I'm using this blog is to record my journey through all of The FIRM workouts ever created. I have almost every one of their workouts (several I've never done yet!). My goal is to complete each of them at least once (more often if I love it). I will be inter-spreading the FIRMs with other workouts I love (walking, biking, Beachbody workouts, barre, pilates, step, etc.). But all Firm workouts completed will be recorded here.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Workout for Saturday, December 31
Today's workout was Firm Total Body Shaping Mix. This is a 66 minute total body workout which combines parts for various Firm workouts. I always have to psych myself up for this one because of the length and the fact that it is TOUGH. If you are usually challenging weights, you will be thoroughly worked out. I love it because it hits everything, plus it has floorwork. It's very much a classic Firm.
DH and I also took a one hour walk on the bike trail near our house to/from a local Italian restaurant.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Workout for Friday, December 30
Wow, this time off from work is FLYING! I had lots of good intentions to clean out my walk-in closet, but it hasn't happened yet! I still have Saturday, Sunday and Monday though.
Today I did The FIRM Bootcamp Maximum Calorie Burn with Alison Davis. Overall, I thought this was a really good workout. It's approximately 50 minutes and kept my heart rate up. One thing I'll need to remember in the future is that I can go a little heavier on the weights. The moves were (blessedly) basic, and I could see myself wanting to pull this one out more often.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Workout for Thursday, December 29
Today I did The FIRM BSS3 Express Cardio with Stephanie Huckabee.
This is not a favorite. I really didn't care for the BSS3 workouts as a whole. First, they sold them with the Death Box. I gave mine away, and now use the Transfirmer to do these workouts. But that whole venture left a bad taste in my mouth because it just seemed like The Firm was selling junk and not caring that people were injuring themselves. Thank goodness they came out with the Transfirmer, which was a much better concept. Also, it was in the BSS3 set where a couple of the instructors were SCARY skinny. I usually don't care to comment or make judgments on others' weight since I'm not happy where mine is either. However, instructors on workout videos are models for health and fitness. These particular women looked like they had eating disorders and were almost painful to watch.
Also, I don't like how these are cued. Any time the work is being done on an incline, they do it with the step to the side. It's very hard to see what is going on if your box is to the side, and if you are doing it head-on so that you can watch the TV, you can't figure out which leg they are on. Also, they don't film the beginner modifier (Libby) all that much. Most of the time, she's cut from the picture. The cuing itself isn't terrible (Stephanie generally is very good), but because the workout moved so fast from one thing to another, it was hard for me to keep up. I think if I would do it a couple of times, I'd be fine. I just don't like enough to want to bother!
Overall, the workout feels intense for me (cardio-wise). I even made a 10" step for the 14" box climbs, and did a few of the beginner modifications (low jacks, etc.), but I was still panting. Maybe it's all that fudge I've been consuming! The workout is just over 30 minutes, so at least it's not endless.
This is not a favorite. I really didn't care for the BSS3 workouts as a whole. First, they sold them with the Death Box. I gave mine away, and now use the Transfirmer to do these workouts. But that whole venture left a bad taste in my mouth because it just seemed like The Firm was selling junk and not caring that people were injuring themselves. Thank goodness they came out with the Transfirmer, which was a much better concept. Also, it was in the BSS3 set where a couple of the instructors were SCARY skinny. I usually don't care to comment or make judgments on others' weight since I'm not happy where mine is either. However, instructors on workout videos are models for health and fitness. These particular women looked like they had eating disorders and were almost painful to watch.
Also, I don't like how these are cued. Any time the work is being done on an incline, they do it with the step to the side. It's very hard to see what is going on if your box is to the side, and if you are doing it head-on so that you can watch the TV, you can't figure out which leg they are on. Also, they don't film the beginner modifier (Libby) all that much. Most of the time, she's cut from the picture. The cuing itself isn't terrible (Stephanie generally is very good), but because the workout moved so fast from one thing to another, it was hard for me to keep up. I think if I would do it a couple of times, I'd be fine. I just don't like enough to want to bother!
Overall, the workout feels intense for me (cardio-wise). I even made a 10" step for the 14" box climbs, and did a few of the beginner modifications (low jacks, etc.), but I was still panting. Maybe it's all that fudge I've been consuming! The workout is just over 30 minutes, so at least it's not endless.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Workout for Wednesday, December 28
Another day at home. I could get used to this!
