Michelle Dozois’ Body Fit 360 DVD Review

When Michelle announced a few months ago that she was coming out with 3 new workouts I was excited.  I have been working out with Michelle for years (before she was Dozois although her maiden name escapes me at the moment) and had most recently before this DVD done a few of her Peak 10 DVDs.  I saw that she Remixed 2 of her Peak 10 workouts (strength and cardio) and she was also releasing something new, this Body Fit 360.  At first I was disappointed to see that she was doing a mat fusion workout.  Not because I don’t like mat fusion workouts but because they are usually too easy for me and I have to do them on off days or when I am recovering from an injury.  My excitement level increased however when I saw that on the major workout DVD selling websites this was listed as an advanced workout and then I was intrigued.

I opted to purchase this workout DVD over the Peak 10 Remixes because this was something different than my normal interval training (although I’m sure the Peak 10 Remixes are good).  I am really happy I made this decision.  I really enjoyed this workout.  It is done barefoot on a mat and you don’t need any equipment.  It is a blend of modern dance (think ballet and jazz), pilates and yoga (body weight exercises).  This workout is a real core burner and your body will surprisingly heat up and you will be sweating by the end.  The workout is 52 minutes long but there is a long 9 minute relaxing stretch segment at the end.  The workout will seem to fly by.

The dancing is a mix of graceful and funky.  I like that.  It isn’t high intensity as far as this getting your heart rate up into a HiiT type of range (if that is what you advanced exercisers are hoping) but there are times when Michelle adds a little jump or spring to the movement giving an added challenge.  The ballet type moves will really challenge your balance and make you feel graceful (something I LOVE!).  It’s nice to feel girly once in a while.

The body weight exercisers will challenge your upper body strength and core.  You will also get a surprising burn to your buttocks as I felt mine the day after I did this workout (I think from the bridge type movements).

This DVD has a movement explanation/instruction segment to choose from on the menu and you may want to watch that before you try the workout so the plough roll (think Dreya roll P90X people) to standing up won’t surprise you when it pops up (this is a challenging move and you should not do it if you aren’t familiar with it and risk hurting yourself).

Some of us unlucky ones who purchased this DVD off the bat got one with a 2 second delay during a movement.  Michelle offered a replacement to everyone who did.  I opted out though. It doesn’t really hurt my flow.  It happens during a chair pose segment and I’m not really looking at the screen so it didn’t bother me, you can still hear the sound.

I think this workout is a really well done workout.  It was just what I was hoping for in a more challenging mat fusion type workout.  I hope Michelle releases more of these type workouts with the same amount of challenge.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.  Just because the dancing isn’t intense enough – it’s fun though so I’m not complaining.

 

TapouT XT 2 Total Body XT, 8 Pack Abs and Cross Core Combat 2 Reviews

In my last post I reviewed the “Hurl” workout and I was enthusiastically considering purchasing the TapouT XT2 program. I have since had the opportunity to do 3 more workouts from the series.  While I did like the workouts, I didn’t find them as exciting as the Hurl workout so I don’t think I want to purchase the whole shebang anymore.  I do however plan on trying more workouts from the series through my DVD rental program at Keneticflix.

Total Body XT

This is a 60 minute workout that uses the strength band and the ball. It does just what it says:  It targets every muscle group in your body.  There are many variations of the pushup and biceps curls with the band.  You will definitely burn out your biceps and shoulders (provided you use a high level band). I liked the sinister circle move where you sort of ran side to side around the ball in a plank position.

One caveat is that working with the bands can be sort of a pain because they are hard to change position.  It takes time from the workout.  Plus if you need to adjust it that can take away a rep or two from the movement.

I did feel that it hit every muscle group and the workout is dynamic enough that this isn’t piddly work it just isn’t something I want to do over and over again.

8 Pack Abs XT

This is a 25 minute workout that targets the abs.  This workout starts out and gives you the impression that it is going to be easy but after about 10 minutes into it your abs begin to burn and you understand why Mike tells you that he is “carving” the abs. This workout uses the ball only.

