Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Bmg Video Label
• VHS Release Date: April 1, 1997
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304396015
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,989 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Don't be offended by the title: "tortoise" doesn't mean that you're sluggish and round. Rather, the point is that by using slower moves and heavier weights, you build strength and complement the faster workouts you do on other days. However, the reps in this 1993 60-minute video aren't all that slow--usually about four seconds, when six seconds is more typical for heavy weights. You'll need a variety of dumbbells, a barbell, and a short and tall step. The instructor presents a good variety of effective upper- and lower-body exercises, although modifications using dumbbells could have been shown in the barbell segments. The strength moves are interspersed with short aerobic/step segments of ballroom dance moves that sometimes don't quite match the music. Use this video to cross-train with one of the faster workouts, such as The Firm: The Hare Workout, which uses light weights and a faster tempo. --Joan Price

Product Description

The Firm Cross Trainers: The Tortoise Workout [VHS] [VHS Tape] (1997) Firm

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ballroom music, heavy weights, graceful moves and strength.., June 25, 2002

By 

JANMC - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Firm Cross Trainers: The Tortoise Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

...If you wonder what all this means you will have to try the Tortoise. It is definitely different. You will either hate it or love it or maybe even both. Or you may hate it now and come back to it when you are into serious fitness and fall in love. The quick quick summary is that if you are already a FIRM lover, or if you are an advanced exerciser looking for an interesting and unusual routine, this may be just the right work-out for you!

Designed to work on alternate days with the HARE work-out (which I reviewed separately) this workout emphasizes slow moves with heavier weights. If weight work does not appeal to you (although it should, for overall fitness) then don't bother picking up this one. In this hour-long video you will use weights for thorough upper body sculpting as well as for the lower body (in lunges) and you will also use the tall step box to shape and define your lower body. Naturally, you need equipment - you will need weights 5-8lb dumbells for beginners (the cast uses a barbell but you can use dumbells) and two step boxes - tall (10-14 inches) and short (about 4 inches).

This workout is spiced up with short (and relatively easy) aerobic sequences to ballroom music. You will get your heart rate up to the cha cha, the tango, the waltz and others, complete with curtsies at the end. Weird? Maybe. But this may also be the exact weird thing you need to have a blast while getting some SERIOUS work done. I personally loved it.

The workout starts with an unusual ab work sequence in the beginning. This is different from traditional workouts where this is saved for last, but unless you just can't "stomach" starting out this way, this shouldn't bother you. Tracy Long cues flawlessly. She also gives instruction on proper form and is generally motivating but very professional. She does not yell at you to get that lazy butt off the couch - she assumes you take fitness seriously and don't need to be reminded of how rewarded you will feel once you are through. Susan Harris, the original FIRM instructor also makes an appearance in this cross trainer series, and leads you through some of the moves.

You alternate between working with weights and then doing some light aerobics to different ballroom tunes. The choreography (using the short step box) may seem complicated at first, but after several times you will follow it with ease. This tape will NOT teach you the ballroom dances - it is just a work-out to ballroom music for variety. If you can't stand ballroom but want to cross train try the FIRM strength and cardio series - same concept.

The weight work will be as difficult as the weights of the dumbells you use. Beginners can do this with no weights - still, this is a pretty advanced work-out. Intermediate to advanced exercisers will probably enjoy it more.
The work-out ends with more ab work and with a good stretching segment.

This workout is different and unusual - but EFFECTIVE. If you want results this is one to get. And if you are a woman and are worried about the body-building theme here, don't dispair - it is very unlikely and almost impossible that you will become the new Miss Hercules by doing this regularly. Chances are you probably won't even get to be as muscular as Tracy Long (maybe if you work VERY hard and use HEAVY weights) - but you will gain beautiful muscle definition, a toned look and you will lose weight.

Overall I give this work-out 5 stars because no matter how you may like or dislike the set, make-up, music, instructor, ballroom theme or anything else - the bottom line is that this is an excellent work-out for the body. Well researched, well executed, well cued - and is a lot more fun than weight work at the gym - at least to me.

Wow, what a long review I've written :D Did not realize I had that much to say...

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great workout for men as well as women, January 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Firm Cross Trainers: The Tortoise Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is one tough workout! And because of its emphasis on heavy weights, it is a great workout for men as well as women. As with all "the Firm" workouts, this video pushes you to new fitness levels by forcing you to do more reps and harder routines than you would ever subject yourself to otherwise. But the fitness rewards of surviving and mastering this grueling workout are great, believe me!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DEATH BY LEG PRESS!, March 16, 2000

By 

passiflora "fandjcotton" (Santa Rita, Guam USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Firm Cross Trainers: The Tortoise Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Tracy Long is the best instructor! She's motivating, yet not overbearing. This workout is not for light days. You will get results even quicker than going to the gym and using machines, but in the privacy of your home at only a fraction of the price! I call this "Death by leg press" because you will probably want to die if you you have to do even one more (I can never make it through all the sets), but boy will your gluts be great! I've never had any better success at losing weight, toning up, and increasing strength than with the FIRM workouts! And you won't find a better price than at Amazon. I hope they re-issue this tape soon for the sake of you FIRM fellow lovers out there....