Customer Reviews

Firm: Total Body - Super Cardio Mix

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This was my First Firm video after seeing that informercial on t.v.. True to it's word, I did see results after the 10 workouts, I saw results after my fifth work out! My arms and shoulder's were slimmer, my hips and butt thinner. I was happy, with my results. A great workout.
I have a pretty active history, I use to run trac, and went to the jym on a regular basis. I also own several workout tapes, from Denise Austin to the Crunch workouts. I will admit this is the only tape that I bought where I saw results so rapidly...
There is discouraging factors though, there's a part in it towards the end where you have to do these Knee and arm crossovers while you run in place? At any rate I found them very frustrating to do, they left my knees aching and feeling stress.
There are some segments in the tape that I don't feel are quite safe for your knees. I've never had this is problem before in running, or any other video tapes.
This is a VERY FAST paced tape, that will have you sweating.
And if you can get pass the frustration, of moving from segment to segment, and NOT hurting your knees or back.....
Well...then GREAT.
This is a great tape, a little too harsh on my knees though. And I always fastforward or skip the parts I feel I can do without...
Being since, I found such quick results, I've done some research and am going to buy and try more Firm Tapes...
Goodluck to you :)

This is the first THe Firm video I have purchased. I do have other exercise cardio tapes and wanted some more variety. I am pretty fit -- have no problems doing other tapes and cross-country ski a couple of hours a day 3 times a week. The first time I tried to do this tape, I got completely confused by fast pace. However, the nice thing about having it on DVD is you can break out the components through the Scene Index. I recommend for beginners working on each component separately, and then string 3 or 4 together at a time per instructor. Then once you've got them down you can do the whole thing sequentially. Also, the DVD allows you to put 8 of your favorite together to make a workout specific to you. One other tip -- I first did the routines without any weights, to get arm and feet movements down. Then once I had the routine down I added weights back in. Also, for step/fanny lifter, I bought a sturdy step stool at Wal-Mart for five dollars and it worked fine. Having said all this, I will say this video is by far the most rigorous cardio I've ever done on video, and yields great results in least amount of time. The instructors are appealing and give excellent cues, and music, though not entirely motivating, has a good beat and doesn't distract from understanding instructors cues.

I think I own almost every Jane Fonda video there is out there (and love them), but The Firm really has changed my perception of working out. If you like a good overall workout (not just weights or not just cardio) then this is for you. You can get cardio work, step aerobics,weight work, and short ab work for more bang for your buck. The music took some getting used to but now I enjoy it. The exercises and the constant changing of instructors and activities make The Firm different from other exercise videos/DVD's and much more exciting. I don't get bored doing this video because the songs don't seem to drag on forever. One note of caution is that if you have knee problems or are uncertain of proper weight-lifting form then you may want to avoid this DVD because some of the exercises are high-impact or stressful to joints. Nevertheless, you definitely could modify some of the exercises to make them lower impact. I have seen a big increase in muscle definition in my arms and legs that I didn't have before I began The Firm. I am impressed with The Firm and have purchased more DVD's and videos. The Firm has really helped me to reclaim my strength and overall fitness.

I have several exercise videos and this is the third one I bought from The Firm series. I found this workout to be pretty challenging and I think I am in pretty decent shape. (I ran a half-marathon several months ago in two hours.) However, I did not like how this video was advertised as being able to create thousands of different workouts by picking and choosing different parts. If you choose to customize your workout, you pick 8 of 17 chapters, but then you end up with a very short workout! But if you do all 17 chapters, the workout is 63 minutes, 49 of which are cardio.

I have added this video into my "FIRM" rotation and love to do it on the days I'm not doing strength training. The mix of low impact, step, high impact and four limb aerobics along with the mix of four terrific instructors makes the time fly. This is a tough routine and when it's over, I am sweating and proud to have completed it. I have really noticed myself progressing with better form and more energy into the steps. I am not "dancy" and have no problem following along. Definitely a Calorie Burner! I really wish the Firm would make more like this.

I really love this DVD because I can create my own workout! I am not able to do the entire 63 minutes, so being able to select up to 8 sessions that I can do has made this a very positive method of video exercising. If I want to do more or would like to redo a session, I just program another set. I like having a method of creating a workout, without fast forwarding.
I travel and having this DVD with me on the road has been a perfect way to stay with the program. I use my laptop DVD player in my room, a couple of water bottles and I am all set!
I didn't notice the accents - just the results!

Let me preface this by saying this is my first "The Firm" workout. I know they have many out there and have been producing them for years.
I ordered this DVD after seeing "The Firm" infomercial on TV. I had NO IDEA how hard it would be! I have been doing other aerobic DVDs at home, but I was exhausted after the warm-up and first set of excercises The Firm has put together.
I think hard-core fitness buffs will be able to get the most out of this. It is going to take me awhile to learn their lingo and master their moves. It was difficult for me to even keep pace with them. But, if you are experienced with combining weights with cardio, this is a great DVD.
I gave it four stars because it is an awesome, kick-butt workout; it would be helpful to have a couple of scenes just for beginners. It is very important (for beginners)to watch their "fitness training program" before you attempt the workout.
The music is a little cheesy and it is hard to get used to their South Carolina drawls, but overall, a fantastic workout!

I highly recomend the Firm to anyone, who like me, has a hard time keeping weight off through regular methods (gyms, aroebics, running, etc). I was a member of the actual Firm gym in Columbia, SC about 10 years ago while in college so I know first hand how effective this workout is. I do not know how these tapes produce such beautiful results, but they do! You will sweat like you never have before and feel exausted, but after a while they get easier and your body looks amazing. There is no magic pill out there that will make you look and feel healthy. It takes hard work and determination and a workout program that is safe and done by people who understand the female bodyand metabolism(although men would get awsome results too if they could actually get through a workout!) And for those that have a difficult time understanding the Southern drawls, trust me, they are not that thick. The ladies on the videos are very relaxing and motivating to listen too and watch. Also, the music is a little cheesy but at least it is not loud and obnoxious.I am just greatful to have found them after being without for almost 10 years!

I have 30+ exercise tapes and this is one of my favorites. I like the ability to customize my workout and work on what I need to do that particular day. I usually warm-up on my own and then pick 8 segments, return to the menu and pick another 5 and I get a 40 minute aerobic/scuplt workout. Using this tape and returning to the custom menu, you can make your workout last from 20 minutes to 60 or longer. I alternate between scuplt and box step to get a good hard allover workout.

This is a fantastic workout! You sweat, you ache, but you don't lose interest. The idea of being able to customize your workout is fantastic - if only more workout dvds would follow suit. The tape does include a lot of jumping, which isn't so great for some apartment dwellers, but doesn't seem to hurt the knees too much. And for those of us who don't want to shell out the [money] for a fanny lifter, may I suggest the Fisher Price Step Stool Potty. It's a little loud to step on and not quite as high, but at [the price] it gets the job done.