Customer Reviews

The Firm: Total Body - Body Sculpting Basics [VHS]

5 star:		(164)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This tape has already been thoroughly reviewed, but I can add a few thoughts. This workout IS incredibly difficult, and I too was ready to quit after my first attempt. But I stuck with it for 10 sessions. That was 1995. I'm now totally sold on The FIRM tapes and rotate through the 10 or 15 that I own.

To those who say they can't do it because of their bad knees, I'll add this: My physician actually recommended easing into lunges and squats to develop the muscles around my knees. I did experience pain when I started doing this workout. However, I fixed that by buying and wearing a pair of ACE neoprene (wet suit-like material) knee braces. They let me get through this incredibly effective workout. Susan Harris never fails to motivate me.

And finally, one FIRM believer said this and it's helped me on those "uuugggggggh-I-don't-want-to-do-this" days: Every workout is like a coat of paint. One coat may not be noticeable, but do one after another, and you eventually see a TOTAL TRANSFORMATION.

I'm now 37 and my "glutes" are higher and firmer than ever before, even at 16. If you want to look BETTER as you get older, want to be proud of your body, and want to be firm and fit, buy these tapes and stick with 'em. You'll be SO proud of yourself!!

Marci

I'm in my late twenties, about 10 pounds overweight, but I exercise daily. I bought this video - my first from the FIRM - because I needed a change from my regular workout. In a nutshell, it was HARD. I was so sore afterwards that I couldn't believe I was breezing through my other workout tapes and barely breaking a sweat. This video makes you work, particularly in the legs (squat city). That said, I wouldn't recommend it for people who are overweight, have knee problems, or are just starting to work out. Twenty pounds ago, there was no way I'd be able to do even half of the movements in this video. If you're a beginner who doesn't mind building up to the full number of reps (VERY SLOWLY!), that's fine. But if you want a workout that doesn't discourage you because the movements are too hard, this isn't the video for you.

For intermediate to advanced users, you'll need: 1 wooden board or an acceptable substitute to maintain proper form (about 14 inches long, 3 inches in depth and 1.5 inches high), at least 3 sets of hand weights (ultra light, medium, and heavy), and 1-2 sets of ankle weights (light and medium). The workout is based on "pyramids" - alternating between light, medium, and heavy weights for maximum toning. DON'T be discouraged by this. You can get away with far less equipment and still work, but the results are pretty amazing with the full set of gear. You do not need the step (commonly used in other FIRM videos) for this workout.

Body Sculpting Basics is well worth it for people who are exercising but not seeing results. You'll get them with this tape and then some!

I rented this tape in 1996, and I bought it the next weekend. I've used this tape as a regular part of my workouts for 3 years, and I'm finally buying a new one because my original is worn out! I can't say enough good things about it. I've used it consistantly for 3 years, and it's still a challenge. That, in itself, is the beauty of the FIRM tapes. If it starts to get easy for you...just add weight.

A word of caution: This video is MUCH harder than you'll expect it to be. Start slow and don't use weights at all until you've gone through the workout a couple of times. Unless you're in really good physical condition, you probably won't be able to do the whole thing in the beginning. It took me several months before I could make it through the whole tape without skipping a few sections.

There is nothing in this world like a FIRM workout...and this tape is my very favorite. It was produced a long time ago, so the outfits and hairstyles are kinda funny. The music is way dorky, as well. In spite of these faults, the tape is so full of substance, that you'll easily be able to overlook it's corny-ness.

Susan Harris is genuinely an inspirational instructor. Some of her moves are a little unconventional, but they get the job done - and done well. She's energetic, but not annoying or bubbly. She is really wonderful at reminding you to pay attention to form or offering encouragement through the tough spots. And...she's got a killer set of legs and biceps that are just SO motivating. You won't want to stop until your arms look like Susan's!

Obviously...I'm a believer. I would recommend this tape to beginners and advanced alike. Everyone should start somewhere, and the workout provided on this tape will be a challenge for anyone.

I first discovered this tape in the 80's when The Firm was a fledgling company which I believe was founded by two sisters--one, a documentary filmmaker, and the other, an exercise physiologist (or some other academically degreed athlete). Their combined talents produced videos that were innovative at the time, and which are now classics.

