Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Live / Artisan
• VHS Release Date: May 16, 2000
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304396031
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,450 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Firm Cross Trainers: Firm Strength delivers a challenging workout that is meant to used with other Firm workouts. For example, participants train one day with this video and the next day with Cross Trainers: Cardio. This variety can aid in keeping both the mind and body challenged while maintaining a well-rounded fitness regimen. Instructor Pam Cauthen leads this 50-minute workout as a strength-training program; however, cardio intervals have been added to enhance training effects. The splicing of aerobic and anaerobic exercise plays a key role in the overall effectiveness of this workout because the body is using multiple energy systems to fuel activity (this could mean greater potential for loss of fat and increase in strength). The major muscles of the upper and lower body are trained through practical exercises that are done with moderate repetition. The cueing comes quickly here and little information is given on correct form or safety concerns. First-time weightlifters may need to do some homework on form and proper body alignment before beginning. This program is ideal for intermediate participants or anyone who craves variety in their training regimen. You need a set of hand weights (3 to 8 pounds for women and 5 to 15 pounds for men) and an aerobic step (preferably a tall step and a short step). --Olivia Voigts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite of the "new" FIRM tapes, March 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Firm - The Firm Cross Trainers: Firm Strength [VHS] (VHS Tape)

While I am still a sucker for the "old-school" FIRM Volumes 1-6 (silly hair, pastel leotards and all), I have to admit that I LOVE this tape. Although the FIRM folks preach about "muscle confusion" and encourage alternating tapes, I often let this be my "Strength Day" tape two or three times in a row. It's a killer workout--lots of those leg presses and squats we hate--but it passes my "do I feel like I am stronger/healthier/more fit when I finish?" test with flying colors. Though it doesn't play this up, I think the tape is really great for your thighs--my quads and hamstrings are significantly more defined since I added this to my tape collection. And don't sweat the aerobics--they're kind of dinky but at least they're short, so use them as a time to space out and clear your mind before you have to get refocused on the weights. And--always an important factor--Pam Cauthen (the instructor and a former class member from FIRM Classic Volume 6 with Jayne Poteet--how sad is it that I was able to spot that?) is really good...not too manic and perky but not a gymbot, either. As other viewers have noted, you'll need weights (which you should be using anyway, whether you do The FIRM or not), at least one (medium-high)step (they use two, but I just use a great sturdy 14" footstool for the whole thing), and a towel to do all of the exercises.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Firm: Cross Trainers - Firm Strength, December 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Firm - The Firm Cross Trainers: Firm Strength [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have been using this video consistantly for over a year, 2-3 times per week on average. It consists of easy to follow low-impact aerobics with a great weight-lifting routine mixed in.

In the last year, it has become my favorite workout. I have seen a complete makeover in my body composition. As far as weight loss goes, there has not been much of a change, but the change is from fat to muscle. Everyone I know has asked me repeatedly how much weight I have lost. Honestly-- not much. It's just that I have developed muscle where there once was only fat.

I feel wonderful, and I know most of my progress is due to this video. I have recommended it to several friends and relatives.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tips on all that expensive equipment!, July 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Firm - The Firm Cross Trainers: Firm Strength [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Use your imagination! What makes you think you can only get a step up box from The Firm?! Buy two step stools at Target - they have a 9" and a 14" (in the hardware dept.)

Anytime they use a barbell you can always use dumbbells.

The Firm will actually sell you a towel with their logo on it if you can't find one around the house!

The newer videos use a dowel for balance. I use the pole that screws on to the paint roller. (A broom or really anything that helps you keep your balance works.)

Don't spend all that money on expensive step stools - use your imagination!

By the way - the video is one of my favorites - and I own >20 Firm videos.