Customer Reviews

Firm Arms & Abs [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

These two videos put together will definitely give you a good total body toning workout. I really like Firm Abs and Arms, not just because it's a great workout for your arms, but because Karen Voight really goes into detail in explaining proper form for ab exercises. And Lean Legs and Buns, although not technically an aerobic workout, will still get your heart rate up there, just from all those squats, lunges, etc. The only problem I had with these videos is that I wasn't aware that you need to use a step or platform with them. You can get away with doing the arm and ab work on the floor, although it will not give you the same range of motion as on the step. But for the Leg and Buns video, a step or platform is definitely needed. Definitely buy these videos, but make sure you have some kind of stable platform to step on!

This is a fantastic tape. This workout really works your entire upper body. My back, arms and abls are all visibly tighter, and my posture has greatly improved. I'm very glad I found this tape. I have never gotten any results with my arms before. Ms. Voight takes each exercise slowly, so you get the full benefit of each movement. I've used tapes where they do everything too quickly for it to do any good.

By the way, you don't need a step if you can improvise with your equipment a little. I chose to buy an incline board instead and my workout room has a step.

I loved this video. It was a little rough at first but after we got into shape it was wonderful. We did this video in a rotation with aerobics and did it every other day and we saw results within 4 weeks.

After reading all the other reviews, I bought this workout and they all proved to be true!! This is such an excellent ARMS and ABS workout!! Karen is a great instructor and she works your ARMS AND ABS until fatigued!! You will feel it the next day with eveything you do!! I am already seeing visible results and I have only done this workout 4 times. If you want to reshape your upper body, this is the best investment for it!!!

One of the best things about this video is that Ms. Voight knows how to get you to use correct form so that you don't hurt your back and so that you get the most out of the workout. After only a couple of weeks I could feel that the ab work was paying off. After two months of doing this tape three times a week, I'm starting to see some muscle definition, my posture is greatly improved, and I'm now using heavier weights. Be patient, stay with it, eat a sensible diet, combine it with an aerobic workout, and you'll definitely see results.

Karen Voight explains the technique superbly and is one of the few instructors to actually demonstrate how to protect your back while doing sit-ups - many other videos mention this but I never understood what they meant until I saw Karen's excellent demonstration.

Her professional style is a refreshing break from the chirpy cheerleader types that normally make these videos.

I like this workout because all the moves are very slow and deliberate and Karen's instructions on maintaining correct form is very good. You will need a step box that can provide an inclined platform and some dumbells.

This is a very good toning video which specifically targets the arms and abs. It begins with what the box calls a "preworkout drill," which is basically a few minutes of instruction on how to keep your lower back grounded on the floor while performing the abs exercises; once you know how to do this, you can skip over this section.

The main part of the workout starts with a 5-minute warmup. Oddly enough, the exercises seemed more targeted to warming up the lower body (eg, squats and lunges), but some basic upper body stretches are included as well. Next comes 18 total minutes of arms work. Karen begins by using the bench in either a standing or seated position, moves on to lying on the bench, and then finishes with additional seated exercises. She works the arms from all angles and includes many twists on traditional arm moves. I thought that the usually neglected triceps were worked particularly well, but there was little shoulder work.

Karen then sets her bench on an incline for 14 minutes of abs work. Abdominals seem to be Karen's forte, as she works them completely, hitting each muscle group and putting unique spins on classic crunches. Following the abs work, Karen ends with 3 minutes of back work lying flat on the floor. The entire workout (minus the opening instruction) clocks in at about 40 minutes.

I don't have a bench, but I was able to easily substitute a chair and the floor, although this limited my range of motion slightly. As always, Karen is a master instructor who performs the moves flawlessly and cues well, although I felt that the latter was not quite up to par with her more recent workouts (this video was released in 1991). Similarly, the feel of the video is a bit dated, especially with the Muzak-type music played during the warmup and the occasionally voice-over instruction offered by an unknown person (ie, not Karen). Overall, however, this is still a very good video that will thoroughly work your arms and abs in a short amount of time.

Since starting the Karen Voight tapes, (This in combination with Lean Legs and Buns) I have lost a total of 20 pounds. Not only have I gone from a size 10-12 to a 4-6, my body is in excellent condition. My body does'nt feel skinny, but toned and strengthened. I dont ususally write reviews, but felt I had to for this one. The workouts start easy and intensify, making it easy to start and increase with your stamina. Good job Karen.

Her instruction may be very good but this was filmed in the early 1990's. I ordered this video under the impression it was filmed within the past few years (release date: 2002). However, the packaging of the video box was simply updated. I also didn't realize that I would need a step or bench to complete the workout. Just know what you are ordering!