Maximum Intensity Strength

Cathe Friedrich
Year Released: 1998

Categories: Total Body Workouts


I love using my Firm parts video's for strengthening and toning, but I wanted to find something else out there for variety. After seeing great reviews from everyone on MIS, I decided to buy it. I was a little scared that it would actually be harder than Standing Legs and Tough Tape. I would have to say, for the most part, it's comparable. I found the leg section of MIS challenging (I used a 35 lb barbell and 15lb & 12lb dumbells as called), but not as challenging at SL or TT. I think because it's not as long... I'm not sure why. It's still very good and it'll be just the the variety I was seeking. I found the arm segments to be very tough. I think MIS is a little bit harder than Firm's Upper Body mainly because you do the reps at a slower tempo. I find I am able to use a heavier weight this way. UB is still good and I will continue to use it (and ,of course, Cory's Get Hard Arms too) as part of my rotation. The ab section is really tough - I liked that! Nothing fancy. Lot's of crunches.

Overall, I think this is a great strength tape for your whole body. Cathe does a great job covering every area. You work your quads, hamstrings, glutes, inner and outer thighs, hips, abs, triceps, biceps, back, shoulders, chest....I think I covered everything! She does an excellent job giving you pointers before each set. Plus, what else I liked was that she told you what size weight she was using (I always hated that the FIRM didn't do that!). I find that that really helps me gage where I should be. Oh, and the best part is she stretches after nearly all the sets, and believe me, you are very happy she does that! It's great for the muscles you're working and it's even better to get that break you'll desperately need! Cathe also uses her step for these exercises. If you don't own one, you can still use this tape and get a great workout.

If you're looking for another total body stength video besides the Firm Parts, this is it. You won't be disappointed!

Instructor Comments:
I have to say that the first thing I noticed about this tape was the music in the warmup. It reminded me of the theme from Match Game or the music they played in the background for Starsky & Hutch. Real funky-like! But that's ok, it was fun to listen to. Cathe is great. She's a wonderful instructor and has a fabulous body. I really liked her personality a lot!

Diana mason

01/25/1999