Customer Reviews

The Firm - Total Body - Time Crunch Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an older aerobics workout tape, but the workout is still great. You get a total body workout in about 45 minutes. The use of two instructors is nice for variation, and the camera angle is like you're part of the workout group following along with the instructor. Recommended.

This is a good overall workout for the intermediate to advanced exerciser. It has a mix of aerobic and weight training sequences. Susan Harris is an excellent instructor, but extremely thin to the point of looking anorexic. Perhaps that is why they have obviously retouched her photo on the video case. Kia (sp?) does the aerobic sequences and is not the best at cueing upcoming moves. I think The Firm has improved their teaching of aerobic sequences in later videos. This is obviously an earlier, less polished effort. I will say that Kia is obviously a gifted dancer.

Despite these small criticisms and observations, I find myself going back to this tape time and time again for several reasons 1. mix of aerobics and weight training 2. good intruction from Susan Harris 3. strong abs section 4. great workout in 42 minutes.

Holy smokes this video is good! The aerobic sections working with the step and weights is really quite intense! Being at an advanced fitness level (running 6 milse, cycling 50+ miles weekly, as well as doing lots of the Firm videos), I found this video to be quite challenging. The first time I did this I had to work with very light weights. I highly recommend it as an addition to many of the other Firm videos. It is shorter and more aerobics oriented than the others. Also the aerobics of this video is superior to the other aerobic sections in the other Firm videos I have (like the Tortoise and Hare videos).

I have had this tape for several years and it still remains my favorite. It gives me an effective total body workout in 45 minutes so I can get it in before I get ready for work in the morning. The results are noticeable in 10 workouts or less. If I get away from it for a while, I always come back and it always gets me back in shape fast. I usually switch off with some of the other Firm tapes, but this is by far my favorite for the workout and the time.

I loved doing the Time Crunch workout.I loved everything about it: the music (sometimes I find myself humming the tunes while working out), the short aerobic segments (my favorite is the tri-star), Susan Harris (the legendary original instructor in my opinion),& best of all, the dance finale! I actually rewinded the tape back once to do it again because it was so much fun! This also shows that yes, exercise is serious, but hey, you work your [rear] out for about 45 minutes,so why not have a little fun while you're at it? I too,find myself going back to this tape.It's great to do either in the morning (a quick workout to get you energized and started on your day),or at night (if you have a little bit of energy left).TIME CRUNCH WORKOUT RULES! SUSAN HARRIS RULES!! I wonder how come she's no longer working at the Firm. She makes Jane Fonda look like a [wimp]!

Have used this video on & off for years. Excellent way to shape up and gain muscle tone. This is a video you can complete in 45 - 49 minutes including warm up & cool down.

The workout is thorough and short. Traditional weights moves are combined. You need a variety of weights, light (3 to 5 pounds), medium (10 to 12), and heavy (15 to 20), and a step that goes up to 10 inches. The step is used to make the weights moves more challenging, rather than purely for aerobics. The people on the video use a square step called a "box," but I use my normal step and just turn one of the moves sideways.

As for the production, the workout team consists of many young anorexic women wearing heavy makeup, jewelry, colored nylons, and low-cut leotards, along with a few more-normal looking men. The set has silly fake Greek statues and paintings all around, and the exercise mats are flowered rugs. The music is grocery store/elevator style. My first reaction was, "This is the workout for the Stepford Wives."

For an equally thorough short workout with more interesting moves, higher heart rate, and a more down-to-earth production, I prefer "Crunch Cardio/Sculpt."

For those of you familiar with "The Firm", you know their workouts are TOUGH. This one is a great way to ease your way into the Firm. This is only 45 minutes long, but it's a full-body workout, combining aerobic, step & strength training intervals. You'll need a set of handweights (3,5 & 8 pounds are a good starter set) and one set of ankleweights (3 or 5 pounds). You'll also need the firm box (now called the fannylifter). If you try to use a normal step, it won't be as challenging a workout. The taller the step, the higher the heartrate, and the faster your legs will shape. I know it's a drag to buy exercise props, but this is one prop that makes a HUGE difference.

This video makes a great introduction to the FIRM. It's shorter than most FIRM workouts (45 minutes) and the weight work is not as heavy as other FIRM workouts, but it's still FIRM tough!. You'll need two or three sets of weights and an aerobic step. This video is an oldy. I think it was part of the first series of workouts from the late 80's, so you'll see lots of make-up, jewelry and ice cream sherbert colored workout wear. But don't let the 80's cheese discourage you. This is a quality workout that will let you see results in "10 workouts".

I was on the waiting list for this video in 1990 when the Firm first released it for almost 50.00. It is one of the best exercise videos i have ever owned. I don't care about production sets or hairdos of the instructors, I care about results, and I get it with this tape. Susan and Kai give great cues and the footwork isn't too dancy for me on a ten inch step. The workout is short enough, yet is tough and motivating, and you can grow with it by increasing weight size as you grow stronger, as with all Firm videos. It works out just about every muscle group and the abs section is tough. I admit I stopped exercising for many years but went back about a year ago and I credit this tape ( along with walking and a balanced diet) for a 50 pound weight loss and I only do it 3 to 4 times a week. I guess by owning it so long, I can do it with my eyes closed. I have purchased a second copy,just in case the other one wears out. I swear by this tape. Give it a try!