Cross Core Combat 2

This workout is about 65 minutes in length and targets not just your abs but your core.  This workout is longer and more dynamic than the 8 Pack Abs workout.  You will use the ball, strength bands and optional weighted gloves for this workout.  A lot of moves are done in plank position but then there is an added element to it such as a twist or a side plank.  There are a lot of punching drills in the workout utilizing the band.  Sometimes I felt like I was losing some of my range of motion because of the band but maybe I was using too high of a strength band.  Mike does tell you to adjust your bands if needed.

All in all these workouts aren’t bad workouts.  A few things.  I do like Mike the trainer but he was a bit cockier in these than in the Hurl workout and I just didn’t feel as gripped by these workouts as I did the others.  Not enough to stop me from trying others but enough that I don’t want to commit to purchasing the whole package.
Also these are not beginner workouts.  These workouts are for seriously committed folks.  Could I do each and every movement – not on your life – I cannot do jumping pushups my hands are my money maker and I can’t risk hurting my wrist.  I just modify as I need but it is only on a few moves.

 

TapouT XT2 Hurl XT Workout DVD Review

It wasn’t too long ago the the original TapouT XT workout came out.  Maybe two years ago at the most. I remember seeing the infomercials and thinking it looked like a solid workout program.  I’m not a fan of buying a complete program however and that one bypassed me.

Then last year the TapouT XT2 program came out and promised to be even more extreme than the first program.  I glanced through the workouts and saw that one was named Hurl – well that sounded like a challenge that I wanted to partake in.  Nevertheless, I didn’t want to buy the complete program.  One of the best things I have done was buy a subscription to Kineticflix.  It’s sort of like Netflix but completely geared towards fitness/dance DVDs.  They are really good about getting the latest DVDs and programs (including beachbody programs) and you can try them one at a time without committing to purchasing an entire program.  I wanted to try the TapouT XT2 Hurl XT workout for a while now but just kept putting it off.  Then I saw it was available and I decided I was going to put that at the top of my queue.

To view the TapouT XT2 system click this link: 
http://www.tapoutxt.com/xt2-index.html

You will notice that the system primarily uses a weighted/handled ball, strength bands, a jump rope, and weighted gloves.  Some of these are optional and are to intensify the workouts (the gloves).

For Hurl XT you need the ball, a jump rope and weighted gloves.  I used my own light ball and used my weighted gloves.  My 10 lb ball would have been WAY too much weight. Their ball is 4 lbs.  I also used my simulated cardio jump rope instead of a real jump rope.  You could just jump in place during those segments.  You could bypass the gloves completely.  I had to take them off about halfway through as after getting up and down off the floor they started cutting into my hands and I knew I could go harder if I took them off.

This workout was roughly 56 minutes long.  There was a very thorough 7 minute warm up.  The circuits are done in 10 minute blocks (except the final one is a little shorter).  The cardio movements are dynamic mostly being plyometric in nature. You will do a lot of jumping, a lot of pushups, a lot of squats, squat jumps, squat jacks, burpees, sprawls, etc.  There is a short water break between blocks.  Just enough time to grab a sip and towel off.  After the final block you do a minute long Killer Move which was a combination of a burpee and lateral knee tuck jump.  There was a 2 minute cooldown/stretch. I do not think this was enough for this type of intense workout and even the trainer tells you that you should do more stretching on your own.

This workout was right up there with the intensity of the DailyBurn Inferno workouts except this one was longer (the longest Inferno workout is 40 minutes but most of them are 30 minutes).

I loved the sense of accomplishment I got from completing the workout.  I felt invigorated and I felt the endorphins kick in.  My body felt like it had been on a bar-b-que grill.  Did I “hurl?”  No but like I said, had I used my 10 pound ball I think I would have for sure.

I like the trainer/creator Mike Karpenko.  He was pretty much get in, get out, get the job done type of guy and he wasn’t bad to look at either.

I am seriously considering buying this whole program.  I love intense workouts.

