm and peaceful with very little talking once in the stretch.

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Cathe Friedrich's STS Mesocycle #1 (12 DVD set) Review

What I liked
1.Amazing quality
2.Newer moves
3.Challenging with a lot of variety.Comes with 12 discs.
4.Workouts are mapped out for you.You use 3 discs a week and do 2 days of cardio of your own choice.These workouts are only strength training.This review is of mesocycle 1 only.

What I didn't like
1.You can't just push play.This series banks highly on finding your 1-rep max.If you don't pick a weight that is challenging you'll probably think this series is to easy. Your last rep has to leave you struggling.
2.Way to much time is spent on equipment set up.If you don't have a large workout space like me you'll find this really annoying.The list of equipment is large here. Dumbbells 3-30lbs (depending on your ability), step (and mini step if you have it) with at least 4 risers on each side, barbell (up to 40-50lbs depending on your ability), medium tension band, chair, gliding discs (or paper plates), stability ball, and over the door tubing for pull up style exercises if you don't have a pull up tower.
3.The music truly disappointed me. I was used to the high energy upbeat music on her other DVD's.It is hard to explain what it is like but if you want a sample her website has nice previews.That is pretty much what you get as far as music is concerned.It was hardly motivating to me.
4.Price, way to expensive!And to charge extra for a workout guide and abs.I mean you would expect that for this price you'd get more.
5.Packaging is terrible.I foresee this thing falling apart real quick and for the price I had to pay that is truly disappointing.

Summary
Is this a P90X knock off (for everyone that might get offended by this comment lets face it and truth is that Tony's P90X came out first), . . .well yeah of course it is.I have P90X did one rotation and never did it again (I just didn't like Tony's style) so STS is obviously better to me.You'll notice certain similarities such as the phrase "Get ready set go", the clip board writing down your weight thing, and the stopping to get a drink of water.What I did like about P90X that STS did not have was the fact that P90X did not have a whole lot of equipment needed.I mean it is hard enough to fit in 1 hour a day having to need more money for equipment does not exactly make this attainable for everyone and P90X came with just about everything STS comes with for cheaper.Yes you get more DVD's with STS (if you buy all three cycles) but I didn't feel like the variety with all the extra DVD's was enough to make it worth having to charge more.I preferred having Cathe's premixes as in other workouts.You will see a whole lot of repeat moves in these 12 discs that it makes you wonder why they just didn't lessen the number of discs, . . I mean more is not always better.Oh did I mention that set up time is irritating and time consuming.
Is it worth it, . . . .
Unfortunately I can't say that it is.If you are a true Cathe fan such as myself buy it.Your library would not be complete.If not and you are wondering if there is something cheaper and just as effective yeah, there is get her Gym Style series, legs, chest, shoulders, biceps, and triceps and back series.This is cheaper and truly effective. You will need a step, dumbbells, barbell, ball, and band though.
Does it work?
Heck yeah Cathe works, I haven't finished this whole series but I would not doubt its effectiveness.Since I started my home workouts with Cathe back in 2000 I now run 20-25 miles a week can do 40 "boy" push ups in a row and 3 pull ups (okay I'm still working on increasing that to 10) but at 33 I'm stronger and leaner than I have ever been in my life. I have muscle definition in my arms and legs and my kids think I'm "cool."Cathe is totally awesome, but unfortunately I would have to say that this series was not worth the money.Heck you can't win them all.
Oh one other thing.If you do plan on buying buy from Amazon.This seller actually has a return policy and if you buy from Cathe direct it is all final sale no returns.


Product Description
STS - Mesocycle #1 (12 DVD set)Includes all 12 DVDs from mesocycle #1. Other mesocycles (mesocycle #2 and mesocycle #3) may be purchased separately or take advantage of our STS discount bundle and purchase the entire STS DVD series and save. * Ab Circuits sold separately and is not included in our STS discount bundle.What's included with this discount package?1. STS mesocycle #1 (12 DVD set)Mesocycle 1Mesocycle 1 is all about muscle endurance. You will lift weights that are 60 70% of your 1RM during these four weeks. Each week will feature a different workout for every muscle group. Your rep range will be around 15 reps or more for most exercises, but to total failure for many others like push ups, pull ups and band work. This cycle is divided into three muscle groupings with four workouts per grouping:#1 Chest, Shoulders and Biceps#2 Back and Triceps#3 LegsThese nonstop workouts are sure to test the endurance of even an advanced exerciser and feature training concepts like drop sets, 21 s and rest periods of 30 45 seconds between exercises. You will do one set for each muscle group and have only about 30 seconds of rest before moving on to the next body part.Extended StretchYou will notice that every workout concludes with our signature STS extended bonus stretch. This relaxing and thorough stretch is designed to restore and increase flexibility, relieve stress and improve overall circulation to the muscles and joints. It will also aid in muscle recovery. You ll engage in a combination of yoga-, pilates-, and athletic-based stretches while targeting all major muscle groups to ensure a well balanced stretch session. Enjoy this workout after every STS workout or simply on its own.

