Customer Reviews

The Firm Parts: Not-So Tough Aerobics [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm very atheletic and thought this might be a great aerobics workout for my "slack-off" days. NOT! This is a very intense workout. I was dripping with sweat at the end -- and I was doing this beneath a whirling ceiling fan, with the air conditioner blasting at 68 degrees! If you are looking for an intense, low-impact 30-minute workout, this is it.

Great workout but the "not so tough" is "not so true" you can get a great workout here but if you are a beginner or getting back to exercise after not working out for a while don't start here.

This video was great for me, as I began to get back into shape. The moves are simple enough for me to learn as a beginner, and fun enough to keep me from getting bored. I like the changing instructors--if you don't like one instructor's style, just wait and it changes. The Firm videos are the only ones that have worked for me, and I've said goodbye to my gym membership (which I never went to enough) for good.

I like this FIRM tape the best by far!!! I love the fact that I get a great cardio workout and muscle toning in this tape in a relatively short period of time. I also like the "cut and paste" format because it allows me a chance to catch my breath in between exercises. I initially bought the FIRM Low Impact Aerobics tape with Janet-Jones-Gretsky and hated it because her cuing was basically non-existent but luckily I found this FIRM tape on sale at Target and have been a FIRM believer ever since.

This is a great workout--just the right length and enough variety to prevent boredom. I think the only difference between this tape and the "tough" aerobics is the degree of coordination required (i.e. can you do step and work with weights at the same time? If not, steer clear of the tough aerobics).

This is a really good workout. There are lots of variations, working with weights & a step. The only awkward thing is the warm-up at the beginning of the video. It's very fast-paced & the instructor doesn't explain where she's going. I just do my own warm-up & start with the aerobics. Also, there are intervals between each workout segment, so there is a few seconds to rest in between. A good workout overall.

I love this tape! It keeps changing instructors so you never get bored and it goes quickly. I like this video because it combines toning with aerobics. You need a step and a pair of dumbbells.

I think this is tougher aerobics than the Firm's Tough Aerobics tape. Actually it doesn't claim this but it tones the upper thighs along with giving you a good aerobic workout and making you sweat:)

"The Firm Parts: Not-So Tough Aerobics" is a combination of step aeorbics and standing floor moves, some with weights and some without. This tape was edited from about half a dozen earlier "The Firm" workout tapes -- 7 minutes here, 3 minutes there -- like one of those serial TV shows that shows bits & pieces from previous shows. The lady pictured on the cover fills in transitions between segments, telling you what equipment to get and how to stand to get ready for the next segment.

Contrary the title, "Not-So Tough Aerobics" is a fairly challenging aerobic workout. Unlike most Firm workout tapes, this exercise session only uses light weights (3 to 5 lbs) and a low step (3" to 7"). So it is suitable for days between weightlifting sessions. The exercises are all low impact. This tape can be modified into a beginner workout by stopping early.

In my opinion, the biggiest problem with this workout tape is that the edits are disruptive. The visual transitions from set to set give the exercise session a "cheap" feel. Still, the overall workout is worthwhile.

This workout has background music that is enjoyable and varied. Visually, the workout quite entertaining: colorful backdrop, statues, murrals on the wall, and a variety of people exercising in different clothing. It looks like you are in a class with many other people.

Good aerobic workout of sufficient length (30 minutes post warm-up) and with decent variety -- lunges that keep your heart rate up (although sometimes too fast), step with weights, and low impact with weights. Sometimes the tempo of the weight work is a bit too fast, but this problem can be addressed by using lighter weights.

The warm-up, however, sucks. The instructor gives NO cues or form pointers (and she's very creepy to boot), the routine is insufficient to get the heart pumping (e.g., really slow cha-chas), the tempo changes from fast to slow without warning, and the music is irritating.

The opening commentary is annoying. The instructor admonishes, "Don't use exercise as an excuse to overeat!" If I'd wanted nutritional advice, I would have bought a book.