 

Ballet Body: Core Ultimate Tummy Tightener w/ Leah Sarago DVD Review

About a month ago I won this workout DVD from Brooklyn FitChick’s blog.  I was really excited to try it.

This DVD is roughly 45 minutes long and doesn’t require any equipment except a mat for the floor segment.  It doesn’t really have a formal warm up it just goes straight into the 9 minute standing toning segment.  I found some of this very challenging.  A lot of the standing moves focus on balance and balance is not one of my strong points.  I did like this segment and I also wish it had been a bit longer.  It started to pick up and almost had a mild cardio effect from moving faster. Then it ended just as it was picking up.

The floor toning segment is 30 minutes long.  Leah does some tucking movements and movements to work not only your front abs but also your obliques.  Some of the techniques she uses like these little circle movements in the holds are really effective and you will feel the burn.  Sometimes the burn was so intense that I had to come out of it for a moment and then go back into it.

The workout ends with a 6 minute stretch.

The set was calming and serene.  The music was sort of funky.  Leah is knowledgeable and serious.   If you can only do workouts that have a fun factor or an instructor with a cheerleader-type personality then this will not be a workout for you.  If you are looking for a serious ab toning workout with a few new techniques then this may just be up your alley.

I would give it 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Thanks to Brooklyn FitChick for offering this on your blog.  Find Brooklyn FitChick’s blog here:
http://brooklynfitchick.com/

Since I liked the core workout so much and I enjoy lower body barre workouts, I thought I would try this one in the series. I like to do barre workouts because although I’m old school squats, lunges and deadlifts, I feel that barre workouts just get into those nooks and crannies of your butt/legs that those movements just don’t hit.  I have to be honest and say that I didn’t like it as much as the core workout.  It did burn and I’m sure it was effective but I’m used to doing barre workouts which have a bit of a cardio effect in the standing portions.

The standing portion of this workout is 34 minutes.  You will need either a sturdy chair or a workout barre for this segment of the workout.  There are portions facing the barre and portions where you are sideways to the barre.  The relevés and pliés with the circle movements really get your quads burning.  The standing segment will also get your calves burning as well.  The lunge-like movements with leg lifts while facing the barre will make the buttock of your standing leg really feel an intense burn.

There is a 7 minute floor toning segment for which you will need a mat.  These movements are mostly one-legged bridge lifts with some interesting techniques thrown in.  After this portion your butt will be fried!

Thankfully this workout has a very thorough 13 minute stretch.

Again, like the core workout, this does not have a fun factor (unless you are a masochist).  So you may not like it if you only go for workouts like that.

I would give this workout a 3 out of 5 stars because the techniques really are effective.  I just prefer other barre type workouts to this one.

 

SWEAT: More with Jen Edwards Workout DVD Review

SWEAT: More with Jen Edwards is an aero/tone interval workout that utilizes high intensity cardio movements and compound strength movements to give you a killer workout.  This workout has 5 segments and within each segment are 3 movements. The first is the cardio high intensity move which is usually a higher impact movement.  The other two are the compound strength movements that utilize a dumbbell.  There are three circuits.  The first round is 60 seconds, the second round is 45 seconds and the third “speed” round is 30 seconds (Jen usually bumps up the intensity in this round).  You will need at least one dumbbell for this workout.  I used a variety of weights depending on what I could handle.  I used 15#, 10#, 8# and 5# (for the tricep move – hey that burned).  Jen uses a 5 pound weight throughout while the background people used 3 pounds.  If you are advanced level five or three pounds will be too easy for you and you are really going to have to bump up the weight (like me).  There is a modifier for someone who cannot do higher impact moves.

After a nice thorough warm up:

First Segment Moves:  Hook Jack – Side Lunge – Back Row with Glute Squeeze

Second Segment Moves:  Basketball Drill – Quick Feet – Lunge and Twist

Third Segment Moves: Jack and Punch – Squat & Swing – Overhead Tricep Extension

Fourth Segment Moves:  Swimming Speed Skaters – Around the Clock Squat – Diagonal Knee Shoulder Press

Fifth Segment Moves:  Jump Rope – Side Shuffle with Weight (more dynamic – the shuffle is sort of a hop) -Diagonal Squat Press (bumped up with a kick)

This workout ends with a core cool down consisting of some rotations with the weight and side bends with weight. There is a short stretch that is sufficient but nothing like a Cathe stretch.

