Head's up - this review is for a specific barre workout that is offered on DVD. However, Cathe now has her own online workout channel. I personally haven't tried it yet, so I can't comment, but I just wanted to point that out in case you don't have a DVD capable device. If you're into streaming workouts on your phone or iPad, Beachbody on Demand has the best product on the market by far.
Now onto the barre workout review 🙂
A Home Barre Workout That Doesn't Disappoint
I have been meaning to write this review for some time now as I think Cathe Friedrich's Low Impact Series: Turbo Barre might be one of the best workouts I’ve come across to date (in the barre genre at least). She has a really great presence and an awesome figure, which certainly keeps you motivated as you deal with some pretty challenging routines.
And yes, this is certainly one of the more challenging practices I’ve come across on DVD (which tend to be “lightweight” in comparison to the studio classes). But don’t let that scare you off, as unlike many yoga routines, each of the moves are completely accessible. It’s the stamina and endurance that requires some time to build up and intensity is easily dialed up or down based on how deep you take each pose.
Turbe Barre Workout Breakdown:
- Warm up - 10 mins
- Upper/lower strength endurance (for muscle toning) 11 mins.
- Focus on legs - 6 mins
- Ballet barre conditioning - 28 mins
- Floor workout 4 mins
- Core workout - 7 mins
- Stretch - 7 mins
Cathe Friedrich Workout Review
Cathe’s workouts stand apart because her style of teaching is encouraging and very motivational. As I’ve mentioned before, I find that some instructors have personalities that can only be tolerated for the first 10 or 15 uses (if you’re lucky). I’ve been incorporating Turbo Barre into my workouts at least two or three times a week for some time now, and her style never gets irritating.
The workout does require a set of light weights and a workout band, but both are inexpensive and easy to travel with.
Overall I think this is a fabulous DVD that provides a lot of bang for it’s buck at 74 minutes which is longer than most barre workouts, although I find that I can accomplish what I need in the first 45 minutes (I always have a hard time rallying to the end as I so dislike ab work!
In terms of challenge and repeat usability, I'd give this DVD a 4/5.
Here’s a clip from her DVD. She’s quite an inspiration.
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and author of The Fit Habit. Here she shares simple, low carb recipes, quick home workout ideas and practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
Leave a Reply