Customer Reviews

The Firm: Jiggle Free Buns

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is another workout from the Firm Transfirmer series which introduces the Transfirmer, a 2 part piece of equipment similar to the Fanny Lifter but longer in length more like a traditional step. You can use the 6 and 8 inch pieces individually, stack them together for a 14 inch platform used for leg press, in an incline position, or side by side resembling a staircase. The incline and staircase positions are used quite a bit in this workout. If you do not have the Transfirmer though, a normal step box and a higher step stool would work. You will also need some dumbells.

Pam Cauthen Meriwether leads this 34 minute workout, she is joined by 4 fellow Firm master instructors, including Alison who shows beginner modifications. You start with a warmup using the Transfirmer in the side by side position. Then you will proceed into the first sculpting segment, starting with squats later adding a rear leg lift, then you will move into side lunges placing your foot on the shorter piece of the Transfirmer. An option here is to put the Transfirmer in its incline position for side lunges, I often do this as it feels more comfortable to me. Then you will do another set of squats, this time adding an optional foot lift, progessing all the way to leaving your foot off the ground as you stand back up, very tough, something to work towards. After that you will do side lunges on the other leg and finish out with a set of deadlifts which end with one squat held for several counts.

The first cardio segment is next, you will leave the Transfirmer in it's side by side position. The segment is a little tricky but not too bad. You start with basic steps, then pivoting to the side progressing into what is called "Hot Cross Buns" which is actually a lot of fun once you get it down. Calf pumps, plyo jumps and shallow lunges to the rear are other moves you will see in this segment.

Time for more sculpting work, this segment is tough. Pam calls for medium weights and one would be wise to listen to her here. You will put the Transfirmer in it's incline position, and put your legs in a lunge position, with the front leg placed on the blue portion (8 inch). You will step to the top and dip off the back, gradually adding more components to the set, such as floating the foot to the front, adding a rear leg lift/knee sweep to the front, and pulsing the leg behind you. Once you are done with all that you step off and immediately do a set of dips with the opposite leg. Following this you will do a set of front lunges onto the incline, adding a rotation with the waist towards your knee. You will do these on one leg then go right into the other, then you will repeat the dip sequence on the other side. I normally use 12-15 pound weights for most lower body work, I used 10's here and still found it quite challenging, really ups the heartrate too. Not to mention it is really easy to lose your balance here, I have a few times.

More cardio is next, you leave the TF in it's incline position. This segment is not quite as tricky, you will see basic steps, straddles, press steps, hamstring curls, over the tops and repeaters here. Some of the step are performed on the 8 inch portion for more intensity.

The final sculpting segment is next, leg presses which are the Firms signature move. You will start on one side and alternate exiting off the back and to the side, 4 reps each and then 2 reps each, then you will finish a couple pulsing reps before pressing up to the top. Then you repeat on the other leg. Following this are tall box climbs, which don't require weights. You will alternate narrow and wide climbs, alternating legs. To finish out this segment you will do some hover squats adding an optional leg slide if you choose, then you will do some plie squats adding a heel lift, then you will hold the final rep at the bottom and pulse a few times.

Last cardio segment is hi-lo impact, you will leave the Transfirmer in it's 14 position and you will move around it and use it for certain moves. Here you will see marches, step touches, low jacks w/arms, calf pumps w/optional criss crossing of the legs, grapevines, toe taps to the TF, runners lunges and rear leg extensions. Then it's time to cooldown and stretch it out.

This is quite a workout in 34 minutes, I found I had to go lighter in weight for most of the weight work. I have many Firm workouts, and most of them have the same lunges, squats and leg presses, here you see them too, but with interesting twists and different variations. It is nice to change things up a little and that the Firm is becoming more creative by adding a little flavor to the tried and true exercises. I thought this workout was quite challenging. I often do this workout in conjunction with Jiggle Free Arms, and I get a total workout along with cardio in a hour. This series is great and they really got it right with the Transfirmer. It is a great piece of equipment and it's very sturdy and stable. I use it for all my workouts Firm or not, and I like the versatility. Overall a great workout, you get a lot accomplished in just over 30 minutes. Pam as always does a great job leading the workout as well.

This workout is very excellent for 30 minutes. I love "Teedums" review below. it is sufficiently explanatory. I thought I would put my 2 cents in as a Certified Fitness Trainer. I really approve this workout. with the aerobic and toning intervals, the entire thigh is targeted with uniquely tough moves for awesome results. The music is also worth mentioning- very upbeat. A great workout all around.
I only must disagree with Teedums about Pam. Sometimes I found her cueing confusing and somewhat lacking what I was looking for. However, it was not so awful the workout was spoiled. It is one of my favorite lower body workouts with Lower Body Sculpt 1. Miss Kitka [...]

This 30-minute workout is a cardio/weight training workout in one. It is fast paced, so it's best to view this workout several times before using it. You also need the stepper apparatus that is seen in the workout for best result. But once you've used this dvd, you don't need to do any other workout for the rest of the day. For a companion dvd try Firm Yoga to Stretch out what you worked. For the more experienced yoga practitioner try Rodney Yee's Advanced yoga, there is a great hip workout that stretches out your hips and back.

I've done a lot of firm videos. This is not my favorite. The transitions are too quick and I don't feel it worked my buns like the FIRM lower body sculpt I. It did raise my heart rate and I felt it in my legs at times but I was disappointed. Her transitions are difficult to understand at times as well.

This is a really good, very intense lower body (buns and thighs) workout. I must admit that it is still difficult (in intensity) for me after using the video for a month now. Please note that you must allow yourself time to get the moves down. The program moves quickly but I had an easier time catching on to this workout than other firm videos I own. The workout is hard and I get a bit winded at times which causes me to pause the video to catch my breath. I consider myself fairly fit and trim but I found this workout to be a good challenge. It has produced noticable results for me which is excellent and motivating. I would recommend it for ladies who need to do some intense target training on their lower bodies but like to get the heart rate pumping and burn some major calories at the same time.

I have been using the Firm vidoes for about 6 months now and see a big difference. They are really working well to help smooth the back of my legs! I have gotten so much use from their videos thus far, so I thought I would get this to see if it could specifically target my problem area to help it along. It is a great workout. Hard to believe it is only 30 minutes. I pair this with the jiggle free arms to get a great kick butt work out!

The bouts of cardio in between toning exercises helps keep your heart rate up but also keeps the next day soreness down. It took me two or three times to get the routine but then it was all good from there. Pam is an okay instructor, kind of bland. I prefer Firm instructors Allie or Stephanie Huckabee. This will still really whip your butt into shape - they're not kidding with the "Visible results in 10 workouts!"

This is a great lower body workout in a short time!! I like how it alternates between cardio and toning. One of my favorites. Jiggle free arms is great too!!!

I've only done this one once, but I like it. I work out with The Firm multiple times per week, and this one left me sore the next day (which I really love, actually!!) The hot cross buns move is really tricky for me, so I'm going to have to work on that one for a while. Overall recommend it.

I do love the firm but this isn't one of their great videos. There is a lot more low impact cardio then needed - If I have 30 minutes to fix my back side I want a focused work out. The transitions are very fast and the music is more of a cardio based genre. If you have any ankle or knee issues you may struggle feel some pain. Try other firm lower body work outs they give you more focus and you will feel it the next day.