Cathe Friedrich: Ripped with HiiT - HiiT Circuit Lower Body

I hate step. I should start by saying that because it really guides my review of this disc. I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the other reviews that said a "traditional step warm-up" etc. I was thinking we were using the step to change elevation levels and make the leg workout harder. But we are usually using the step as a, well, step aerobics kind of step. I despise that. I hate the leg up leg over bounce back do a repeater type stuff. And that's what we do. So I find myself doing what I like to do on the step, which is lunges, box jumps, Mary Katherines, etc. And if I'm not following the DVD, I don't find it to be that great. Also, the entire warm-up is choreographed step aerobics and I don't like it. I also tried a couple premixes and found them to be super jumpy - meaning the transitions aren't smooth from one to the next. It's probably the nature of the premixes that I choose, but other times I've picked premixes and I'm generally really impressed with how they transition the chapters.What I do really like is the mixing of cardio and weight intervals. I don't use the weights Cathe et al use and I don't keep changing between barbell and dumbbell. I typically pick 8 or 10 pound dumbbells and just use them for the whole workout.I've only recently discovered Cathe Friedrich (past year or so) and although I really love some of the DVDs I've used, I'm not a total convert. Seems like most folks love every DVD that she puts out, but I definitely like some more than others. This is not a favorite because of my aversion to step, but I do think it delivers a good workout. Not sure how that will pan out for me as far as how often I reach for it. 3.5 stars

Fantastic workout!! Challenging and never boring. It's nonstop and definitely not for beginners. All of Cathe's dvds are great, but this one takes it up a notch from her previous series. I highly recommend for individuals looking to get their heart rate up and keep it there. You do weights and cardio intervals throughout. Definitely a new favorite!!

I love this workout, and would have given 5 stars except for the warm up which is too fast paced for a warm up IMO. I do a regular warm up, and then use Cathe's warm up as part of the cardio section. Apart from this, it's a great lower body and/or step workout. Fun and I like the music.

Another great Cathe workout!She never disappoints!

Another great workout by Cathe!

I'm always excited about buying cathe's dvd's. She challenges me beyond my limits and I'm left feeling great about what I've accomplished. She never disappoints.

Thanks! Awesome lower body workout.

I was completely humbled by this workout. I was thinking that this wouldn't be that hard since my legs are the strongest part of my body. Well, I was mistaken. But it was all in a good way, of course.This wonderful workout combines cardio blasts with leg strength training moves. It is one very tough workout. I think it's the hardest of the Ripped with Hiit Series. I couldn't use the same weights as Cathe by a long shot. My heart was pounding and my legs were fried even when I was using significantly less weight! I also wasn't doing the high impact jumping off of and onto the step that Cathe was doing. Yet, my heart rate was up there.Workout time: 46:48 minutesEquipment needed:Barbell - Cathe uses a 40 pound barbellDumbbells - Cathe uses 8, 12, 15, 20 and 25 pound dumbbellsStep with 2 risersWorkout crew: Amanda, Deazie, Jai and KateOutfits: purple tops and black bottomsPremixes: Range from 27 to 67 minutes. The two Bonus Ab Routines are included on this disc as well.Workout details:Warm up (5:12)It's a traditional step warm up. I found this tough to start with since I workout at 5:00 am. I need some gentler cardio to get my body ready for this high impact and high intensity workout.Power box - very HIGH impact. Cathe offers doing bunny hop jumps as an alternativeIce breakersBarbell Squat - 40 pound barbellWeighted pulse squats across long end of step - 1 12 pound dumbbellPower scissorsRunning manWeighted lateral walks - 2 15 pound dumbbellsGrounded switch jumpsLunge back from top of step - 1 20 pound dumbbellStep knee, down tap and 2 power scissorsPlie squat - 40 pound barbellPower circle off step, side knee, jump freezeJump off and onto stepNarrow squat - 40 pound barbellPlie jacks with narrow stanceCross back lunge on step - 1 15 pound dumbbellJump around corner of stepLine taps on floorStatic lunges - 2 20 pound dumbbellsDeadlift - 2 25 pound dumbbellsWide tap lunge off of stepSide lunge to one legged lunge - 1 8 pound dumbbellWide stance deadlift - 40 pound barbellStretch (5:44 minutes) lying on step. I have never looked forward to a stretch so much as I did this one!If you are looking for a tough and fun leg workout that will also get your heart pumping, you might enjoy this workout!