Back then, due to the cost of making such high quality productions, the tapes were a whopping [price] each, but worth every penny. They have since produced six "classics" full body workouts like this one, and scads of "parts" tapes, and they've obviously gotten the upper hand on their cash flow since the tapes are now reasonably priced.

The tapes are visually stunning with very high production values. Proof of their quality is seen upon viewing the "20 Questions about Fitness" documentary which is included at the end of my tapes, but which now can be gotten free from the company. This piece is so informative and visually entertaining, you have to admit these ladies are artists.

The music is specially composed to match the movements, and this helps you get through the tape. Though I'm generally not crazy about any exercise music, these tapes are again tastefully done in this area, and mercifully free of a one-size-fits-all droning disco. As a music person, I can recognize that the composer of this music grew up with a lot of the music I did and I can detect what things he's borrowed from. So another way you can keep from getting bored is by playing "spot the influence."

Lastly, the workout itself will kick your butt! This video came out when Jane Fonda and Kathy Smith ruled, and The Firm tapes leave them in the dust! I have since let myself slip and I've developed bad knees but even back in the days when I had reached my own personal peak, this tape never got easy. The hip and thigh floorwork can seem almost sadistic. This tape is tough, demanding and really pushes you. And as you strengthen and keep upping your weights, it can grow with you.

Another thing I like is that the woman who leads this video, "master instructor" Susan Harris, is herself visibly challenged by the routine (a testament to how hard it is) and as this may be off-putting to some, I liked it, as I felt I had a comrade who was also sweating and pushing themselves right along with me. Contrast that to some videos where the leader looks like a fashion victim and nary a hair goes out of place, and never do they shed a drop of dew (Cher's first video comes to mind). However, in all fairness to Cher, the Firm themselves abandoned this with their subsequent videos, and obviously filmed the later videos with lots of takes.

Even though this would not be generally considered a beginner's tape, I started with it way back when I had all-over flaccid muscle tone, and was not "in shape." You too can use it if you are beginner. Just use your head!. Start very slowly with no weights, then start w/1 or 1-1/2 lbs weights, go to 3, then 5, then 8 and so on, and don't graduate to the next level until the present weight becomes very easy. Since not a lot of instruction is given regarding proper posture and form, use common sense, be mindful of what good posture is and make the abs your center of operation.

If you can master these videos, it will give you such a sense of pride because it's my personal belief they are the very finest, and this particular one is the one I'm fondest of. The most recent exercise phenomenon has been Tae Bo and though I've not purchased any of those tapes, I've heard they are killer. I kept silently thinking, "I bet they can't touch The Firm." Then recently I read a review of another Firm video and the reviewer said, "this tape would make Billy Blanks cry." Hah! Indeed.

I have a living room almost as small as my salary, so a lot of dance or step-oriented videos are just not an option. I had a roommate in grad school who swore she lost 60 pounds doing the Firm, and even though I'm not overweight I wanted to be strong, so I borrowed her tapes. This is a perpetual favorite of mine, and I love the fact that I will always be able to grow with it just by using heavier weights.

This tape is about 50 percent weights, 50 percent cardio or cardio with light weights. Unlike other Firm workouts, it does not require a step, dowel, or medicine ball. You will need a 2x4 about 2 feet long, and an appropriate weight set. When I first started this video, I used my 1 and 1/2 lb ankle weights in my hands for light weights, the 1/2 pound bars from my adjustable ankle weights for the running sections, and 3 and 5 pounds. I used 1 pound per leg for floor work, and have (yay!) worked up from there.

A lot of people say this is not a beginner tape, but I'd have to disagree. The Firm designed this to be a beginner tape as well as advanced, it goes along with their "one-room schoolhouse" philosophy of fitness classes: Beginners and advanced do the same workout with different weights. When I first started, I would just do fewer reps, use lighter weights, or just march in place during the cardio sections if I felt I couldn't keep up. Many people who are now Firm Believers started as beginners with this tape, and while you do have to pay attention to form, you can certainly use this as a starter.

This is a timeless, classic workout that is safe (coming from someone with back and knee problems), balanced, and truly effective...I saw results in about 7 workouts. I'm now a Firm junkie and feel better than I ever have in my life. The Firm Basics series are now getting harder and harder to find, so I would recommend this or the Tri-Trainer series: Fat Blaster, Maximum Body Shaping, and Better Body and Buns, to begin your fitness journey (those all require a lot more equipment, however).