Today I did Firm Strength, which is was originally called Strong Body. This is a 55 minute "Cross-trainer" lead by Pam Cauthen. The workout was marketed with Firm Cardio (aka Strong Heart). Both were filmed in a library setting, which seems a little weird, especially with the wallpaper printed with bookshelves.
That said, this is one of my favorite Firm workouts. There are some kooky editing errors in it (i.e., "get ready for leg press" right after you did leg presses and are getting ready for dips), but it doesn't take away from the workout. The only thing that would make this workout perfection is some lying side outer thigh work. I love the fact that there is some cardio inter-spread between slow-moving strength work. Nothing moves too fast, and it thoroughly works you out (given that you use challenging weights). It utilizes a barbell, ankle weights, dumbbells, tall and short steps (short step only for the warm-up), and a towel.
Today I did Firm Strength, which is was originally called Strong Body. This is a 55 minute "Cross-trainer" lead by Pam Cauthen. The workout was marketed with Firm Cardio (aka Strong Heart). Both were filmed in a library setting, which seems a little weird, especially with the wallpaper printed with bookshelves.
That said, this is one of my favorite Firm workouts. There are some kooky editing errors in it (i.e., "get ready for leg press" right after you did leg presses and are getting ready for dips), but it doesn't take away from the workout. The only thing that would make this workout perfection is some lying side outer thigh work. I love the fact that there is some cardio inter-spread between slow-moving strength work. Nothing moves too fast, and it thoroughly works you out (given that you use challenging weights). It utilizes a barbell, ankle weights, dumbbells, tall and short steps (short step only for the warm-up), and a towel.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Workout for Tuesday, December 27
Ahhh...so nice to be at home all day. I did work from home as I'm able to access my company's network anywhere. It snowed pretty much all day here, and it was beautiful to see.
Tonight I did The FIRM Calorie Killer with Nancy Tucker. This workout is 39 minutes and was an add-on to the BSS2 series. Overall, it's a decent workout. I actually do some of the beginner modifications (i.e., I use the 6" step for the step aerobics, and when they are doing tall box climbs, I create a 10" box ). I'd consider this workout high intermediate/low advanced if done the way Nancy does it (with the 8" step and 14" box). The choreography is fairly simple, yet it's fast-paced enough that it isn't boring. I do think the gratuitous use of the Sculpting Stick is just plain silly.
Tonight I did The FIRM Calorie Killer with Nancy Tucker. This workout is 39 minutes and was an add-on to the BSS2 series. Overall, it's a decent workout. I actually do some of the beginner modifications (i.e., I use the 6" step for the step aerobics, and when they are doing tall box climbs, I create a 10" box ). I'd consider this workout high intermediate/low advanced if done the way Nancy does it (with the 8" step and 14" box). The choreography is fairly simple, yet it's fast-paced enough that it isn't boring. I do think the gratuitous use of the Sculpting Stick is just plain silly.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Workout for Monday, December 26
Merry Christmas, everyone! I was off for the last two days, and I really enjoyed the time with family/friends.
I'm back today and did The Firm Cardio Split 1. This was a parts workout taken from Super Cardio and Super Sculpting. I have to say, it kicked my butt. My heart rate stayed up the entire 51 minutes.
I also walked for an hour with my DH to/from our local Panera.
I'm back today and did The Firm Cardio Split 1. This was a parts workout taken from Super Cardio and Super Sculpting. I have to say, it kicked my butt. My heart rate stayed up the entire 51 minutes.
I also walked for an hour with my DH to/from our local Panera.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Workout for Friday, December 23, 2011
Last night I took the night off since we had a party to attend. We have another party tonight, however I'm off from work today so I had time to get one in. I will be off from workouts on Saturday and Sunday as DH and I will be in PA visiting our families. We drive back on Monday, and I have all of my workouts planned for the next week.
As I mentioned before, my eating this last month has been TERRIBLE. There have been too many parties, lunches and dinners out, and goodies laying all around. Typically I journal every morsel of food and I've kept that up for over a year, which played a big part in me losing weight. Once I get sloppy with that habit, I get sloppy with my eating. We are planning a Biggest Loser-style contest at work, starting the first week of January and going through the last week in March. This is perfect for me because DH and I are going on another cruise at the end of March...I plan to have dropped this recently gained weight by then (plus hopefully a few more pounds!).
