Customer Reviews

Firm Parts: Tough Tape 2 [VHS]

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

 

 

This workout is actually very good. No, it's not as tough as the original Tough Tape, but it does work the body more evenly. The original Tough Tape focuses mainly on the legs, and has limited work for the upper body. Tough tape 2 does a better job of balancing out both upper and lower body. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced exercisers--just use a heavier weight if you are more advanced! I am a very advanced exerciser and I use this tape on one of my "medium" days. I agree that the tape does not adequately prepare you for what's coming and what size weight you should use in some spots, but once you do the workout a few times, that is no longer an issue.

As far as this tape being pieced together, that's true. It's what the Firm calls a "Parts" tape, meaning it is compiled from different videos. But, the original Tough Tape was ALSO a Parts tape! It was compiled from The Tortoise and The Hare. Both of those videos starred Tracie Long so maybe the piecing together wasn't as evident in Tough Tape. Anyway, to me, Tough Tape 2 is not "choppy"--both videos flow about the same--it's just that on Tough Tape, Tracie introduces each new segment, and on Tough Tape 2, the segments are just placed one after another, with no intro. However, the segments used do include some (brief) instruction on what exercise is coming up and what you need to grab to do it. It's true that Tracie's introduction may help you prepare for the upcoming segment a little better. But again, this is not really an issue once you do the tape a few times. You'll get the feel for what weight you need to use in each segment.

In addition, this tape is for strength training, NOT cardio training, so if it doesn't raise your heart rate much, then that's OK--your cardio training is for another day! Unlike the Firm Classics which combine both aerobics and weights in one workout, this tape is meant to focus on strength only.

However, I would caution anyone that does not like fast paced workouts to stay away from this one. if you like to slow it down a little more and take your time, that's fine, but this tape is probably not for you.

After working out w/the original Tough Tape this past year with excellent results I was looking forward to this video. I was horribly disappointed in Tough Tape 2. It is a choppy video w/segments from various Firm tapes pieced together.There is virtually no explanation of how heavy each weight should be for each segment. Just something like "ok, pick up your barbell and lift one-two...". There is very limited lower body work. It really didn't raise my heart rate at all. I barely broke a sweat. I am sticking w/the first Tough Tape and adding heavier weights for a real challenge. This tape is probably good for a beginner but not someone advanced who works out regularly. Try Tough Tape if you haven't already and skip this one.

I really loved the original "Tough Tape" with Tracie Long. So I was in a rush to go out and get Tough Tape 2. I agree that this tape is very choppy. The instructors go straight from one thing to another. In other Firm videos, you have one instructor throughout who preps you on what weight size you need and what position you should be in before startng another exercise. It is not here! This tape goes from one move to another with no pointers or explainations of the exercises. I was so disappointed. Save your money and buy the original "Tough Tape" instead.

This was the very first firm tape I ever purchased. It is a good tape for those beginning the firm. As promised, I saw results within the first 10 workouts. I loved this tape so much, I have since purchased 4 other firm videos. A bit of caution, have all of your equipment (weights, high box, dowel) within reach so you can keep up with the instructors. The reason I enjoy tough tape 2 so much is because just when I don't think I can do another rep, the sequence is over and they are on to a new body part. Just go slow and work at your own pace - so you can walk the next day.

Tough Tape 2 is just what it says ... tough, at least for intermediate exercisers like myself!

Although other reviewers have noted that this tape is choppy, I really didn't notice that ... I was too busy focusing on the workout itself. It is a tad bit fast paced for me, and I did end up hitting the pause button on a few occasions, but I believe that time and repetition with "cure" that. I do recommend having all of the necessary equipment near by!

This is a well-rounded tape that sculpts all major muscle groups, as well as some you might not have even known you had. Wonderful for sculpting your body for swimsuit weather! (Used in conjunction with cardio tapes).

To do this workout, you will need a Fanny Lifter (can be purchased at 1-800-THE-FIRM), 3 to 15 pound dumbells (heavier for advanced), and I believe you need a dowel as well (can substitute a broom or mop handle if you wish).

Not recommended for someone who is brand new to exercise.

I love this tape. I bought it about a year ago and have done it for the past year approximately 2 - 3 times per week. It always leaves me feeling like I have really accomplished something! My arms and legs have really 'firmed' up and show more definition than before I started doing this tape. I recommend this tape to intermediate - advanced levels of fitness - it can be 'tough', but is definitely worth it!!