Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: Purrrfect! That's the best word I can use to describe the friendly new FIRM workouts! This one is broken into three segments, upper body first, then lower body, then abs. I found the music the most motivating because the moves are pretty basic- but don't let this fool you into thinking it's not challenging, because it is. The Lower Body section is my favorite because it really challenges me. I'm definitely in my aerobic zone with this! The warm ups, although some may find them annoying three times around, i actually enjoy because the extra stretching feel soooo good when I'm tired. basic choreography, awesome music, a well rounded workout. You won't be dissapointed. Kitka
Rating:
Summary: Efficient total body workout
Review: Stephanie Corley is one of the best of the new Firm instructors. Like most Firm instructors, she cues moves and changes very well. However, unlike a good number of them, she manages to be motivating without being condescending and uses a lot of clear visualizations. The workout, designed by Corley, is efficient and hits everything. Those who want the more traditional Firm approach incorporating multi-body part moves (e.g., bicep curls as you squat) or mixing upper body and lower body exercises (e.g., lunges followed by lat rows followed by dips) will be disappointed. This is more "gym style" in it's approach, working Upper Body, Lower Body, then Abs. However, within each section, Corley mixes body parts. So within Upper Body, you would work triceps, then biceps, then triceps, then back to biceps. With a change in lifting tempo (1 up, 1 down, then 2 up, 2 down, then maybe a 3-count pulse), it's unlikely that you'll be bored though. I always find that if I heavy up on the Firm leg exercises I get into my aerobic training zone. This was no exception. Mercifully, however, this workout only has two sets of the famous tall step leg press and only (I believe) 1 set of lunges and dips each. You'll be working, but you won't be dying. It's worth noting that all of the exercises in the Lower Body section are standing- if you want floorwork, look elsewhere. The abwork is a nice, short mix of traditional ab crunches and some Pilates-inspired moves (leg pulls, leg lowering). Probably my least favorite section (I'm not a fan of traditional ab work), but nothing wrong with it. A tall step (12 to 14 inches) is required, particularly for the leg presses. I use a sturdy stool. The 6 inch step is used here to aid in the lunges and dips, but if you've lunged before without a step, you'd probably be fine. Those with not so great knees (like yours truly) will probably want to use the 6 inch step. Each workout includes a warmup and a stretch. This is a great tape for those who are consistently short on time but want to get in a thorough sculpting workout.
Rating:
Summary: Efficient total body workout
Review: Stephanie Corley is one of the best of the new Firm instructors. Like most Firm instructors, she cues moves and changes very well. However, unlike a good number of them, she manages to be motivating without being condescending and uses a lot of clear visualizations. The workout, designed by Corley, is efficient and hits everything. Those who want the more traditional Firm approach incorporating multi-body part moves (e.g., bicep curls as you squat) or mixing upper body and lower body exercises (e.g., lunges followed by lat rows followed by dips) will be disappointed. This is more "gym style" in it's approach, working Upper Body, Lower Body, then Abs. However, within each section, Corley mixes body parts. So within Upper Body, you would work triceps, then biceps, then triceps, then back to biceps. With a change in lifting tempo (1 up, 1 down, then 2 up, 2 down, then maybe a 3-count pulse), it's unlikely that you'll be bored though. I always find that if I heavy up on the Firm leg exercises I get into my aerobic training zone. This was no exception. Mercifully, however, this workout only has two sets of the famous tall step leg press and only (I believe) 1 set of lunges and dips each. You'll be working, but you won't be dying. It's worth noting that all of the exercises in the Lower Body section are standing- if you want floorwork, look elsewhere. The abwork is a nice, short mix of traditional ab crunches and some Pilates-inspired moves (leg pulls, leg lowering). Probably my least favorite section (I'm not a fan of traditional ab work), but nothing wrong with it. A tall step (12 to 14 inches) is required, particularly for the leg presses. I use a sturdy stool. The 6 inch step is used here to aid in the lunges and dips, but if you've lunged before without a step, you'd probably be fine. Those with not so great knees (like yours truly) will probably want to use the 6 inch step. Each workout includes a warmup and a stretch. This is a great tape for those who are consistently short on time but want to get in a thorough sculpting workout.
Rating:
Summary: This is a total body workout
Review: This is 45 minutes of a total body workout. It goes by fast but the results are great. After doing this workout the first day, my body felt it the next. Some people don't think you need the fanny lifter, I did try this workout and some of the Firms others without the fanny lifter and the results are not the same. Especially doing the leg press, the lifter is needed. The instructor is great, even paced and keeps you motivated to finish the workout. The last segment is the ab segment and it is short, sweet, to the point and effective. The other DVD of the Firms I would recommend is the Body Sculpt with Jennifer Carmen, that workout is 55 minutes and you definately feel it.
Rating:
Summary: This is a total body workout
Review: This is 45 minutes of a total body workout. It goes by fast but the results are great. After doing this workout the first day, my body felt it the next. Some people don't think you need the fanny lifter, I did try this workout and some of the Firms others without the fanny lifter and the results are not the same. Especially doing the leg press, the lifter is needed. The instructor is great, even paced and keeps you motivated to finish the workout. The last segment is the ab segment and it is short, sweet, to the point and effective. The other DVD of the Firms I would recommend is the Body Sculpt with Jennifer Carmen, that workout is 55 minutes and you definately feel it.
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