Today I did The FIRM High Def Sculpt with Annie Lee. This is part of the CardioWeights series. I'm not sure what happened when The Firm put this workout together, but the cuing is way off on a lot of it, and Annie just seems so staged and awkward. I felt bad for her. She leads other workouts and does a great job. I think maybe they just didn't rehearse this one enough. The good thing is that the workout moves slowly, so if you miss a rep (which happens because it's poorly cued), you can catch up easily. This is a strength-based workout and is 45 minutes. There is a decent variety of exercises and most everything gets hit fairly well. I'd suggest going a little heavier with most of the exercises because the moves are slow enough to accommodate that.
As I mentioned before, my eating this last month has been TERRIBLE. There have been too many parties, lunches and dinners out, and goodies laying all around. Typically I journal every morsel of food and I've kept that up for over a year, which played a big part in me losing weight. Once I get sloppy with that habit, I get sloppy with my eating. We are planning a Biggest Loser-style contest at work, starting the first week of January and going through the last week in March. This is perfect for me because DH and I are going on another cruise at the end of March...I plan to have dropped this recently gained weight by then (plus hopefully a few more pounds!).
Today I did The FIRM High Def Sculpt with Annie Lee. This is part of the CardioWeights series. I'm not sure what happened when The Firm put this workout together, but the cuing is way off on a lot of it, and Annie just seems so staged and awkward. I felt bad for her. She leads other workouts and does a great job. I think maybe they just didn't rehearse this one enough. The good thing is that the workout moves slowly, so if you miss a rep (which happens because it's poorly cued), you can catch up easily. This is a strength-based workout and is 45 minutes. There is a decent variety of exercises and most everything gets hit fairly well. I'd suggest going a little heavier with most of the exercises because the moves are slow enough to accommodate that.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Workout for Wednesday, December 21
Tonight I did BSS2 Complete Aerobic and Weight Training. This is a great AWT workout, and is just under an hour. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm not a big fan of Emily. I just don't click with her. However, she does do a great job leading this workout, and it truly is one of the best Firm workouts. I wish they would make more just like this: 1 hour AWT that uses the leg press/tall step. I'm not a fan of the Sculpting Stick though. It was cheaply made and not heavy enough to do much of anything.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Workout for Tuesday, December 20
Today, I did three short workouts, for a total of one hour:
- The Firm Wave Rock Solid Cardio with Kelsie Daniels (approx. 30 minutes)
- The Firm Wave Express Abs with Emily Welsh (approx. 10 minutes)
- The Firm Express Ignite: Cardio with Emily Welsh (approx. 20 minutes)
I have to say that I'm still a little klutzy on the Wave. You do have to do it a couple times before you feel confident. I really enjoy it though, and it does add a big challenge.
As far as the Firm Express workouts go, I've only done a few, and the one I did tonight is my favorite so far. I'm not a huge Emily fan, but she does pretty well in these. My favorite workout of hers is Complete Aerobic and Weight Training, which I'm scheduled to do tomorrow. That's an excellent workout.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Workout for Monday, December 19, 2011
Tonight's workout was The FIRM Super Body Sculpt led by Stephanie Huckabee. This is an add-on workout to the BSS1 Series.
There are three short workouts: Upper, Lower, and Abs. I really can't imagine just doing one of them since they are short. The entire workout is 43 minutes.
I'd classify this workout as intermediate, but it's definitely adaptable. I like Stephanie's straight-forward style, and I do feel worked-out afterward.
There are three short workouts: Upper, Lower, and Abs. I really can't imagine just doing one of them since they are short. The entire workout is 43 minutes.
I'd classify this workout as intermediate, but it's definitely adaptable. I like Stephanie's straight-forward style, and I do feel worked-out afterward.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Workout for Sunday, December 18
I didn't get our mail from yesterday until today (it came late, and then we forgot about it). So this morning, I received The FIRM's latest workout: Time Crunch Cardio with Allie. It is one DVD with three 20-minute cardio-based workouts:
- Cardio + Sculpt Combo
- Fat Blasting Bursts
- Calorie Burning Cardio
The first workout allows you to use heavier weight inter-spread with cardio. When she says you can go heavy, you really can. The sculpting moves don't get as frantic as they do in the Express workouts.
The second workout has light and heavy four-limb movements.
The third workout uses no weights and some of it has a Latin flair.
I did all three workouts today, and I definitely feel worked-out. I think it will be a versatile DVD because you can add cardio to another workout or do two or three of them for a long cardio workout....or just do one 20-minute workout if that's all you have time for.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Workout for Saturday, December 17
Wow. Today I dug into the BSS4 series and did The FIRM Ultimate Calorie Blaster with Stephanie Huckabee. HOLY CRAP! That workout is very difficult for me. I think it's because of all of the fast tall box climbs. To help me modify a bit, I assembled my full-size club step with four risers under each side so I'd have a big 12" tall box. This did help, but it would have been better at 10".
