I'm usually hesitant to get workouts that are new. I prefer older workouts, say workouts that have been out at least a year, as their reputations tend to be more established over time.
I had the chance recently to get Montenegro Method Strength for a little over $3 shipped. I checked the reviews for it and also saw a clip of it before getting it. They tended to be mixed. There were very few discussions of the workout here, too. At that price, I had to get it. I wasn't really expecting to like it though. I saw it listed on wish lists so if I didn't like it, I knew I wouldn't have a problem trading it away. Well...then I did it this morning.
WOW!!!
This dvd is amazing!! The exercises are effective and unique; I love the music; virtually everything Marta does is a compound move, often things I've never seen before; and you just gotta love her accent ("dumb-bulls"
). Even though the workouts are separated into upper body, lower and core/abs, they really aren't distinct workouts limited to those areas. Even the core section includes squats and lunges. There's so much muscle integration that it can be tough to tell all the things you're working during the moves. You can easily mix and match the different workouts to customize the exact workout you want to do.
I finished the full workout about an hour ago and I'm really feeling it in my back as I'm typing. There's a strong focus on the core throughout and she often reminds you to keep your core and abs tight. There are almost no rest breaks making this an even greater challenge. The moves themselves are so clever that for variety junkies like myself, it fits right in. She always does 10 reps, on each side if applicable, except for the core section where she does 12 so you can pick your weights accordingly (I strongly suggest medium to light weights).
Ok, yes there is a drawback. There's no warm up or cool down. Considering how well planned the workout structure is, I have no idea why. I have the feeling they'd be great. It's rare for me to do a workout without previewing it first but I did that this time and forgot those were missing. I just began with medium weights and did fine. I was actually expecting to go heavier (after all, this is a strength workout) but the mediums were perfect.
I realize I really lucked out getting this for slightly more than an sase but this far exceeded my expectations. It's definitely advanced but if you follow the modifier and maybe use light weights throughout, it could be suitable for intermediates (or maybe high intermediates). It's certainly a workout like no other I've done.
I'm surprised that we haven't had more discussions about this one. I think a lot of people who try this will like it and enjoy adding it to their routine. I wanted to give this innovative and challenging workout the attention I feel it deserves.