Rating: Summary: Good but not The Firm's best Review: I think this is a perfect introduction to the Firm. But as one review stated if you are new to working out best try something like Kathy Smith. Also some may not like the moving the box around, picking up different weights, etc. all the time. All The Firm workouts are long and intense so if you are pressed for time, you might want to subsitute. BUT The Firm workouts really leave you strong so if you can invest in the time and sweat its well worth it (I'm unemployed right now and addicted to Firm workouts).However, this set of workouts is definately not as challengeling as many other Firm workouts. The earlier Firm's are far by one of the most intense workouts I have ever done (besides trying boxing). The second volume still kicks ...! I'm not sure why they name one of the DVD's "Ab Sculpt" since one can get a better ab workout in 10 minutes from many pilates moves. Don't get me wrong, I liked it as there are some core strengthening and stretching moves that leave one exhilirated but I would hardly call it "Ab Sculpt" The 'Fanny Lifter' (...) is a great investment. Those with weak knees should consult theire doctor first or use the lower height steps.
Rating: Summary: Wow! Review: I used to do exercise tapes back in high school, but lost motivation and switched to jogging. While training for my first half marathon, I developed a tendonitis and was ordered to cut back my miles. To keep up the calorie burn, I decided to go back to videos. I had seen the Firm infomercial a zillion times, but didn't bite since I already own a reebok step. Finally, I broke down and got the DVD 3 pack. So far, I have just been using the Cardio Sculpt workout--the first time I did it, I almost couldn't sit or squat for 3 days! These moves REALLY work you out. I am sweating and huffing just as much as after a good run. It is too soon to tell if I will get the dramatic results they promise, but this is defnitely something I recommend for people who like working out at home, but don't like a lot of aerobic moves. I still am getting some steps down, but i am the world's most uncoordinated person. I already had my own step and so far it works fine, although it only goes up to 10 inches, not 14 like the fanny lifter. it is a little annoying to keep taking apart the fanny lifter and moving it but hey, that is what pause is for!
Rating: Summary: The Best! Review: I was so purrrrfectly pleased with these new workouts from the FIRM. They are just the right intensity and still challenge me! I especially love Cardio Sculpt because it raises my heart rate enough and shapes my body! Body Sculpt is also a supurrrb, but tough weight training workout, and Ab Sculpt is a break from the mundane! I love the last set of ab work that not only challenges the abdominals, but gets the entire core, and area the older FIRMS missed. Meow! Buy it. You'll love it! Kitka
Rating: Summary: THE FIRM IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Review: If you follow the schedule that is included you will see results-I went from a size 4-6 to a size 2. Great music! Have been using program since March 2002. A must have for anyone that wants to tone up and get your heart healthy. Also just to feel good about yourself.
Rating: Summary: Super fast results! Review: The Body Sculpt workout (with Jennifer Carmen) is worth the price of the set! I have been doing the Firm videos for over a decade, and I still saw results with this tape in only a week! Once I moved up to my heaviest weights, I added a weight belt during the leg workout for added resistance. The music is great, and Jennifer's style is encouraging and upbeat--she is right up there with Tracie Long as one of my favorite instructors! :)
Rating: Summary: Not Challenging Enough Review: These new Firm series, are just not challenging enough. By the end of the tape, I barely worked up a sweat. It felt as though I wasn't working hard enough. I much prefer the older Firm series, they are more challenging. The new Firm series are good for someone who is a beginner. I swear by the older Firm series.
Rating: Summary: Great Workout Review: This is a great set of workouts to use. The ab tape can be used daily, but at 20 minutes is a good length if that is all you have time to do. Body sculpt can be done both lower and upper body or just one at a time. The cardio is a long 55 min workout but does get the heart rate up. I agree with other reviewers when wearing a heart rate monitor you would be surprised how good of an aerobic workout even the body sculpt gives. You cannot fast forward some of the stuff at the beginning of the DVD and that is frustrating at times. The moves are easy to follow and you can vary intensity by increasing weights. I would recommend this set to anyone that enjoys using weights to work out.
Rating: Summary: Cheaper on FirmDirect Review: This is one DVD with three workouts. It's only $19.95 on firmdirect, don't know why Amazon charges $44
Rating: Summary: Challenging Set of Workouts Review: This three-pack of workouts includes: - Cardio Sculpt with Allie DelRio (60 minutes) - Body Sculpt with Jennifer Carman (50 minutes) - Ab Sculpt with Lisa Kay (30 minutes) These workouts require dumbbells and The Firm's Fanny Lifter. For dumbbells, they suggest 3-lb., 5-lb, and 8-lb. weights to start. The Fanny Lifter is a total of 14" high, so if you have knee problems you may want to work on strengthening your legs before you attempt these workouts. The Fanny Lifter has two parts: one 6" high, and one 8" high. Throughout the workouts you use the Fanny Lifter in different combinations, a regular step will not substitute for it. Each of these DVDs is a challenging workout. If you are new to exercising at home, you may want to start off with something easier, such as Kathy Smith's Personal Trainer Sculpting Workout or Lift Weights to Lose Weight. If you already have a foundation of strength training, these workouts are going to push you further and harder, helping you build muscle and endurance. The Cardio Sculpt workout runs about 60 minutes. There are no special features on the DVD, only the workout itself. The workout uses 10 - 15 minute segments of strength training, mixed with 2 - 3 minute bursts of low-impact cardio exercises. The strength training includes every area of your body: lots of squats for the lower body, push-ups for the chest as part of the warm-up, 4 minutes of non-stop sit-ups for the abs, and the tricep French press. There is a 4-minute warm-up and a closing stretch. Throughout the workout, Allie guides you through stretching out the muscle groups that you just worked. This is an excellent combination of tried-and-true muscle conditioning and sound exercise principles. These three workouts will help you to tone and condition your body. The manufacturer also guarantees "visible results in 10 workouts." Bear in mind that you have to alternate muscle groups. You cannot do total body strength training every day. So be sure to alternate lower body with upper body, or vary your routine with cardio workouts on your "off" days.
Rating: Summary: Life Changing. Review: This workout system really works! Since I've been on it for about 2months i've dropped 4 dress sizes and have really stuck with this system. It's challenging and the instructors speak to you and encourage you through out the tough sets. They also show proper from and sweat right along with you. ( yes they sweat and work hard, no cuts done to re-do makeup and make them look flawless) The workouts are invigorating and target the areas on a woman's figure that we all tend to complain about. This is truly an investment in a healthy and fit lifestyle. The Cardio sculpt is thelongest of the three at 55 min. It is challenging and has low impact aerobics as well as challenging lower and upper body exercises to hit different muscle groups. The Body Scuplt is more of a weight training program and it will hit your muscles deeper than the carido sculpt. Ab Sculpt will challeng you lower back and abs and also prepare you to properly breath through the exercises. The stretches in this tape are very relaxing. All in all this is a life changing set of DVDs which are well worth the investment.
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