I wanted to add a more recent review of the Pure Strength workouts because there are so many new options available now. This is a classic series of strength videos that I still go back to regularly because it does great things for my upper body. (I haven’t been doing the Leg workout as much lately because I have too many other leg workouts to choose from.) Aside from P90X, these videos give me the most straightforward, gym-style, heavy workouts that I can find to use at home. The upper body workouts are around 45 minutes – shorter than P90X or Cathe’s Slow & Heavy series – so you can really give it your all without burning out before the end. It also makes it possible to add in some cardio if you want.

Back/Biceps gives you classic exercises that are mostly done at a moderate speed for 10 reps. The back exercises are my favorite back workout on video – the T-Bar Rows really get my back unlike any other exercise that I can do at home. I was really happy to find these after giving up my gym membership and the lat pull-down machine there. The biceps work is solid, as well; I’m usually giddy throughout the whole bicep section because I’m so happy there are no crazy 8s! The workout can easily be shortened if you don’t want to focus so much on a body part – just skip to the next chapter on the DVD after 1 or 2 sets rather than doing all 3 sets.

This is still a really worthwhile workout to get, even though it’s ancient (5 years old!) in the world of exercise videos! If you want to start lifting heavier weights, this is a great place to start. You can use whatever weights make it a challenge for you; do 1, 2, or all 3 sets of each exercise according to your needs; and you can grow with it indefinitely by increasing your weights and doing all 3 sets.

Instructor Comments:
Cathe is a pro in these workouts. I think she’s a bit more to the point/less chatty than in some of her newer workouts, but she’s still friendly and at-ease in front of the camera. All of the usual background exercisers are there, so you’ll feel right at home and have lots of inspiring women to work out with.

KathyW