This workout is roughly 60 mins.  The set for this workout was nice and clean and pleasant to look at.  This was my first workout with Jen Edwards.  I liked her.  She was motivating enough but wasn’t a bully at all.  She was knowledgeable and offered tips throughout.  This workout is a high-intermediate level and is great for someone at that level wanting to advance their workout. It may be too challenging for a beginner but if they wanted to step out of their comfort zone they could try doing all the modified moves.  An advanced level wouldn’t be bored if they really pushed the cardio portions and used heavy weights for the strength segments.  If an advanced level used 5 pounds throughout I don’t think they would feel challenged at all and would think this workout was too easy.

Jen Edwards also has a SWEAT: Total Body Burn workout available but I have not tried that because it is labeled as an intermediate level only not intermediate/advanced like this one is.

I would give this workout video 3 1/2 stars. I would like to see Jen Edwards release something even MORE challenging than this!  I think she would be really great at it.

 

 

ACE HIIT Series with Chris Fretag (Disc 1) Workout DVD Review

Chris Freytag recently released a series of HIIT workouts.  HIIT workouts seem to be all the rage at the moment because if you workout at a higher intensity and give it your all you can get a good workout in in a shorter amount of time than if you were doing steady state cardio for a longer length workout.

I have reviewed Chris Freytag workouts before on my blog back in 2011 when she released the Slimdown Xtreme series.  I was a fan of those and I am a fan of these HIIT workouts.  On Disc 1 there are 4 separate workouts all containing their own warmup and cooldown.  Each 30 minute workout focuses in on a particular part of the body:  Upper, Lower, Core and Total Body.  Chris’ intervals are Tabata-style intervals of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest.  There are 4 moves mostly rotating from a strength movement to a dynamic/plyometric movement (Chris gives low impact options and strength modifiers as well).  You complete this series twice for one total Tabata and rest for 45 seconds then repeat those same four moves again twice for a second total Tabata.  After repeating those 4 moves you get a set of 4 new movements and complete them in the same fashion (repeat moves twice for one total Tabata and rest for 45 seconds then repeat those same four moves again twice for a second total Tabata).  Now to really finish yourself off Chris gives you 4 more new moves that you repeat twice for one total Tabata and then you are ready for the cooldown (you do not rest and do this Tabata again).  In all 4 workouts there are a total of 5 Tabatas.   You will need varying sizes of dumbbells for the movements and Chris encourages you to go as heavy as you can to really challenge yourself and get your heart rate up. You may also need a mat and a bottle of water.

HIIT workouts are not supposed to be easy.  You are supposed to be going all out in the working time periods and relishing the short rests when they come.  As Chris explains Tabatas build on intensity and you will feel more fatigued as the workout goes on.

I think this workout is about a high intermediate level with enough to keep advanced level people happy.  It’s not quite as high intensity as a Cathe HIIT workout or the Inferno Intervals but I feel that it’s because some of the strength moves sort of slow you down.  Some of you may like this aspect. If you are a beginner and have never tried a HIIT workout, while these workouts are not easy I think Chris gives enough modifications to get you through the workout. This may be a great introduction to HIIT.  I really think that Chris’ gentle and encouraging nature isn’t going to make you feel bullied into doing something you cannot do.  As Chris always says:  YES YOU CAN!   Before you know it the workout is over and you have enjoyed yourself.

The second disc of this workout contains 2 10 minute toning portions and a 20 minute yoga segment.  I did not do the second disc yet and my review is of the HIIT workouts on Disc 1 only.   For the money, I think Disc 1 is worth it so having a second disc thrown in only an added bonus!!!

