Muscle Max with Cathe Friedrich (Hardcore Series workout)

I don't know why I hesitated to buy this DVD because I love all of Cathe's strength training workouts but now that I've tried Muscle Max I'm kicking myself for waiting so long! This is a great total body workout that hits every inch of your body pretty hard (not counting the calves). I'm glad I waited to write a review because I didn't think it was as tough as others have indicated; I was able to match Cathe's weights on all the exercises without being spent so I figured it wasn't as effective as some of her others. Two days later and major DOMS say otherwise! The time flew by and while it doesn't seem that she targets the legs all that much mine are feeling the burn. Cathe varies the speeds of many of the moves (2:2 count, 2:4 count, etc.) and that apparently is enough to make basic squats/pulsing squats/plie squats and lunges/pulsing lunges do the trick in a minimal amount of time. She also incorporates a resistance band and step for a few exercises; I didn't feel anything when I was doing them but I do now! The upper body gets the majority of the focus and although there again aren't a lot of moves for the chest, shoulders, back, biceps and triceps the ones she does do their job and then some. The grand finale is a series that targets the core and although it was short it too did what it was supposed to do (i.e. wipe you out). There are breaks in order to change equipment but that didn't bother me and neither did the music; I was too focused on form and what I was doing to be annoyed by anything in the background. I'll be reaching for this video repeatedly due to how efficient it is and the results it offers. And Cathe as usual is pleasant and professional rather than being a drill sergeant (hello, Jillian!). A definite must-have for Cathe fans!

I'm 50-something and at the intermediate level. I find this workout to be tough but do-able. The clothes and make-up are a little dated, but muscles are not--and you will work your whole body. If you like strength workouts, where the reps and pace allow you to lift a little heavier, you will like this. I don't have a barbell, but I do use dumbbells, band, step, plus at times I add in ball and balance pad.

All of Cathe’s Workouts are terrific. This one works your entire body. I am 66 and received this recently. Grea5 for all ages and fitness levels. I am I at a intermediate level for reference.

This is a really great workout dvd. I even purchased a barbell set for this workout and stretch bands I wanted to go all the way with this one. I definitely don't as of yet use the weights that they use but I'll get there, right now I'm keeping it simple. Also, I'm 65 years old and love to workout. Gotta keep the body strong!

All I can say is Woiw this really kicks your butt LOL. I am a big fan of cathe and have most of her early DVD's I recommend buying this. It will give you a good work out. I dont have a barbell so I used 10 and 20 pounds weight instead to substitute for the barbell. This is an advanced DVD so if you are a fitness buff like me you will enjoy it

I bought this because I generally like Cathe (though I don't love everything she puts out) and the reviews were great. I was mostly interested in a Les Mills Body Pump or a P90X style workout. This isn't quite that. In the end, I didn't keep it. I found it was too dated (I can't say WHY the hair and scene and music got to me, it just did), too slow, required too much changing between weights, and needed heavier weights than I have. It's more of a heavy lifting DVD and it's great for what it is; it just turns out that I don't care for this kind of workout. I generally like some kind of cardio or metabolic segment to my strength training. Personal preference.

exactly what I was looking for...a back to basics weight workout, easily modifiable for all levels! No need for crazy equipment ( I used light free weights instead of a barbell & it was perfectly fine). Thank you, Cathe!

Very disappointed.It is not what I expected.This is an exercise video to be done with supervision in the gym,not in the privacy of doing this alone at home.