The Firm - Total Body - Cardio Split [VHS]

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VHS Movie Reviews of The Firm - Total Body - Cardio Split [VHS]

Movie Review: Good for a kick-start!
Summary: 4 Stars

This video is split into two sections--one which focuses on the lower body, and one which focuses on the upper body. Each one is approximately 20-30 minutes long. You can either do each half on alternating days, or do the full workout. I like the versatility this offers.

You'll need several pieces of equipment for this video....a box to step up on, ankle weights (if you desire them), and a barbell, although I substitute putting weights on my shoulders, which works just as well.

I'm really impressed with the lower body segment, and use it often. True to the packaging, it's not so much of a toning workout as a cardio one. It REALLY gets your heartrate up there! I am not really sold on the upper body portion, although if you're aiming to do the whole workout at once, it's nice to have ab work early on in the upper body portion to rest a bit from the cardio work. If you're just looking to do the upper half, though, it's kind of annoying.

Overall, however, I would recommend this video to anyone for a substantial cardio workout that also helps you to tone major muscle groups. It's a must for any FIRM exerciser's collection!

Movie Review: Good workout, interesting mix
Summary: 4 Stars

The tape is in two segments: a 24-minute lower body workout followed by a 27-minute upper body workout, which can be done together or on alternating days. You defnitely work your legs to fatigue in the first segment, and heavy weights mean the same for the second. I'm not sure if I like this better than alternating upper/lower, as in other Firm workouts, but it's nice for doing shorter workouts on alternating days.

The first workout starts with a warm up and brief stretch, then goes into squats, lunges, leg presses, etc. Although the workout is light on cardio segments, my heartrate stayed well within my target zone throughout this segment. The back of the box doesn't mention it, but you need ankle weights for a short series of standing thigh work. You'll also need a 12"-14" step for the leg presses and a shorter step (4"-8"). You finish this segment with a very brief cool down, but if you're continuing to the next segment, you can just keep your movements bigger.

The second workout starts with a very brief warm up. Then it moves into ab work on the floor, which I thought was awkward -- I'd prefer to do abs at the end, so my heartrate stays elevated. The ab work is decent, but not too strenuous. Then follow cardio and sculpting intervals, and you'll need a fair amount of equipment: 2 lb. ball or dumbell and at least two sets of weights, plus an optional 10-lb. barbell. I use heavy weights in place of the barbell and a dumbell instead of the ball, and it works fine. The box says you also need a board, but I have no idea why. The workout ends with a quirky cool down sort of stretching sequence, but I skip that and do my own stretches.

Like some other Firm tapes, this one emphasizes some muscles a little more than others. The back and shoulders are worked very well, as are the glutes. Biceps, triceps, abs, and inner/outer thighs get a little work (use heavy poundage to make these better). There is no chest work except some inclined pushups, however, and I do wish they had some of the targeted toning for the rear that's on other tapes.

Overall, this tape is on par with Maximum Body Shaping or Time Crunch Workout for intensity. It's not a beginner tape at all, though, or even a tape for those new to the Firm. The moves are unusual, cuing is fast, and you have to change equipment very quickly. I'd recommend this tape only for those familiar with Firm workouts who want a little variety.

Movie Review: Excellent workout / Not overly difficult for Intermediate
Summary: 5 Stars

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