Cathe Friedrich''s STS Mesocycle #2 (12 DVD set)

I have to admit that I was very skeptical about purchasing the complete DVD set because of the price. So I chose to buy the Mesocycle #2. I am 40 and have been working out with P90X for the past 9 months with great success and decided to try Cathe''s system just for variety. I considered myself in great shape and have worked out for years.

Pros: I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was out of shape for this series despite 9 months of P90X. I didn''t realize how much strength I loss working out with P90X. Granted my endurance improved with P90X, but my strength took a backseat. With Cathe''s workouts, I really had to push myself, especially with the leg workouts. The leg workouts were so much better than the P90X leg/back DVD. My strength improved on a weekly basis. I really don''t see myself returning to P90X. Her workouts hit my lower back muscles much harder than P90X; again this was a good thing. The Chest, Shoulders, and Tricep workout blasted my triceps. After my P90X workouts, I would feel tired and sore for a few days. After an STS workout, I felt just awful! Sore and run down like I had the flu. My recovery period improved every week as I grew stronger and the awful feeling quickly went away. I believe I am in much better shape now that I have been working out with Cathe''s system.

Cons: The warm ups could be much better. In fact, I use the P90X warm ups before my STS workouts because they do a better job. It would also be nice to have a workout schedule so I could anticipate the exercises during my workout and have a much better way to keep track of my progress. Too often, I have to pause the DVD to set up for my exercises. I never had this problem with P90X. At times, some of the performers have poor form and Cathe doesn''t stop to correct them. You do need a lot of equipment, especially dumbbells. I have a set of Powerblocks but I still find myself racing to switch between sets to keep up. Especially with the drop sets. Lastly, this is not circuit training and you will lose some endurance.

Despite the shortcomings, this is an excellent workout series. I highly recommend this for the P90X fans out there because they will be surprised to find that the STS Meso#2 does a much better job at building muscles than P90X. I will purchase the other sets, #1 and #3. I do believe that the quality justifies the cost.

STS Mesocycle 2 is the 2nd cycle in Cathe''s STS Weight Program. In this cycle, you are lifting 70 80 % of your 1 rep max weights. You are doing tri-sets, lifting 12, 10, and 8 reps, and then lifting as many reps as you can to muscle failure. There is a 60 second rest between each set.

I love this cycle! It is most like lifting weights with a trainer at the gym. I love heavy weight work because of how dramatically it changes my body.

What I particularly loved about Mesocycle 2:

**it''s tough! I really feel I get a great workout and I feel very strong. This cycle is particularly effective if you''ve done your 1 rep max tests so you can really challenge yourself.

**minimal pushups yay! Mesocycle 1 was overkill on pushups, with over 100 pushups for each chest routine. Pushups are good for you, but too many hurt my wrists.

**the 60 second rest between each set. I really needed this time to take some deep breaths and to let my muscles recover for the next set. For those used to more endurance-type workouts, the rest time may seem long. If you''re lifting heavy, you really do need this time.

**Cathe''s form pointers come at just the right time. She doesn''t give too many pointers, just enough.

**how I can see myself getting stronger with each workout. I never thought that I would be able lift more than 15 pound dumbbells for bicep curls. I have teeny, scrawny arms and it''s hard for me to put on muscle. With this latest rotation, I''m lifting 22.5 pound dumbbells!

Some things to note about this workout:

**Listen to your body! I do not lift as heavy as I can with a few of the exercises because I don''t have a spotter and I don''t feel safe. I do this on exercises like chest flies and squats.

**some of the background exercisers, particularly the men, have terrible form. So I would recommend not watching them as you do the routines.

**Cathe''s latest rotation, which incorporates her STS Cardio DVDs on days that you''re not lifting weights, is too much cardio for me. I substitute a yoga workout for one of the cardio days to give my body more chance of recovery.

I highly recommend this workout set to anyone wanting to really challenge their body with heavy weights.

Buy Cathe Friedrich''s STS Mesocycle #2 (12 DVD set) Now

Just a quick review on this for lack of time, but it''s a fantastic series. I''m just finishing Mesocycle 2 and I have gotten so much stronger. The mirror is also producing some pretty nice reflections back! Ha. I have always admired Cathe''s profesionalism and her programs. This series goes beyond, as she has really put the research and know how into it. If you are flabby, weak and out of shape, this will be life changing for you. If you are already an avid exerciser, it will still be a terrific challenge that will produce further results for you. It''s not an entertainment series, so don''t expect a bunch of fluff...just results. I''m excited to move on to Mesocycle #3!

Read Best Reviews of Cathe Friedrich''s STS Mesocycle #2 (12 DVD set) Here

I am a huge fan of Cathe. I have a pretty extensive workout dvd collection, and there are plenty of good (great, even) folks in the business, but in terms of intensity, energy, motivation, and results, no one compares with Cathe.

I just completed my second round of this STS Mesocycle #2. I did it once through, took a week off, and then did it through again. I am amazed by the results.

I''m an active backpacker, hiker and cyclist and I workout regularly. However, I''ve never had the muscle definition and strength that I''ve achieved by doing this STS series. My main goal was to improve lower body and back strength for an upcoming 8-day (read: heavy pack) backpacking trip through Yellowstone. Now, I''m not only fitter and stronger, but it shows! I plan to do this one more time through before our trip (but first, a much needed week-long rest!).

The leg workouts are tough, perhaps the toughest I''ve ever done. The chest and back workouts are tough, too, but I found you really have to go heavy. I ended up buying a couple heavier sets of dumbells, but I didn''t use a barbell or stability ball for any of the exercises. I used my step as a bench, tubing instead of a pull-up bar, and an old rag (I have wood floors) instead of paper plates.

I agree with some of the other reviewers that some of the exercisers (especially the guys!) had terrible form, but this didn''t bother me much as Cathe''s form and instruction are impeccable.

I am very happy with the results I''ve achieved thanks to this Cathe series. I highly recommend the set to anyone looking for a tough, disciplined regimen. You WILL see results.

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