Product Details

• Actors: Tracis Long
• Format: NTSC, Color, HiFi Sound, Full Screen
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Meridian Films, Inc. / BMG Video
• VHS Release Date: March 24, 1998
• Run Time: 45 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304828969
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,924 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This is an excellent muscle-endurance workout, full of challenges and variety. Instructor Tracie Long is superb, cueing seamlessly while giving plenty of technique tips and modifications to make the moves easier or more difficult. There's no annoying pep talk, whooping, or counting--just straightforward instruction to make your workout more effective. This 45-minute weight workout switches constantly between lower and upper body (sometimes doing both at once). Long sensibly gives stretches every so often to relieve muscle tightness. You'll need a barbell, an assortment of free weights, and a tall (12- to 14-inch) step or equivalent. The tape box and introduction claim that this workout includes a 26-minute high-intensity sequence, but this 45-minute tape did not have a cardio sequence. No abdominal routine, either. Although the routine ends with the words "more to come," the only "more" was a long commercial. --Joan Price

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent Firm Parts tape with an incredible instructor!, August 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Firm - Firm Parts: Tough Tape (Classic Workout Series) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have been a Firm user since 1991. I have all of the full body tapes (then called Vols. 1-6), the Firm Strong Body and Strong Heart tapes, and all of the Firm Parts tapes. As far as I'm concerned, there are no better work out tapes on the market. I was disappointed with the Firm Tortoise and Hare tapes - I like to work out when working out and dance when dancing; I didn't like the mix - so was really pleased when Tough Tape (an edit of the Tortoise and Hare tapes featuring the warm up, box and dumbell portions, squats, lunges, upper body, and cool down - was introduced. It is now my favorite tape and were it not for the fact that I feel compelled to work in my other Firm tapes (which is a good idea, as outlined by the Firm), I would do Tough Tape solely for weeks on end. Tracy Long is powerful and extremely motivating. The Tall Box, squats, and dumbell moves are incredible and results are fast and lasting. As with all Firm Parts Tapes - other than 5 Day Abs and Sculpted Buns, Hips, and Thighs - there is no ab section. However, as I need ab work in every workout and am not good at popping in the 5 Day Ab tape after a Firm Parts workout, I simply do abs during the first set of pushups in the tape. I find that 16 pushups is enough for me and I've gotten some abs in. As the Firm advises before every tape, take it easy the first few times. Don't use weights your first time and, by all means, start off with a short step up box and low weights. If you plan to continue working out, you have time to move up in step up box height and in dumbell weight. I think that it's extremely important when doing the Firm, or any workout, to realize that you can make modifications to meet your exercise needs.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Tape if You're Serious About Weight Training, September 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Firm - Firm Parts: Tough Tape (Classic Workout Series) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I do strength training (free weights and machines) at the gym, but this is the tape I frequently reach for when I don't have time to drive to and from the healthclub. You will need a barbell, a "tall box" (13" tall step), and multiple free weights for this tape. If you don't have a barbell, you can probably modify by using just the free weights.

This is an intense weight training program that works both the upper and lower body. It will also get your heart pumping, so there's a mild aerobic effect as well. And, as is true with all FIRM productions, it is beautifully produced. Tracy Long's cueing is arguably the best in the fitness industry, and she provides plenty of form pointers for beginners. But I recommend this tape for intermediates/advanced weight trainers.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE TOUGH TAPE!!!, August 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Firm - Firm Parts: Tough Tape (Classic Workout Series) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I own 13 Firm Tapes. I started using Firm Tapes when they first came out (before I was married). I am 37 and have two children, ages 5 & 2. After my daughter was born in 1999 I was so out of shape. I gained 50 pounds with each pregnancy and lost all the weight after my first pregnancy, but did not lose it all with my second one. I was a devoted Firm believer before my children came but I eventually had become lazy and tied up with other things and did not want to work out. A few months back I tried a no carb diet and lost weight fast but it did not last and I still felt out of shape. I eventually realized diet was not good and had to change my way of life. I had 20 pounds to lose yet till my ideal weight. Well, I hate aerobics so I decided to use my older Firm Tapes two months ago. Well, let me tell you, I was working out 4 times a week the first month with them and eating healthy, but not depriving myself and lost 5 pounds. Then I decided to try a new Firm Tape and ordered the Tough Tape with Tracie Long. THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST (MY MOST FAVORITE) TAPE I HAVE DONE OUT OF ALL FIRM TAPES!!! I have been using it a month and lost another 5 pounds. The butt and leg work is excellent! Those are my major problem areas. I am no longer a size 10 and am so happy! Everyone notices the results and my husband is always complimenting me on it. This tape does not bore me and I feel great afterwards. I cannot imagine not weight training with these tapes again, especially this one. I only use it 2 to 3 times a week now and I still am getting results and I do no other form of exercise. It burns fat and gives you great looking muscles. My pear shape does not look pear anymore. Tracie Long is an excellent instructor. I am so glad they put out a Firm Tape that just sticks to the weight training with no aerobic bouncing around. This tape will make you a Firm believer!