Customer Reviews

The Firm - Cross Trainers: Super Cardio [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this workout! This is definitely one of the best new FIRM videos, and of all time! I love volume one w/Susan Harris, but this one is going to the top of the list as well! This video is long (1hr) and there are four of the FIRM's best instructors in this video-Carissa, Jen,Dale, and Allie. Some sections are taken from other videos (and songs)
but the moves are done by a different instructor, and performed a bit different so the moves seem fresh again! (example-CARDIO BURN with Tamela Hastie, she does VERY hard plyo moves w/ side steps and v step arms which is done again in SUPER CARDIO by Jen Carmen one of *the* toughest FIRM moves ever!)
This video is cool because each instructor has a block of songs to do their thing to, instead of switching every song to another instructor. Every instructor is great, but I think that JEN Carman is the BEST.. her sections are challenging, and she seems to have a bit more "lead time" than the others. Dale is fabulous as well..she leads a segment where you lift your delts and side back side your legs that is VERY effective!
This video is NOT NOT NOT for beginners.. no way! Also, if you have knee problems, this video might need alterations, because of the plyo sections.
I LOVE MOST ALL FIRM VIDEOS, and this one has some of the BEST music in the FIRM videos as well! It is motivation music!
Finally, if you plan on buying this video, get the better sound quality tape (SP version NOT NOT LP version) because you will lose some sound quality and picture quality..either the special FIRM believers tape in the clamshell or request a GOOD version of the goodtimes release!
I think that there have been nothing but RAVES for this video and there is a reason!
ENJOY!

I agree with some of the other reviews. This is definitely one of the best Firm videos ever produced. The instructors are superb. The set is beautiful and the routines are very challenging. The instructors have an innovative technique of combining plyos, running and squats. You'll need two sets of weights, 3-5 lbs, a ball and a short step. I use a 9.25" rubbermaid step stool. My favorite segments are the ones in which you use the weighted ball. This really gets the ole heart pumpin and they're so much fun. I also like the time length. It's an hour long so you'll get a great workout. The video ends with a challenging but short stability balance, bow pose and stretch. Although recommended for advanced exercisers, I would strongly encourage beginners to give it a chance. You'll be pleased with the results. Just stay focused and start off carefully and slowly.

When I bought this tape a little over a month ago, I thought I was decently fit. I ran 40 minutes three times a week and walked every other day. The first time I tried super cardio, I was surprised to find myself totally winded half way through this workout. I've been doing it about twice a week since then(and using other aerobic workouts on the other five days), and I still am not quite able to do all the pliometric squats in this tape--but my legs are much more solid, and now I can run 60 minutes. I never imagined such fantastic results from a video!

One heads up: you will need some light hand weights (I use 5 lbs) and a "short box" (I bought a $12 rubbermaid step stool, which works perfectly--they recommend the "Fanny Lifter" on the box, but they don't actually use it in this video, which makes me think it hadn't actually come out yet when they filmed). They also recommend a weighted ball, but you can use any old ball to get started and work up to the added weight.

The music is a bit new age-y for my taste, and the instructors are very understated (they don't yell encouragements, but rather just cue each exercise and leave it at that), but this really is the most incredible workout video I've used. I highly recommend it.

I bought this tape after reading all the reviews and tried it out for the first time last night. One thing no one has mentioned is how fast-paced all of the steps and "dance" moves are. If you're not too coordinated and have never been on a pom squad, like myself, it will seem frustrating to you at first. It will probably take me 2 or 3 more times using the tape to get all the moves down, but that's okay. Just hang in there! It's really a great cardio workout, mixing light weights, a short step and like everyone has said, the plyo exercises are great. I've never had a cardio video that has such a good calf workout either. My calves are sore today! If I can just get my feet to keep up with the step routines, I won't look like such a dork and I'll get a much more effective workout!

I was very excited to order my first Firm video, but to my dismay, I found you needed not only dumbbells but a step and a weighted ball to use it. I went back and checked your product details and nowhere does it say you need this equipment. I tried to order the step, but amazon does not sell it. It would be helpful if this was included in the product description since it is plainly visable on the back of the video cover.

This FIRM tape is a really great cardio workout! This tape was exactly what I was looking for...a longer, fun but challenging, CARDIO workout. The toning exercises are built right into the various movements...more bang for your buck. Very small ab work on this tape so if you need mostly ab work, better find another tape, but for all other areas and especially fat burning cardio, this is the tape for you!!

I think that FIRM believers who like a heavier cardio workout will love this video! I love it! The audio is hard to hear a bit, but I still love it! There are alot of instructors
(Jen Carman, Dale Brabham, Carissa Foster and Allie Strickland)
So there is alot of variety.. They take some moves from previous videos (like the plyometric segment from CARDIO BURN where you do the "low impact aerobics with plyos at the end)
but it is done differently and I think is harder. There are a few repeat songs, and segments, but they all seem new because different instructors do them, and change it up a bit.I highly recommend this video to intermediate/advanced exercisers!
(More advanced though!)

This workout has the best music the Firm has ever used. 1 song is from Fat Blaster and a few have been used in the Cardio series, but alot of it is new. The video has 4 instructors, but each instructor has a block of approximately 4 songs in a row so it isn't choppy. Some use the step, but most is low impact. There are a few plyo jumps as well, but easy to follow or lower if need be.

One of my favorites. This tape is challenging, varied, and fun. From beginning to end, the moves are (in my opinion) higher impact, athletic stuff like squats, lunges, and plyo-jumps--with a few skips and grapevines thrown in. But be warned, the pace is quick. The first few times I did this tape, I thought I would collapse, I was working so hard! But hang in there. Just take your time and have plenty of water handy--you'll need it!

I recently and eagerly purchased this exercise video after reading the other reviews here. While it is a very thorough work-out, most of the time for me it was difficult to follow (I am a klutz!)the quick-changing steps of many of the routines. Also, it was NOT easy on my knees, ankles, or shins with all the pliometric jumping and all the running in place. I am in my mid 40's and in relatively decent shape; maybe if I were 15 years younger!! I did feel thoroughly challenged in regards to endurance and coordination!! Probably a tape better suited for very advanced, well-coordinated folks. I would definitely NOT recommend it to people with knee, ankle, or shin problems.