Customer Reviews

Firm Total Body: Abs Hips & Thighs Sculpting [VHS]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As with all the Firm Classic tapes, this is one tough workout!

I previewed this tape before I attempted to do it and thought "that doesn't look so hard." Boy was I wrong. Aside from a the warm-up, which has a waltzy feel to it, the moves are very strait forward and easy to follow, but that doesn't mean that you don't get a GREAT workout!

The first time I did this tape, I quickly discovered that this tape is designed to take those legs and abs to their very limits. The abs section of this tape is an increadible workout in itself. The floor work for the legs is KILLER and this tape has a section of tall box work that is great for lifting those buns. You even get a pretty good delt workout for shaping those sholders during the low impact section (which can be rewound and run twice if you feel the need for more cardio). Not bad for one workout video!

The really great thing about this tape is that it can be sectioned off and used as two shorter workouts instead of one long workout. Just drop out the low impact part or the floor legs part on anyday and do the rest of the tape. Or you can rewind part of the low impact section and create a super long leg burning workout. It's a very versitile tape that has quickly become one of my favorites.

Weights and a tall box are required for this tape, as is a lower step box, but your abs and buns will never look better or burn more!

This workout grows on you, at first I didn't like it too much: dated outfits, dated "crotch shots" and some seductive directions from the instructor, LaReine Chabut. However, for those interested in aerobic weight training, this tape is great for a quick workout that focuses on the lowerbody. It consists of a warm-up and cool down, aerobic training (12 or 22 minutes - you can rewind the tape), floorwork for the abs (9min.), hips/thighs (15min.). Keep in mind, there is little upperbody, but I rotate this tape with The FIRM's UpperBody, so it all evens out. This tape is not difficult for the serious intermediate or advanced fitness guru, but with weight additions that are higher than what is suggested, the upperbody can be worked. The lowerbody still feels a little neglected, but it is great for a "not so tough day." I have to say, this tape is a classic - with the good stuff and the bad stuff. This is a fantastic tape. YOU WILL NEED: a 4"-10" classic step, a 12"-14" high step (for the thighs - and I just use a rubbermaid stool), dumbbells, and optional ankle weights.

I own 6 Firm videos and this one is one of the best, especially if you have trouble with high impact aerobics. I purchased The Firm's Low Impact Aerobics video and found that it has one section that is actually very high impact. The Firm: Total Body - Abs, Hips & Thighs Sculpting, however is easy on the knees. I started with the the first Firm tape featuring Susan Harris, and, while I enjoyed her, I often felt pain in my lower back during the floor work. This video is easy on the back and I do increase the weights to get a better workout. LaReine Chabut presents the workout with a calm demeanor that I appreciate. I highly recommend this tape.

This is among my top three favorite Firm tapes. I know some have indicated that they don't like the instructor LaReine, but I have no problem with her. She's very calm and gives clear instructions. If you want a great lower body workout, this tape will definitely give it to you and in less than an hour a session.
My other top favorites include The Firm Total Body Low Impact Aerobics tape (number 1 in my book). Janet Jones Gretzky, makes it enjoyable, yet challenging at the same time and you work up a serious sweat.But don't be fooled by the notion that this is a "low impact" tape. IT IS NOT!
Number 2 -- in fact, almost in a tie for first place on my list -- is the first Firm tape ever starring Susan Harris. You'll barely remember your name when you're done 65 minutes later . But your body will look -- and feel -- great.

I llike this tape. The aerobics is step aerobics, using light weights. The waltz type step work is great for the buns. It can be a bit confusing to do the steps while holding weights, but after doing the tape a few times, you will get the hang of it. It has a feature where you can rewind and do the aerobics twice, making the total aerobic time of 22 minutes. If you are short on time, don't rewind and you will get about 11 minutes of aerobics. If you do the "double aerobics" you will end up doing 4 sets of leg press on each leg. The floor work is great and really targets the lower body. The ab work is a killer.
I like the instructor, she is encouraging but calm (unlike Janet Jones-Gretsky who is absolutely annoying with all that exhaling). Plus, LaReine is not a boney rail like the other instructors.

I do wish this tape had more upper body work. Upper body consists of 2 sets of pushups, each set is 8 reps. One set of french press (16 reps) and one set of work for the back.

This Firm Workout is one of my favorites in The Total Body Series. The aerobic section uses optional weights to save time. The rest of the workout is entirely floorwork consisting of alot of ab and thigh, buns, and hip floorwork. Simply increase ankle weight for maximum results. The instructor is very pleasant and not annoying like some I have seen. I enjoy this workout because it works your body in less than an hour with maximum results.

I really liked this tape and the special attention it payed to abs...The instructor, LaReine Chabut, is definetly in shape and has incredible upper body strength as demonstrated with her push-ups. Excellent leg work as well!

Wow! La Reine Chabut really knows how to keep a remote audience captivated. I am addicted to this tape and the instructor and have been for the last 9 months...great leg and ab isolations. I'm finally a lean, mean and toned machine!

I really love the fact that this tape targets the problem areas (abs, hips, and thighs). Every section is really good. The floor work for the legs is GREAT! The best part of the workout is the abs. My sis really loves the ab workout. This is the ab workout that she usually likes to do on "Five Day Abs"!

Hi!
I love the FIRM videos-they are top notch and work like no other!
I have about 24 videos, and love almost all of them. I got this video to complete my CLASSICS set of the FIRMS. I have only done this workout twice because it is fairly easy to do!
This video might be great for beginner/intermediates looking for a challenge, but for an ADVANCED FIRMie, this video lacks intensity of a comparable timed video like "Time Crunch, Vol 4"
This video does have its high points though-

*ABS! Lots and lots of them, I believe the FIRM catalogue says 9min! Very effective, if not repetitive!

*LEG PRESSES! The leg presses in this video are tough, i will give that to LaReine! There are two sets to each leg on the tall box.. very tough and effective!

Music-the music is so so.. not as bad as some FIRMS not as great as others. The music is carribbean feeling, and that is kinda fun!

Overall, I know others agree that this video is the least liked Classics volume (check out videofitness.com) but it can be good for beginner intermediate levels, or someone that needs a relaxing easier workout after a tough day before

LaReine Chabut doesn't seem to be having any fun :( This is my biggest problem with this workout. She seems to be just reading the cue cards and not putting her personality into it. If she was a bit looser infront of the camera-like Susan Harris, or even Janet Jones Gretsky, she could be a better instructor