Also, because my goal is to do EVERY Firm workout, I did the 8-Minute Ab Workout with Alison at the end. By that time, I was beat.
The main workout is 48 minutes, so including the ab workout add-on, the total time is 56 minutes.
Also, because my goal is to do EVERY Firm workout, I did the 8-Minute Ab Workout with Alison at the end. By that time, I was beat.
The main workout is 48 minutes, so including the ab workout add-on, the total time is 56 minutes.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Workout for Friday, December 16, 2011
Tonight I did The FIRM Tough Tape 2, which is a Parts workout. This is one of my favorites because it combines parts from some of my the best (IMHO) Firm workouts: Firm Cardio, Firm Strength, Maximum Body Shaping, and Better Body and Buns. The parts blend seamlessly into each other, and the workout is well-designed with not a lot of scrambling for equipment. It's 45 minutes and hits everything well, but there is no ab work in this one.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Workout for Wednesday, December 14
Wow, I don't know what my problem is tonight, but I was TIRED. I knew I didn't want to take a night off since I'm going to be off tomorrow night (going to dinner with a friend). So I decided to do The FIRM Slim Solutions Yoga Workout with Allie Del-Rio. I am FAR from a yogi. I have tons of yoga workouts but never really gave them much of a try. For those of you who have a yoga background, I'm sure this particular workout would not be something you'd care for. For me, it was a nice rest/recovery workout that felt like an extended stretch. It clocked in at 30 minutes, which is great since my attention span for yoga is very short. Even though I'm not experienced with yoga, I would classify this as a beginner workout.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Workout for Tuesday, December 13
Tonight's workout was a Classic: The Firm Volume 4 - Time Crunch.
This is a 42 minute workout led by Susan Harris (The Queen of The Firm) and Kai Soremekun. I haven't done this workout in years (well, that I can remember), but I remember each move perfectly. I think, like all of the Classics, it is so perfectly choreographed to the music that once you do it a couple of times (and I used to do it all of the time back when there were only a few Firms), it's burned into your brain. It's weird to think that I bought this workout before I was married (18+ years ago!). It was fun taking a trip back memory lane.
This is a 42 minute workout led by Susan Harris (The Queen of The Firm) and Kai Soremekun. I haven't done this workout in years (well, that I can remember), but I remember each move perfectly. I think, like all of the Classics, it is so perfectly choreographed to the music that once you do it a couple of times (and I used to do it all of the time back when there were only a few Firms), it's burned into your brain. It's weird to think that I bought this workout before I was married (18+ years ago!). It was fun taking a trip back memory lane.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Workout for Monday, December 12, 2011
Tonight I did Cardio Overdrive with Alison. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm really enjoying the "Pinks" lately. This workout is 46 minutes, and adaptable for most levels. Done as is, it's an intermediate workout. One thing I'll need to remember for next time is that I can go up in weights. Three pounds doesn't quite cut it. The straight cardio sections were at just the right levels for me. Overall, a good workout.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Workout for Sunday, December 11
I took off yesterday (Saturday) as we were out-of-town visiting family. Tonight I did The FIRM Body Sculpt Blaster, which is an add-on to the BSS1 series. Nancy Tucker leads this, and it's 31 minutes. It's decent intermediate workout, and great for when you are short on time (as I was today). If you use heavy enough weights, you'll feel a cardio effect.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Workout for Friday, December 9, 2011
Today I did The Firm BSS2 Maximum Cardio Burn plus Abs with Allie. This is a 50 minute workout. It's a decent workout, and I actually usually use the beginner modifications on some of the moves (using the 6" step instead of the 8" because I'm short). The only thing I don't care for is the Sculpting Stick which is a joke. I don't like working with it either because it hurts my hands and wrists (I have a touch of arthritis, and it is hard to grip). I'll have to remember next time that I could easily just use dumbbells, which work fine.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Workout for Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tonight I did The Firm Total Body Toner with Allie Del-Rio. This is a 40 minute muscle toning workout. It definitely accommodates all levels as you can modify to meet your needs and use the appropriate weights for your level. I tend to go a little heavier than the weights Allie is using, depending on the exercise.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Workout for Tuesday, December 6
Tonight I did The Firm's Fat Blaster (aka All Cardio). This was one of the workouts in the Tri-Trainer Series. The instructors are Allie Strickland, Nancy Tucker, and Lisa Kay. All of the instructors cue well, and the workout clocks in at 45 minutes. There's a good mix of step, hi/lo, and four-limbed cardio plus an abs section.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Workout for Monday, December 5, 2011
Tonight was The Firm BSS1 Body Sculpt with Jen Carmen. As I mentioned before, Jen is one of my favorite instructors. This is a solid, total body workout that hits everything except abs. At only 45 minutes, you could tack some one if you want. I didn't!
