Cathe Friedrich's Pyramid Lower and Upper Body DVD

Two ultra-intense, “hard core” weight training workouts. You'll reshape your body with time-tested, gym-proven techniques — Supersets and Pyramid Training. You'll begin with 12 reps of lighter weights, then 10 reps of mid-level weights, then 8 reps of the heaviest weights. That's repeated “down the pyramid” to 10 reps and 12 reps again (but the DVD also offers a “just up” or “just down” option). The supersets only add to the challenge — each muscle group is targeted with at least two different exercises. The combination is absolutely guaranteed to fatigue your muscles to exhaustion (which allows them to rebuild even stronger). Both programs end with a short stability ball segment.

Cathe Friedrich's cuing is superb; she offers tips, keeps you on-pace and provides inspiration (e.g. her “light” barbell is 40 lbs!). Includes some recognizable songs like “Cold as Ice,” “Crazy on You” and “Miami Vice Theme.”

Requires a barbell, a stability ball and at least three sets of dumbbells (e.g. 5, 10 and 15 lbs.). A 14 inch high step is also used. ©2003.

PYRAMID UPPER BODY: Designed to increase lean muscle mass —and also shape and sculpt the upper body — this workout focuses on the full pyramid system, as well as super sets to maximize your potential. As an added bonus, a mix of traditional and non-traditional ab and core work is included with the stability ball to promote better posture and alignment (and to develop overall body awareness and strength).

PYRAMID LOWER BODY: Designed to increase lean muscle mass — and also shape and sculpt the lower body — this workout is divided into two parts First, a series of standing leg exercises that focuses on the full pyramid system to maximize your potential. Second, a series of floor leg exercises involving the stability ball which will add a new dimension of complexity to your program (and ensure heightened muscle fiber recruitment).

This dual layered DVD contains two Cathe Friedrich advanced step workouts [note from Collage: these are toning programs that use a step]. Each of the workouts has been chaptered so you can easily “mix and match” all the sections from the two different exercise programs.

DVD has chapters and premixed alternate workouts.