Overall I would give this an A-.  Only adding the minus sign for the drop in intensity that I crave.

 

Cathe XTrain Burn Sets (Disc 3) Workout DVD Review

I originally had a taste of Burn Sets when Burn Sets Bi’s showed up as a Bonus onthe Cardio Legs Blast workout DVD. I really liked the concept.  In fact, I wish that Cathe would create a Burn Sets Legs workout or at least have it as a segment in a DVD.   You will need various sizes of dumbbells for this workout and Cathe also utilizes a strength band and the firewalker (for one of he moves).   As far as weight loads – think 20s, 25s, 30s, 10s and 8s (for the smaller muscle groups).

Burn sets is two separate workouts.  Chest, Back and Shoulders are grouped together (51 minutes) and Bi’s and Tri’s are grouped together (37 minutes).  Depending on your preference in working out muscle groups you can do them separately or do them altogether for a long and thorough workout.

I purchased this because I felt that I wasn’t being totally honest in my upper body workouts and while these moves are classic gym style movements the concept will work you to total failure to give you results.

In each muscle group their are 3 movements where Cathe does 10 reps of the movement for 2 of the sets and on the 3rd set this is to be your failure set and you are to train to failure.  After the three movements, Cathe adds in a burn set of one exercise for that muscle group to really fry and finish your muscle.   Each muscle group is trained before moving on to another muscle group.

After doing this workout DVD 5 times I could really notice a difference in my biceps – they definitely look more pumped up.  I do go heavy in this workout and go up in weight when I feel that I have gotten stronger in a movement.  I do not cheat myself so that I can see results.   For the smaller muscle groups where you can’t go up 5 lbs I do as Cathe suggests and use my weighted gloves to add resistance.

The Bonus workout is the Core #1 which is a great workout that will not only work your core but your hip flexors will be feeling it as well.

While this workout will not be exciting to some people (the music is pretty boring) – if you want to see results in your upper body – this workout will deliver (provided you go heavy).

 

Lindsay Brin Pretty Fierce Lean Out – Anaerobic Capacity Cardio DVD Review

Lindsay Brin has two new fitness programs – Pretty Fierce Lean Out and Pretty Fierce Weight Loss – tailored to whether or not you just need to shape and define your body more or maybe you have some serious weight to lose.  These 60 day programs are multi-disc sets (weight loss is 8 discs and lean out is 11 discs).  My review is from the Lean Out program and is the Anaerobic Capacity Cardio DVD only.

My first dealing with Lindsay Brin was a boot camp type of workout.  When I first saw Lindsay I just thought that she was put in the forefront because she is cute and pretty. Looking at her, she appears to be just barely out of her teens so at first I thought what could this little girl possibly offer to me.  I quickly learned that I was totally wrong.  Lindsay is not only in her early 30s, she is a mother of three and totally knows her way around the fitness world.  She is marketed towards “Moms into Fitness” – which I am not a mom but I don’t think that means you cannot do her workouts.

I was really happy to see that Lindsay had released not only one but two new 60 day multi-disc programs.

For the Anaerobic Capacity Cardio workout you will not need any equipment.  It is about 36 minutes in length includes a warm up and a stretch and focuses on HIIE or HIIT training.

While the market seems to be bombarded with HIIT training workouts at the moment this DVD had a couple of things different going for it.  It is set up with 10 movements of 40 seconds work on and 20 seconds of rest and it is intended that you go all out.   A cool feature on this DVD is that you can see the move that you are doing and the moves that are coming up running across the bottom of the screen.  The movement you are currently doing is highlighted and you are able to see what movement is coming up (then you can either dread it or be thankful for the next move).  There is also a “seconds” clock on the lower right hand corner so you know where you are at in your work.  The ten movements are plyometric/dynamic movements intended to get your heart rate up. Lindsay explains she wants you to “gas” your heart and not your muscles.  The type of movements are High Knees – Jack w/ Big Jacks, Mini Suicide Runs, Mountain Climber to High Knees, Double Jump Ropes, Speed Skaters, Switch to Knee Hops R/L, Heel to High Knee Jump Ropes, and finally 2 plank jacks to 2 pike jacks.