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Cathe Friedrich: Butts and Guts Review

If you have seen my other Cathe reviews, you'll know that I think she is fantastic and makes you work hard, yet she's motivating and keeps it interesting.In this dvd, you will work your trouble spots very hard and it is tough (but well worth pushing through).The results can be found if you do the workout often.
There is a wide spectrum of exercises here.Every possible movement is done (like your squats and lunges etc) and you will be feeling it in no time.You start with standing workout that work the glutes and then classic floor moves like side leg lifts and inner thigh work.You WILL fatigue your muscles (in a good way).Following all of this, there is intense ab work and she uses hand weights and ankle weights to up the ante.
The other thing you should know, is that there is a lot of equipment needed (one reason I dropped a star in the rating).You need different amounts of weights, barbell, stability ball, resistance bands and a high step platform.Personally for me, if I need this much equipment, I'd rather go to the gym.Cathe is one tough trainer, but she will give you results.After doing this workout for the first time, I didn't think I'd be able to make it out of bed the next morning.It was a good sore, so you know you've worked out well.I really recommend this, but not if you haven't used your glute or ab muscles in some time.

Product Description
A 78 min. advanced, super thorough, super effective, lower body solution. Not only is B&G very comprehensive, but it has a great mix of old and new exercises - effectively sequenced - to keep the fat burning and muscles responding. A bonus stability ball core routine has been included for added variety and effectiveness. The time breakdown for the Butts and Guts is as follows: warm - up - 6 min Standing Glute Work -31 min. Fllor Work - 19 1/2 min. Core - 14 min. Stretch - 8 min. Bonus Stability Ball Abs - 15 min Bonus Lower Body - 6 min.

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Cathe Friedrich's STS 40 DVD set + User Guide Review

All together, I liked this set of DVDs. It provides enough variety for those of us who have been working out for a long time and steps it up a notch. Pros: The workouts are challenging (if not enough, you can always increase weight). Quality is pretty good, all exercises have been labeled and are easy to follow the reps and timing.
Cons: I think the reps are a bit short, 16 at the most. I think for endurance you could go to 24 but then again that's a personal choice. What I really didn't like about it was that it seemed like they are the same 3 DVDs(#1 Chest, Shoulders and Biceps #2 Back and Triceps #3 Legs ), just repeated 4 time in 4 sets with minor variations. Ex: all the 4 Leg workout DVDs are almost the same(except for the 10 minute bonus), the only thing that's different is your %RM. She could have just told you to increase the weight by 5% every week but instead, she reproduced almost the same DVD just asking you to increase your weights. I think that is a marketing scheme which I really didn't care for. It's kinda expensive if you are really getting 3-4 hours of really new material but paying for 12hrs.I probably will not buy STS2 if its the same DVDs just higher %RM.

Product Description
What's included with this discount package?1. STS mesocycle #1 (12 DVD set)2. STS mesocycle #2 (12 DVD set)3. STS mesocycle #3 + all 4 Leg - Squat DVDs (16 DVD set)4. STS User's Guide*Ab Circuits is not included in this discount bundle, but may be purchased separately for only $22STS features three mesocycles, each lasting four weeks. Each mesocycle is designed to stimulate your muscles and body in a different way.The STS program is designed to be simple and easy to use. Every STS DVD is numbered so that you can easily identify which DVD you will need for that day s workout.Each week combines exercises you have done in the previous weeks with totally fresh exercises that you haven t done before. This way you always have some exercises that you are familiar and more comfortable with and new exercises that will keep your body s muscles always guessing and challenged in new ways.You will notice that every workout in the STS series has an information bar located at the bottom of your screen that will appear at the beginning of every break and will then disappear once the break is over. The information bar will always display how much time is left before the next exercise begins and will tell what the next exercise is as well as what equipment you will need. Other information like percentage of one rep max, reps and targeted muscle groups will also be displayed.

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Cathe Friedrich's 4 Day Split Cardio + Weights Review

I bought this DVD workout for those days I just don't have 90 minutes to two hours to workout or at least don't feel up to my usual 2 plus hour workout sessions.

This workout comes on 2 DVD's, each DVD has its own mix of those two workouts that are on that particular one.The mixes alone are worth it in my opinion. Also, there are Chapters for each workout on the two DVD's so if the workout you chose doesn't have abs you can go to the workout that has it select just that chapter and add it afterwards as a separate thing.Because of the fabulous mixes per DVD you can really choose what kind of workout and time limits you want.

The choreagraphy is great as always with Cathe and the music is always awesome. I really like how this particular Cathe workout DVD focuses on working specific areas with weights and the next workout focuses on different ones so you don't overwork or injure yourself.I really like this workout its always fun and the time just flies by as with all her workouts.This particular one is designed to give you a balanced workout in about an hour.There is a good mix of workouts on it.

Disc 1

Higher Intensity Step Plus Heavy Weights Chest/Back = 59 min
Lower Intensity Step Plus Heavy Weights Shoulders,Core,and Calves= 66 min

Chapters for each workout Plus Mixes for maximum versatility!

