Rating: 
Summary: Good Ab Work Out with Cheezy Leads
Review: The workouts on this tape are quick and to the point. Each of the 5 workouts really targets the abs. The instrucotrs are a little cheezy, but still worth the slight annoyance for the good, quick workout.
Rating: 
Summary: Cheesy cut/past format in the tough tape, but great for abs
Review: There are two workouts in this DVD: One is Tough Tape 2 and the other is Five Day Ab workout. It seems to have been taped in the 80's, or that is what the decor, hairdos, and high cut workout suits suggest. There is also a 'fitness training program' section, which I thought were presented by pretentious women with a cold attitude: "we know it all, look at our bodies we are the best, forget the rest". The Tough Tape 2 seems to be cut and paste from several different Firm tapes - I don't see the point of that - it doesn't allow for stretching, warm-up or cool-downs. The theme basically suggests that you use weights, and do lots of reps. At the end it does make you do the work so if you can overlook the 80's cheesy decor, the high cut workout suits shot from rather interesting angles, and some of the women's suggestive looks, it should be fine for you. But I found these elements to be distracting (I kept thinking that after this filming, they must have changed costumes, and filmed a soft porn movie right at that location!) The Five Day Abs section seems much better at keeping the focus on working the abs, although the cut and pasted sections, cheesy decor and hairdos continue here.
Rating:
Summary: 4 stars for 5-day abs, 2 stars for Tough Tape 2
Review: These are the workouts for Barbie and Ken and the Stepford Wives. 5-Day Abs: Five different short abdominal workouts pasted together from other The Firm workouts; it is easy to go to the DVD menu and choose the one you want, contrary to what another reviewer said. Total time about 35 minutes. There is a shirtless guy acting as a master of ceremonies at the beginning and end of each segment. You need a mat, weights to put around your feet (optional), and a chair. The workouts are pretty good, with a variety of moves, and a variety of speeds (some fast crunches, some long holds, etc.) If you have other abdominal workouts already, don't expect this one to offer anything new. Tough Tape 2: Several body sculpting segments cut and pasted from other The Firm tapes; easy to pick and choose from the DVD menu. Total time about 45 minutes. Considerable repetition between segments; quite traditional, standard exercises. You are better off with a workout that was planned all at the same time, like Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight, or anything by Karen Voight, or Reebok "Simply Strong" with Gin Miller. You need a variety of hand weights, a chair, a block, and a high stool to step up onto.
Rating: 
Summary: The Firm-Tough Tape 2
Review: This is a fabulous workout! It is very challenging and it keeps your interest by moving from one set to another quickly. If you canÕt get in shape by adhering to this workout, you canÕt get in shape period!.
Rating:
Summary: Get it for the 5 day abs if nothing else!
Review: This is a two pack DVD, and unlike some reviewers I have had absolutely no problems using the chapter selection on the DVD menu.I have never used earlier Firm workouts, so the compilation has never bothered me. Tough Tape 2 is aptly named. If you are new to aerobic workouts you will have to get used to it, and it will kick your butt for the first two weeks. After that you will no longer have to have a crash team standing by. I have to admit that the 5 Day Abs disc is my favorite Firm disc, and I have four. The segments are short, but very effective. If you can't find time in your day to work this into your schedule then you're just deluding yourself. The frosting on the cake would have to be the host for the ab DVD, who introduces and ends the individual segments. He is one fine looking man, and when he tells me to lie supine I happily comply. Seriously though, there is nothing wrong with eye candy if it helps to keep you motivated. I find that I enjoy doing this workout every day, and it often keeps me on track with my other Firm workouts because it seems so natural as a lead in to the next workout. Truthfully, these workouts are better than the aerobics I've tried at the gym. It's well worth the money. And contrary to what another reviewer has said, you do not need a mat, just the carpet you probably already have in front of your TV.
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