After that first round of ten moves you get a one minute break.  You then go into what Lindsay terms the Superfit 60/60 which are moves that are a little higher in intensity and are done for 60 seconds and 60 seconds of rest.  There are only 4 Superfit moves total.  Power Slaloms, Burpee Jack & Tuck, Switch Knee Kicks L/R.

After the 60 second rest, you then do the first ten moves in descending order – 2 pike jacks to plank jacks, Heel to High Knee Jump Rops, Switch Knee Hops R/L, Speed Skaters, etc. These moves are the 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds of rest.

This is a nice quick HIIT workout.  It got me breathless and I enjoyed it.  I liked the Superfit section between the two 40/20 rounds and I like that she did the second set in descending order.

Lindsay is a no holds barred instructor.  She pushes.  She’s a little spit fire.  I hope that I am able to offer more workout reviews from either one of her new programs.

As a heads up I also hear she has pregnancy workout coming out soon.  (NOT THAT I WILL BE NEEDING THAT!)

 

Paul Katami’s Bootcamp 4x4x2 Workout DVD Review

Paul Katami’s Burn & Build Kettlebell workout DVD was my overall winner in 2011 for best workout DVD of the year.  I love Paul’s style as a workout leader.  Before Bootcamp 4x4x2 I had only done Paul’s kettlebell workout DVDs.  When this was first released I was really excited to try it out but then I read a few reviews on it about it being very plank based exercises and I put off trying it out for a while.  While I don’t mind plank exercises a video with too many of them is hard on my wrists and my hands happen to be my money-maker so I have to be careful in that aspect.  Upon second thought I decided to try it and I’m sorry I didn’t try it sooner.  I didn’t find that there were too many plank exercises.  Paul seemed to segment these moves between others, i.e., doing a move that is plyometric in nature, then a plank based exercise and then another dynamic movement type exercise.

For this workout you will need a few sets of dumbbells.  This workout only has a short warmup to you may want to warm up a bit on your own before this workout. The cool down is sufficient.

This workout is set up in blocks of 4 movements performed for a minute a piece with 15 seconds between movements and 30 seconds between blocks.  Each block is completed twice.  There are 4 total blocks for the original workout but Paul throws in what he calls a bonus block.  If you select the main workout program on the DVD though this “bonus” does play along with the other 4 blocks.

Paul tells you to push yourself in the movements but he also tells you that it is okay to take a few second break if you need to and to tailor it to your own threshold.  He doesn’t have a dedicated modifier in the workout but tells you that it is okay to modify if you need to and I don’t think it would be too hard to come up with a sufficient modifier own your own.

This workout snuck up on me.  While completing it I thought to myself, “This isn’t so bad” but then that night I wound up in bed a lot earlier than usual and definitely slept deeper than usual that night (I have problems sleeping so this is a big thing to note).

While the workout isn’t anything out of the ordinary compared to other advanced circuit type workouts, (think Patrick Goudeau, Cathe, Toby Massenburg) this is a good solid workout and if you love Paul Katami’s style, I don’t think this one will disappoint.

AFTERWARD:  RedPanda reminded me in the comments that this workout has an option on the menu to mix up the workout – that way you may do what was originally block 4 as block 1 and what was originally block 2 as block 4, etc.  That way you wouldn’t know what was coming and it would be a surprise.   These are always added benefits to workout DVDs that make them better than the rest.

 

Cathe Friedrich XTrain: Cardio Leg Blast (Disc 6) Workout DVD Review

Just as promised I am back with my review of the Cardio Leg Blast (disc 6) workout from Cathe’s XTrain series.

I will say right off the bat that I liked this better than Legs.  Initially this is the workout I was excited about when Cathe announced the XTrain series but after seeing a video of the Legs workout I had changed my mind to wanting just Legs.  Well my mind is changing back again and this is the one that I prefer.

