Wed - Trish Muse - Strength Attack

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

Today I did a new one -Trish Muse's Strength Attack. I was going to do Tracey's Parts Series leg workout, but I wanted to spare my legs so I'd be ready for cardio tomorrow, but as they say - the best laid plans and all...Strength Attack prooved to be a tough leg routine (for me anyway!) Fiona did a nice review of this one - but here are my comments.

The workout is divided into 4 segments - low weight/high rep, high weight/low rep, core, stretch. There is also a bonus core section which I did not do today. The low weight/high rep routine focuses on both compound and isolated exercises - some w/ a functional twist (rotation, balance, etc.). For "high" reps you do 3 sets of 8 (so 24 reps, no rest between sets). I used 5's for this section and that seemed about right and also appeared to be what the others were using. Perhaps 8's would have been possible here and there. There is one section that is done w/ a med ball - but one backgrounder subs a dumbell. This series is very fun - balancing on one leg while you pass the med ball from hand to hand - overhead and then in front of your body.

The high weight/low rep is not exactly low rep - instead of doing 3 sets of 8 (24 reps), she does 2 sets of 8 (16 reps), again, no rest between sets. So, you still can't go super heavy here. I used 10's and that seemed about right. Trish and the backgrounders seemed tob e using 8's or 10's here as well. The exercises were a combo of traditional and functional.

The core section uses a med ball - although no ball could be used or a hand weight could be sub'd. Pretty good blend of back and ab work. I didn't really fry my abs, but it is generally hard to fry them.....although I have been trying to be more mindful of form, etc. and that is helping.

Finally, the workout ends with a long and thorough stretch. I did the stretch section previously - Trish's Physical Therapy background shows in this section as she holds the stretches for longer than most video instructors. This section makes a good add-on to any workout.

The DVD is well chaptered so you can pick and choose the segments that you want to or have time to do. The DVD also contains pre-mixed workouts - so there are lots of options.

As for Trish - I like her - she is not an "entertainer" - it is clear that she is a fitness professional/physical therapist. Her three backgrounders are fine - nothing to comment on there!

Overall though, I liked this one and I do think I"'m going to be sore in my lower body from it. Funny, Amy's Slo Mo legs split didn't make me sore, but I think this one - using 5's and 10's will! GO figure....

Cardio is up for tomorrow. If I'm really sore in the lower body I'll probably stick to some kickboxing......although I'm itching to pull my BOSU out.

Oh - I'd say that Strength Attack is definately more lower body than upper body focused.

I would be interested in acquiring her Core Attack workout at some point - perhaps I'll get lucky enough to be able to find an "open deal" on Advanced Workouts for it! (That is how I came upon Strength Attack). BTW, Jen from Advanced Workouts is mentioned on the credits of the Strength Attack DVD....

On an OT note, my DD was sad when I dropped her off at camp - not hysterical like she was on Monday - but sad b/c she was going to miss me. *SIGH* She is definately going through a "needy" phase right now. I also had to go into the office today and she is used to me being on an every-other day schedule -so I think that is messing w/ her as well.

Take care!Donna