Cathe Friedrich- Body Max 2
Equipment used: step; 3-15 lb dumbbells (you’ll probably need at least two pairs, one lighter and one heavier); barbell (optional- you can use dumbbells); stability ball
Level: Advanced
Bottom line: you’d be hard pressed to find a more thorough or better-designed advanced step routine than this one.
This is hands down my favorite step aerobics routine and is flawless in almost every regard. The cuing is excellent, the choreography is challenging but doable and fun, you’re working hard the whole time, and there are segments that really get your heart rate pounding. This is one of the only DVDs I own that I can actually force myself to do when my schedule requires that I work out in the morning. I abhor morning workouts because I feel stiff and have much lower endurance than later on in the day, regardless of how much I’ve slept or what I have (or haven’t) eaten. Body Max 2 is just so much fun that by 20 minutes in, I’m done complaining and am happily stepping along with Cathe and her crew.
The first third or so of Body Max 2 is pure high-impact step aerobics, the second third is step aerobics combined with aerobic interval “blasts” and leg strength exercises (squats and lunges), and the final third is upper body training. I usually skip the upper body training because I don’t like to do strength training right after aerobics, but done in its entirety, this full-body workout integrates elements from several styles of training, including aerobics, aerobic/toning intervals and strength circuits.
Unlike in some other step workouts, the combinations are extremely well broken down, but not repeated so many times that they bore you. The “blasts” are difficult and raise my heart rate, but they’re not as long as the blasts in some of Cathe’s other workouts (which can become tedious). Finally, the strength training is thorough and covers both the upper and lower bodies.
Overall: this high-impact step aerobics routine integrate well-cued step combinations with higher-intensity routines that are challenging but not torturous. It is high-energy and should keep you in your training zone throughout. The combination of several types of workouts is very efficient and keeps things interesting.
See Collage Video for a break down of this workout.
February 19th, 2010 at 22:22
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April 21st, 2010 at 00:18
Aerobics is so hard there are so many videos and products. I would like to find something more fun to do to stay in shape. I used to play hockey all the time years ago and with out realizing it it kept me in shape.
April 21st, 2010 at 18:18
Tyler, yeah, aerobics have kept me in great shape! But my favorite (and the most fun, I think) is kickboxing. Some kickboxing DVDs will absolutely kick your butt, and it feels so good! I’d recommend Tae Bo if you want something with very little choreography but a very fast pace. If you’re in good shape, try Get Ripped Advanced I or II (even harder with weighted gloves or hand weights). If you’re at more of an intermediate level, check out Total Body Fat Blaster (super hard with the resistance bands). I also love Ilaria’s PowerStrike 4 and 5. Although some people find them a little boring, I think they’re excellent. If you want a crazy challenge in terms of choreography and level, try Amy Bento’s Kickbox Xtreme or Kickbox Surge. Hope that helps!
April 23rd, 2010 at 15:01
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