Customer Reviews

Firm: Total Sculpt Plus Abs [VHS]

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

 

 

When I purchased The Firm Total Sculpt, I was quite disappointed to find that in addition to the DVD, I was required to purchase a "sculpting stick" which is basically an 8 lb weight bar that can assemble into very light hand weights or a medium free weight and the "fanny lifter" which is a 6" step that stacks on top of an 8" step and I was also upset to find that instead of a weight training/target toning video, it was "jazzercise aerobic" with very little weights. I forged ahead with the workout using hand weights, a wooden dowel, and instead of the "fanny lifter" I used an aerobic step platform and a well constructed homemade "fanny lifter" that my fiancé' built for me. I managed to complete the workout frustrated and disappointed. The 45 minute workout was narrowed down to about a half hour due to unnecessary equipment changes, and excessive "cheerleader" choreography. Jen Carman is bouncy and annoying as an instructor because she is excessively cheerful bordering on phony. She fails to "instruct", instead changes excercises and dance routines without warning. The arm and leg excercises were the same tried and true basic exercises demonstrated in the "classic firm" videos, but they are all mixed together without the effective and necessary repetitions. Another annoying feature is that it is not grouped up into specific target toning segments, so you have to bear the burden of tolerating Jen and the embarrassingly bad dance routines or fast forward to get to these specific segments. I am increasingly becoming a firm "non-believer" due to the fact that every time they put out a workout tape, they market their new and improved "signature" equipment to perform the same target toning exercises demonstrated in the classic firm videos. The so called "Body Sculpting System 2" is a total waste of time, effort, and money. But if you're still interested in purchasing this tape, I have it listed on ebay for $1.99.

I have used the Firm Videos for over 12 years now.I know that the fanny lifter and variable weights are an important part of the workout, but the sculpting stick is a waste. They seem to have to find ways of using it so you'll have to purchase one. This video is not the best at sculpting. The older Firm tapes are much more challenging, especailly Firm Cardio and Firm Strength. This is my least favortie of Firm Videos I've tried.

I am surprised at peoples' negative reaction to this workout. I just tried it within the last year after overlooking it...Nice solid workout for all the muscle groups and adequate cardio. This had some different moves which I really enjoyed. I have the basic workouts for BSS 2-love them and have never owned a sculpting stick. When they use theirs I hold 5lb. dumbells in each hand. When they use it for squats I use my heavy weights or barbell. I do heavy-up on the weights &/or use 2 dumbells when they use one, but I think that's the beauty of the Firms and Fitprimes-it's so easy to tailor them to your own level. I think this is a great addition to any rotation.

I really enjoyed this workout. I have only done it a few times but I like the routines. True, this is not as hard as the original FIRMS but it is far better than many of the other tapes out there, and still includes what I call 'the FIRM feel'. I recommend starting out with these tapes and when you want to become more challenged, purchase a few of the older videos. This tape however, can easily be made to be more challenging by adding additional weight. I hope you won't let one poor review deter you from a great workout system. Also, for every move that invloves the weighted stick you can use a dowel for stability and just use your free weights for resistance.....you'll get the same benefit!! Good luck to anyone trying it!!! I really am pleased that I purchased these tapes.

I love it! Great workout, great instructor, great time, great results...nuff said! :)