Cathe uses heavier weights in this workout (think #20, #25) and does shorter reps. I would say if this is too heavy then use a lighter weight but please use heavy enough to challenge yourself – just not too much to hurt your back.  Especially if you are not used to a heavier weight.  You could even choose heavier weight if it is available and you are used to it.  After a good warmup, Cathe alternates cardio blasts with strength portions as listed below.   Equipment needed:  Dumbbells (several weights tailored to your needs) Step  (Cathe uses 3 risers – I say tailor to your needs or use what you have available)  Dixie Cups (I don’t use them) and Firewalker Loop stretchy strength band (could get away without this but do buy yourself one for other workouts these things are great).

Round One:

Cardio: Pop squats/jump ropes/plyo jacks   Strength:  Alternating Back Lunges  (#20s)

Round Two:

Cardio:  Touch down jacks/split jumps    Strength: Plie Squats  (one 25#)

Round Three:

Cardio:  Side Explosive Lunges      Strength:  Elevated Lunges  (what I would call a split lunge – you put your foot up on your step)

Round Four:

Cardio:  Frog jumps forward/back/Plie Jacks    Strength:  Wide Stance Deadlifts (#20s)

Round Five:

Cardio:  Plyo Jacks/Air Jacks    Strength:  Squats (#20s)

Round Six: 

Cardio: Dixie Cup Lateral Skates (opt. cups)         Strength:  Step Ups (#20s)

Round Seven:

Cardio:  Power 7/Up Jack Down Jack (w/ a step – could do on floor)   Strength:  Static Lunge  (#20s)

Round Eight:

Cardio:  Fast Feet Shuffle/Jump Rope (step)    Strength:  Plie Squat Step Outs

Round Nine:

Cardio:  Right Leg Lead Jump Ups onto the Step/Straddle Off & Step Down   Strength:  Deadlift w/ Elevated Toes (opt.)  (#20s)

Round Ten:

Cardio:  Left Leg Lead Jump Ups onto the Step/Straddle Off & Step Down     Strength:   Side Lunges (one #15 – I think I could have gone heavier)

Round Eleven:

Cardio:  Step Knee Tap Down/Step Freeze    Strength:  Single Leg Deadlifts w/ back toe down  (#20s)

Round Twelve:

Cardio:  L-Step Into Over Top of Step Six Times      Strength:  Alternating Front Lunges onto Step (opt. — #15s)

There is an adequate stretch as per usual.

I liked this workout a lot.  With the cardio portions it offered the intensity that I like.  I still didn’t feel it was up to the standards of Butts and Guts however.  I would give this one an A-.  I did think it was better than Legs but again it goes back to doing more sets with each movement and working to fatigue.

Besides this “regular” 54 minute workout Cathe offers lots of goodies.  The great chaptering that you all have come to know, plenty of premixes and bonuses and challenges that I will talk about below.

Cathe gives us TWO bonuses in this workout.

First it’s Core #2 (I would venture a guess one of the other videos contains #1).  In this short workout you will fatigue your abs for sure.   Think 60 reps!  Thankfully Cathe lets off a little progressively.  You will work your obliques thoroughly as well. This is roughly about 13 minutes (give or take a few).

The second bonus is Burn Sets Bi’s.  After doing this bonus I now know one thing for certain I am going to purchase the Burn Sets Workout DVD in the XTrain series.  I’m not going to give a lot away because I will be reviewing it but let’s just say I wish that Cathe had done a Burn Sets Legs. It’s all about fatigue.

Challenges:

Cathe gives us two 100 rep challenges:

Scarecrow:  Which is a move where your arms look like they are in a goal post position. You alternate raising the “LIGHT” weight from flat to the goalpost position or scarecrow if you will. Trust me you will feel it.  I started with 5 pound weights but after about 50 had to go down to 3s.

She “re-gave” us the Hip Thrust 100 Rep Challenge that was also on Legs.  This is where you lie on the floor and have your back elevated and using a barbell, dumbbell or weight plate “thrust” your hips up and down.  This is great for the booty!