Cathe Friedrich- Low Max
Equipment needed: step
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Bottom line: a solid, low-impact routine, but pretty monotonous despite some choreographically challenging step segments
Despite my respect for Cathe, there are some Cathe routines I’m not crazy about, and this is one of them. It’s intended to be a completely low-impact but high-intensity cardiovascular workout, but while it is low-impact, I found the intensity lukewarm.
The workout cycles through lower intensity step routines that I found frustrating the first time through because they weren’t as well cued as I’ve come to expect from Cathe. More importantly, though, they involved a lot of walking around, and I found that my heart rate dropped below my training zone during these sections. The higher-intensity sections were easier to follow and raised my heart rate but were also really, really repetitive. I know that’s the unfortunate nature of low-impact workouts because you have less to work with, but by the 15,000th squat, I was bored to tears.
I can see the appeal of the workout for those who really cannot tolerate high-impact workouts, but those with knee problems will still have issues because of all the deep squats and lunges. And for those of us who can tolerate some impact, other options are better.
Overall: this workout is well-cued and provides as much intensity as could be expected for a low-impact workout, but in comparison to other advanced or intermediate/advanced level workouts, it is easier and much less fun.