This is one tough workout! And it works!

Susan Harris and The Firm will lead you through one of the toughest workouts of your life. This workout hits all your major muscle groups using weights and has enough cardio to make all the cardio lovers happy.

The moves are simple to follow but the tape is not boring. Susan will keep you right on queue from start to finish. Once you are done, you will know you've had a workout. You will also see those visible results in 10 workouts, probably less.

I started using the Firm Basics tapes and saw results in less than 10 workouts. I've moved up to using some of the classic tapes and this is one of the hardest out of all the classics. I continue to see results and improvement every time I do this tape.

A warning to the out of shape: This is not a beginner tape. If you are out of shape try starting with one of the Firm Basics tapes and work up to it. You'll be glad you did!

A challenge to those who think they are in great shape: Try this tape and see if you can keep up with Susan!

I'm so excited that this video is available for review! It has been my favorite for probably six years. If you are serious about working out and looking for a great total body workout, this is the tape for you. Over the years I've wornout Jane Fonda, Kathy Smith and Kelli Roberts tapes. Since I discovered the "Firm" videos this is the one I always prefer when I want a tough, serious workout. It continues to be a challenge because you can always increase the amount of weight you use as you get stronger. It's aerobic weight training and moves quickly from one move to the next so it is never boring. When you're finished you will feel good all over! Not a workout for beginners. If you're intermediate to advanced GO FOR IT!

I absolutely love the Firm. I first found the firm in 1994 when I had gained about thirty pounds (over forty [stinks]!!) and was looking for an exercise video I could do at home because I didn't want to be seen in all my flabby glory at the gym. This was the second firm tape I bought and is still one of my favorites eight years later. Susan Harris resembles one of the Stepford wives (surely no one can be that perfect) but she leads you effectively through this workout which is absolute killer. If you can walk up stairs and put on your pants the next day without discomfort, you must have come from the planet Krypton. At the age of 48, I am now in great shape thanks to the Firm. I am strong and flexible and wear a size 6. I plan on doing the firm videos till I die. This video will always be one of my favorites. The hairstyles etc are a bit dated now (it was the 80's after all), but who cares when the end results are what we want in any era. The best thing about this and all firm videos is that you can adjust them to your fitness level; start with no weights and gradually add weight as you get stronger. You'll love the results.

This was the first Firm tape I ever owned, I now own several...This workout is a killer. You will hurt for days following it. This workout is also very long (65min) and you will feel the length, although it's very comprehensive-there will be no muscle which will not be worked-it is also difficult...You will sweat and pant-this video is absolutely NOT for beginners unless you want to do half or stop every 5 minutes to catch your breath. Lots and lots and lots of lunges, squats, weight sculpting, oh and did I mention lunges and squats?? The instructor will crack you up as she moans "harder, oh yeah, that's it" and makes comments such as "hard, eh?" but after awhile you'll ignore her and focus on the pain...I dislike the running segments which are hard for me (i'm not a runner) but if you are advanced, have the time and want a great, all out killer workout this is a great tape...The warm up and cool down stretches are great, this tape will shape EVERY part of your body and the ab segment is also quality...Overall, great workout but HARD and can be painful...Don't expect to move much for a few days afterward...

I have many workout tapes, from the old Jane Fonda classics to Kathy Smith and Denise Austin, and even other tapes by The Firm, and this tape is definitely the best. It's fantastic in terms of a challenging workout with simplicity of movements and "positive"--without being annoying-- music. The instructor, Susan Harris, is also gorgeous and extremely motivating, without being cutesy. The music and people also motivate me. The first time I did it, I thought I would just die trying (the people in the video are very fit and at first I thought they were truly aliens from another planet), but I've become stronger and stronger, and I'm happy to report that I noticed visible results within 5 workouts (although at this time, I've worked out to the tape at least 12 times and have no desire to even try something new). It's also a very flexible routine for beginners as well as advanced, because you can vary the amount of weight to suit your needs. I will probably use this tape for the rest of my life, I love it that much. Also, I have 6 other tapes by The Firm that I hardly ever use, because this one gives such a thorough workout for the entire body without much "mush" time-- you stay quite active for the entire 60 minutes. I'm always drenched with sweat by the time I finish it. This is the Alpha and Omega of all workouts, and I'm a critic, too!