Customer Reviews

The Firm - Firm Basics: Sculpting With Weights [VHS]

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this video on a whim. I was curious to see if the "results in 10" were true. I had been taking a once-a-week muscle sculpting class for about a month when I started the video. Well - it was true - I saw results after about 7 times of doing the tape! After one month, I would say I looked like I had lost about 14-15 pounds, but really only lost 7, I toned more than lost weight. The thing I love about this tape is that the way Tracie talks through the reps, I never found myself thinking " oh god I don't think I can do any more" before you know it, you've done 12 or 16 reps. She doesn't count all of the reps so you don't realize just how much you've done, she talks in the meantime. This is the only exercie tape that I've stuck with. I strongly recommend this to people who can't stay committed. I've tried exercise videos in the past, and within 1 or 2 weeks, I quit. This tape, along with two other FIRM tapes I have, give good variety and make you WANT to exercise. The coaches at the end of the video are pretty good also. I've tried other's exercise videos, and they just don't compare to the great instruction from the FIRM.

After reading the reviews on this website, I ordered this video along with the Firm Basics Fat Burning Workout. I was so excited to learn that the FIRM had tapes for beginners. I own 2 other tapes, and found them to be too difficult given my fitness level. After doing the Fat Burning tape last night I practically ran home to do the Sculpting with Weights video, I was so pleased to finally be able to complete a FIRM video. Well this tape really blew me away! It's a slightly tougher workout IMHO than Fat Burning. Just right for my fitness level. It is a must for anyone looking to start a weight training program. It combines aerobic intervals with weights to give you a really great workout. It is perfect for those for whom the Richard Simmons, Jenny Craig, and WW's tapes are far too easy (like myself), but are not quite ready for advanced or complicated aerobic workouts. The ratio of weight training to aerobics is 2:1. The Fat Burning Tape is 1:2. There are no complicated dance moves or distracting music. Just a great instructor who guides you through each move expertly. As stated by a previous poster, I feel encouraged and motivated to stick with these tapes. I can also envision the day when I will need to move on to the next level of FIRM tapes, and look forward to it. If there is a better tape out there for those looking to start a weight training and aerobics program, I would love to hear about it. Until then...I'm a FIRM believer!

I tried another Firm tape about a year and a half ago that was much more difficult than this one, and sort of did it for a couple of months before stopping. I decided to give it another try with the Basics series. This is my favorite in the series. It was the perfect level for me. It was short enough and within my reach, but every time I worked out, I really felt like I had been challenged. Within a couple of weeks, I could feel muscles all over my body. The instructor is genuine and she is very helpful about correct form. I realized that when I had been pushing myself with the harder Firm video, I wasn't using correct form. Even though this video is "easier," I can feel that I am getting better results. Sometimes the firm "ravers" make you feel inferior if you find the basics videos challenging, but don't let them . . . there's no shame in starting at the right level. This is hard enough to make you feel proud and make you feel strong - without being so hard that you give up.

I have all of the firm series of exercise videos & quite frankly was discouraged because I just couldn't do them! But when the Firm Basics series came out, I figured I'd give them one more try - and I am soo very glad that I did. I purchased all three, and have been using them for just over one month. You will get a serious workout & you will see results in ten workouts - I began to feel a difference after seven - one workout every other day.

Okay, I have a confession. I have been bad for about a month and haven't worked out. When I tried to do my other Firm tapes, it was frustrating because I couldn't do what I could just a short time ago! So, when I received an amazon gift certificate for Valentine's Day, I decided to give this tape a try. I've done it three times, and it is perfect for those of us who aren't in the best shape. Tracie Long is a great instructor (try her Firm Parts tape, too!), and this workout isn't too easy, isn't too hard--it's just right! I'm looking forward to getting back up to speed and using this tape in the future as well!

