I'm always looking for extended stretches to add on to my workouts and Cathe's Stretch Max from the Hardcore series is one of my go-to's if I budget 20 minutes to work out the kinks. Cathe leads her Hardcore crew in a series of athletic stretches while mellow music tinkles in the background. These are total-body stretch routines.

All workouts need a mat. Workout 1 uses no other equipment, Workout 2 uses a stability ball and you'll need a band or yoga strap for Workout 3.

These are not long, relaxing yoga-style stretches; Cathe holds most positions for 8 counts or so. The no-equipment workout seems to move the fastest, while the band workout has slightly longer holds and a lot of moves for hips and groin. All workouts incorporate standing and floor stretches but you don't jump up and down; you'll finish all the floor work before getting up, or all the standing work is at the beginning and then you move to the floor. Cathe says "next, we're gonna....." a lot as her standard cue. She doesn't cue about breath or positioning very well; I have to look at the screen frequently to see what she's doing in the ball workout.

Positives: short, thorough, familiar stretches
Negatives: stretches not held for long enough, cues could be more specific

Instructor Comments:
Cathe is very professional, though she does seem a little out of her element in cueing a slower workout. This is the series in which she is the most muscular and ripped and it is impressive.

athompson10