Disc 2

Boot Camp Plus Heavy Weights Biceps and Triceps = 62 min
Kick Box Plus Heavy Weights Legs and Core= 71 Min

Chapters for each workout Plus Mixes for maximum versatility!

I've done the Lower Intensity Step and Kickbox workouts in their entirety on discs one and two. I found these workouts to be very fun, fast, and compacting a great workout into less time than Cathe's other DVD's.This perfect to add to your fitness library for variety. If you want an intense workout that hits all the major things in about an hour then this is the workout for you.Its excuse proof!Great workouts and I'm happy that I bought this one to add to my fitness library.

Product Description
The 4 Day Split is designed to be the ultimate cardio and strength weekly workout program that fits your busy lifestyle. It consists of four (approx. 60 minute) workouts. Each workout has a separate cardio segment followed by an intense heavy weight training routine. Since time is crucial in a workout like this, Cathe uses the push pull training approach to effectively maximize your time. You're pushed to total failure with little to no rest between exercises.The 4 Day Split series will come in one DVD case on two DVD discs for maximum premix value.Disc A: Workout #1: High Intensity Step Aerobics +HEAVY WEIGHTS: Chest/BackWorkout #2: Low Impact Step+ HEAVY WEIGHTS: Shoulders and core Disc B: Workout # 3: Cardio Kickbox + HEAVY WEIGHTS: Legs and CoreWorkout # 4: Boot Camp Cardio +S HEAVY WEIGHTS: BI's and TRI's

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Cathe Friedrich's Body Max 2 Review

This is a 96 minute workout so you do get a lot of bang for your buck with this one.There are also about 6 premixes for shorter workout options, including only cardio, upper body, circuits, etc.

I would recommend this to people already used to Cathe's choreography as the step workout is fairly intermediate.There are 4 power circuits which are quite good.The part that I found the toughest was the upper body workout using the stability ball.

The music is fun, using 80s hits like "Don't You Forget About Me" and "Jessie's Girl", etc.

I wouldn't say this workout is as high intensity as Cathe's IMAX workouts, but it is good for circuit or intermediate step, etc.

Product Description
After the warm-up, the intense step routine lasts 30 minutes. Then it's on to 4 Power Circuit Segments of Cardio Step, Cardio Blast, and Legs; after that (whew! As if that isn't enough!), Cathe moves us on to Upper Body weight work, core, and a stretch.

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Cathe Friedrich's Hardcore Series: CORE MAX Review

This DVD is great value for money - each workout is just the right length, challenging without being too difficult, and varied enough so that you won't get bored. (The "core" in the title is a little misleading, as these three workouts focus on the abdominal, rather than the back muscles.) An 8 pound medicine ball is recommended; it's used to add resistance to exercises like crunches, roll-ups and rocket shoots.

Cathe has a reputation for being hard core (no pun intended!) but I appreciate that she says things like "Don't worry if you don't have the endurance; it will come over time."

Here's a breakdown of the workouts.

Segment One - No equipment (20 minutes)
1) Supermans
2) Levitation holds
3) Hip lifts (bent leg)
4) Hip lifts (straight leg)
5) Corkscrew
6) Opposite elbow to knee
7) Reach to outside of knee
8) Frog-style crunches (both knees open to sides)
9) Crunches with straight legs in air
10) Crunches with knees bent on floor
11) Three-level crunches
12) Rope climb crunches
13) Frog style crunches (second set)
14) Three-level crunches (second set) with pulses at the top
15) Axe crunches
16) Reverse crunches
17) Crunches with arms and legs extended
18) Reverse crunches (second set)
19) Straight leg prone plank
20) Hip dip planks

Segment Two - Stability Ball (20 minutes)
1) Supermans on ball
2) Roll outs
3) Roll ins
4) Roll ins for obliques (legs pull in on an angle)
5) Pikes on the ball
6) Crunches on top of ball
7) Long lever ball exchange (holding the ball between your feet and crunching up to transfer the ball to your hands)
8) Vertical oblique rotations with legs straight in air
9) Side-to-side chops
10) Woodchops for obliques
11) Pelvic tilt crunches

Segment 3 - Stability Ball and Medicine Ball (20 minutes)
MEDICINE BALL ONLY
1) Superman (no equipment)
2) Curl-ups with medicine ball
3) Rocket shoots holding medicine ball between legs
4) Modified V-Sit (Russian twist)
5) Oblique rotations with knees bent in the air
STABILITY AND MEDICINE BALL TOGETHER
6) Side-to-side rotations
7) Supine woodchops on a diagonal
8) Side-to-side woodchops on stability ball while holding medicine ball
9) Oblique crunches with medicine ball on shoulder
10) Long range crunches
11) Short range crunches
12) Long range crunch (2nd set)
13) Short range crunch (2nd set)

Product Description
Core Max is a 60 minute workout that is broken down into the following segments. Feel free to pick and choose anyone of the segments and do them 3 times per week. These segments feature some new moves which may feel very different to you at first. Once you see the move, try the move, and get acclimated to it, you will really maximize the benefits of the workouts. As always, keep your focus, use a challenging weight wherever offered, use good form, and execute every rep to YOUR maximal effort.

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