Also, I set up the TransFIRMer and keep it on the side of my space so that I can use it for certain moves in this workout. For instance, the side lunge and the lunge-dip combo series feels so much better on the incline. I also do my push-ups on the stacked TransFIRMer.
Also, I set up the TransFIRMer and keep it on the side of my space so that I can use it for certain moves in this workout. For instance, the side lunge and the lunge-dip combo series feels so much better on the incline. I also do my push-ups on the stacked TransFIRMer.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Workout for Sunday, December 4
Well, last week I met my goal and then some. I did SEVEN Firm Workouts (the goals was 4) plus 1 walk. Granted, most of the workouts were on the easy side (Basics/Prime Power).
Today I had planned on a rest day, but after looking at my calendar for the week, I realized I better just go ahead and workout since I felt up to it. We have a Christmas party on Wednesday night, and we'll be leaving for Pennsylvania to visit our families on Friday night (coming back Sunday), so my Wednesday and Saturday workouts are pretty much out. I should be able to get one in on Friday since I'm off work then.
Today I did The FIRM Hare from the Cross-Trainer series. Tracie Long leads this one, and she's excellent in it. I love Tracie's instruction in all of The Firm workouts. She's truly top-notch. After she went out on her own, however, I found her workouts to be kind of hit-or-miss. She's got a new series coming out, but I'll wait for reviews on those.
Anyhow, The Hare is an hour long workout and it consists of ballroom aerobics (which have grown on me), 4-limb cardio (which I love), and excellent floor work.
I also got an hour long walk in, as my DH and I walked to/from Panera on the bike trail near our house.
Today I had planned on a rest day, but after looking at my calendar for the week, I realized I better just go ahead and workout since I felt up to it. We have a Christmas party on Wednesday night, and we'll be leaving for Pennsylvania to visit our families on Friday night (coming back Sunday), so my Wednesday and Saturday workouts are pretty much out. I should be able to get one in on Friday since I'm off work then.
Today I did The FIRM Hare from the Cross-Trainer series. Tracie Long leads this one, and she's excellent in it. I love Tracie's instruction in all of The Firm workouts. She's truly top-notch. After she went out on her own, however, I found her workouts to be kind of hit-or-miss. She's got a new series coming out, but I'll wait for reviews on those.
Anyhow, The Hare is an hour long workout and it consists of ballroom aerobics (which have grown on me), 4-limb cardio (which I love), and excellent floor work.
I also got an hour long walk in, as my DH and I walked to/from Panera on the bike trail near our house.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Workout for Saturday, December 3
Today I did Hard Core Fusion with Allie Del-Rio from the TransFIRMation Series. This workout is about 55 minutes long and one of my favorites of the "Pinks." I love this workout because it's the perfect level for me and is fairly equal parts cardio and sculpt. Although the Pinks are kind of "vanilla" in nature, there are actually some good, creative moves in this workout and time flies by. Also, I think after doing some of the more "creative" Firm workouts, it's nice to see a cleaner set. As much as I like the old mansion set, it does get old, and the jungle one used in the Prime Powers is too out there for me. It will be nice to go back and forth between the old and new workouts.
Also, Allie is one of my favorite instructors. She cues clearly and right on time. I do have to go a little heavier than the weights she recommends (she uses a set of three pounds and a set of five pounds and often combines them to make eights or tens). I finished the workout with a good "glow."
I also got an hour-long walk in today. The weather was unseasonably warm and sunny, so DH and I walked the bike path near our house to our favorite Italian restaurant. The walk to/from is a little under an hour. It was so nice to get outside again!
Also, Allie is one of my favorite instructors. She cues clearly and right on time. I do have to go a little heavier than the weights she recommends (she uses a set of three pounds and a set of five pounds and often combines them to make eights or tens). I finished the workout with a good "glow."
