Pure Strength Vol. 1: Strong Legs and Abs

Cathe Friedrich
Year Released: 1999

Categories: Lower Body Strength


I've previewed this tape once and done it once, and I couldn't wait to add my comments. It's been an hour and a half since I finished the workout, and my legs still remember that they worked hard! If you are looking for a workout that will hit every muscle of the lower body THOROUGHLY and without being overly repetitive, this is the workout for you! Cathe does it all in this one--lunges and dips (light and heavy sets), squats with a barbell, plie squats with a 15 lb. bodybar(with the body bar you step out and plie, then bring your legs together) and a barbell, leg presses with dumbbells on a 12" step (these are kind of a cross between The Firm leg presses and tall box climbs. Cathe doesn't prep on the ball of her foot; she has the knee at a 90 degree ankle and steps up). Cathe appears to be using a 45 lb. barbell and 12 or 15 lb. dumbbells (I think she uses 5's for the warm-up sets maybe 8's). I used 5's for the warm-up sets, 15 lb. dumbbells, and a 40 lb. barbell. I could probably have gone slightly heavier with the barbell (for comparison, I use a 35 lb. barbell and feel it when I do MIS). Cathe explains that when women weight train, since they are usually able to hold more weight on their backs than they can comfortably lift without a spotter, she is focusing on lifting a safe amount of weight for more reps at home (therefore, endurance as well). Cathe also mentions that if you are afraid of bulking up, you can use lighter weights (and than she says, "But I know that you are an educated crowd!").

After the standing leg work, there is floorwork. Killer, I might add. Cathe uses a 15 lb. body bar for this section. I used my unloaded barbell (15 lbs.) She does inner and outer thigh work this way. Very effective--definitely harder that the Firm! Cathe does say that you can use ankle weights or no weights during this section. You could also use a dumbbell on your leg if you wanted to. She does some bridgework for the hamstrings using the step. This was the one and only part that I wasn't crazy about--I feel like I am better able to isolate my hamstrings using tablework. Maybe I just have to work on my form. Abs are next--they are short but sweet. I liked them--they are intense, but I like the ab work in MIS and Body Max a little better. I feel that it's a little more thorough. There is a short stretch at the end, but as Cathe explains, she does a lot of stretching in between sets.

What a workout--I love it! WWWendy was right--I'm sure that a lot of people will be trading their copies of Standing Legs. I like Strong Legs & Abs a lot better! Oh, and I like the music and the cityscape set, but you hardly notice it at all when you are doing the tape. You're working so hard! So is Cathe; you sure do see her legs tremble! But she keeps her perfect form. I am SO glad that I purchased the Pure Strength series!

Instructor Comments:
Cathe does a wonderful job instructing this video, as always. She encourages you to challenge yourself, while at the same time emphasizing good form, safety, and working at your own pace. She is very nonintimidating, and makes you feel like you are right there in class with her. Wonderful! She looks fabulous, too--her work with heavy weights is sure paying off!

Kristin Aziz

01/11/1999