This video is a really great workout for beginners and can be adapted (by using heavier weights) for more expereinced exercisers. Tracie long is a great instructor and gives excellent cues, including examples of common mistakes in form that people make and lots of information about which exercises work which muscles. I encourage anyone (beginner or advanced) to watch the ENTIRE video - including the extra info. before and after the workout.
I started out with the FIRM Basics (Fat Burning and then this one) and they [were difficult] when I first started. Now I use them with heavier dumbells and alternate with more challenging Firm videos, like the Cross Trainers Strength and Cardio.
Note-- you need dumbells (light, medium and heavy) to do this video. They recommend starting with 3, 5 and 8-lbs. (two of each). If you don't already have them, you should strongly consider buying them, especially if you are planning to use other FIRM vidoes (which I highly recommend doing!). Also, you will need a step or stool. In this video, it's only used to sit on while you do upper body work with weights, so you could use a chair if you don't have the step. (Some of the more advanced FIRM videos use the step for other things and you can't subsititute a chair for those exercises.) It also uses a towel to stretch at the end (I use my Yoga strap.) Give it a try - it really works. It's a great idea to alternate this video with FIRM Basics - Fat Burning. They compliment each other nicely and use the same equipment. When they promise visible results within 10 workouts, they are not kidding (for me, it was more like 5 or 6)! If you stick with this, you WILL reshape your body - it's unavoidable. (Especially if you work up in weight as you get stronger and alternate with other videos.)

I purchased this tape and the other two Firm Basics tapes. They are as good as everyone says they are for getting you back into shape. I've been alternating the three tapes for a little over a month and have lost 2 sizes and though I don't quite look like a skinny person in the mirror yet, I sure feel like one. My body shape seems to improve on a daily basis. If you've been thinking about getting workout tapes but are afraid to because you're so out of shape ... I suggest starting with the Firm Basics Trio.

I bought this as my first Firm tape, after reading the comments of the many different Firm videos. At first I was worried that the "basic" work out would not be hard enough (even though, at age 22, I do not work out often). Boy was I wrong! This video was exactly what I needed. The work out is fun and goes by quickly. I have been using the video for three weeks now and weight 8 lbs less (only 20 more to go!). I am back at Amazon now to buy another Firm video.

If you want to know about the length of the video and how much time is spent on abs, floor work, warm up etc. check out the web site, but order the videos from Amazon.com because it is cheaper (both the video and shipping and handling)!

This is the first Firm tape that I have tried. I'm from Canada and I don't see the tapes in the stores here, and this one was in the library. I am an intermediate exerciser but this was the only Firm tape there. I really enjoyed this tape, but it is SO different from any other exercise tape that I have tried. I am used to Kathy Smith and Minna Lessig, so I was really surprised by Tracy Long's style, and the style of the video in general. I found it funny that they were in this pseudo-fancy studio with all of this "classical" art, but it wasn't that big of a deal. It was just different from what I am used to. Tracy is VERY formal, I felt that her instruction was almost robotic! On the up side it was very professional and helpful; on the downside I couldn't tell if she had a personality! Anyhow, back to the exercises. This is a very effective workout for light days for myself, and perfect for beginners. You will sweat, work all of your muscle groups, and Tracy will help you to achieve good form. This was a good way to re-learn some basic exercises and help to correct my form. And it was FUN! One reviewer said that you will need a dance background, I disagree. It was tricky at first, but you will get the hang of it. I am uncoordinated and I can do it. Overall, I think this tape is very good. I think that they were trying too hard to be posh and fancy; when that woman at the end of the tape was demonstrating a bicep curl in her blouse and pearls, I cracked up! But these are small details, and at least the production was good. I highly recommend this tape for beginners, or for intermediate exercises who need a refresher course.

I was involved in accident about a month before I got this tape. I decided to give it a try since I needed to gain my strength back and knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with the other fitness videos I had, and let me tell you, this was GREAT! It was just right for me. Not too hard and not too easy either. I have been using this video for about two weeks and I have already regained a lot of the strength I lost while I was recovering from my accident. It is a perfect stepping stone for those of us who want to get back in shape, but are not strong enough to keep up with the other videos out there that are either too easy or too hard for us couch potatoes. I would highly recommend this video, especially if you are interested in more Firm videos as this is a great way to "pump up" before trying the harder ones.