Hardcore: Low Max

Cathe Friedrich
Year Released: 2005

Categories: Step Aerobics


For me, this workout was just what the doctor ordered. A solid, fun low-impact step workout that still challenges you in typical Cathe fashion. I have knees that are sensitive some days, and other workouts like Step Works and Imax are just not feasible when they act up. So the dilemma has always been how I could challenge myself fitness-wise and avoid injury. Other low- impact offerings are really for beginners or low-intermediate, and I never feel like I'm working at my level. Low Max is different, and not at all a wimpy "filler" interlude.

After the warm-up and stretch, the workout alternates step combos with lower body "blasts", which are high intensity toning intervals. Cathe is careful to plan the blasts in a way that your muscles get fully worked without making the routine montone or overdoing yourself to the point where it's just pain. However, your tush and quads will burn, don't worry.

I really find myself enjoying the step intervals too. Not since PowerMax have I had such a good time with the choreography. Dancy enough to be fun, but not *overly* fancy with the footwork. It took me a couple of workouts to get all the moves down, but once you learn it, it flows naturally. For some reason the sequence with the 1 hamstring/2 "butt kick" repeater cracks me up; I feel like a Russian cossack when I do them.

I hope Cathe does another low-impact workout, and soon. I'm wearing this one out.

Instructor Comments:
Awesome cueing, motivating, friendly

Rachel B.

07/11/2005