I also got an hour-long walk in today. The weather was unseasonably warm and sunny, so DH and I walked the bike path near our house to our favorite Italian restaurant. The walk to/from is a little under an hour. It was so nice to get outside again!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Workout for Friday, December 2, 2011
Tonight I did The FIRM Prime Power Lower Body Shaping. While this workout had just as many quirky elements as Prime Power Fat Burning (kooky set, bizarre music), I do think it's a pretty decent workout. I also feel like I somehow found myself in "the land of dips." Dip after dip. This workout is full of them. I don't mind as I like dips. My only real complaint is that when the instructor (Kim Bartlett) leads you into the dips (done to the side), she doesn't mirror cue correctly. So when you turn around to the front with the props in your hands (dowel/dumbbell), you usually have them in different hands than the instructor/background exercisers. Also, while the rest of her cuing was really good, there was something about this instructor that reminded me of an extremely buff Betty Crocker. I was about to whip out a mixing bowl. The picture on the video cover doesn't exactly show what I mean.
Last, though the workout is labeled "45 minutes," it's less than that (though I'm not sure of the exact time).
Last, though the workout is labeled "45 minutes," it's less than that (though I'm not sure of the exact time).
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Workout for Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tonight I did The FIRM Basics Fat Burning Workout. This one is led by Jen Carmen (one of my all-time favorite instructors) and Stacy Millner-Collins. I forgot she was in this one too. She definitely didn't seem as "off" in this one as she did in Firm Basics Abs, Buns and Thighs Workout. Still, I'm glad I'm through her videos. She is not a bad instructor. I personally just don't connect with her.
This is another 45-minute workout (which is my preferred workout length for most weeknights). It's definitely "basic," and there was little I could do to make it more challenging since there wasn't a ton of weight work. As the name suggests, it was more cardio-based, and the cardio is easy.
This is another 45-minute workout (which is my preferred workout length for most weeknights). It's definitely "basic," and there was little I could do to make it more challenging since there wasn't a ton of weight work. As the name suggests, it was more cardio-based, and the cardio is easy.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Workout for Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tonight I did The FIRM Prime Power Fat Burning Workout.
Hmm...where to begin. This is a lesser-known Firm and one that makes you scratch your head and go "hmmm..." Just check out the cover...LOL! I don't think this is the cover it was actually released with though. I got mine many moons ago in a plain, white cover.
Anna Benson, one of the Firm Founders, was the creative force behind The Firm. Sadly, she passed away around this time last year. I have to say that she got really creative with this one.
Let's start with the set. Half jungle, half beach. A couple of statues of cheetahs with glowing eyes (see cover!). A big fake sun up top. A statue of a man's face lying somewhere in the background (see cover!). Zebra-striped rugs. And the music? Marching bands, some Christmas-y sounding stuff, some Star-Wars kind of thing, something with a telephone in it (I actually almost paused to listen to see if my phone was ringing), and a Chariots of Fire-type stretch song.
This one was led by Stacy Millner-Collins, and she was a little better in this one. A little. Her timing was still off on some parts, and she tends to forget to tell you to get your weights or step or whatever. Once she told you to put your stool away so that you can do abs, but you needed it to do them. Nice thing to do after you already laid down.
The workout is about 45 minutes long, and although you would think that given the name it would be more cardio-based, the cardio is very easy. What isn't easy is some of the arm work. There is a seated segment that almost made me cry. And I was only using five pound dumbbells. They should have named this one Upper Body, as a cross-trainer to the other Prime Power which targets the lower body.
Hmm...where to begin. This is a lesser-known Firm and one that makes you scratch your head and go "hmmm..." Just check out the cover...LOL! I don't think this is the cover it was actually released with though. I got mine many moons ago in a plain, white cover.
Anna Benson, one of the Firm Founders, was the creative force behind The Firm. Sadly, she passed away around this time last year. I have to say that she got really creative with this one.
Let's start with the set. Half jungle, half beach. A couple of statues of cheetahs with glowing eyes (see cover!). A big fake sun up top. A statue of a man's face lying somewhere in the background (see cover!). Zebra-striped rugs. And the music? Marching bands, some Christmas-y sounding stuff, some Star-Wars kind of thing, something with a telephone in it (I actually almost paused to listen to see if my phone was ringing), and a Chariots of Fire-type stretch song.
This one was led by Stacy Millner-Collins, and she was a little better in this one. A little. Her timing was still off on some parts, and she tends to forget to tell you to get your weights or step or whatever. Once she told you to put your stool away so that you can do abs, but you needed it to do them. Nice thing to do after you already laid down.
The workout is about 45 minutes long, and although you would think that given the name it would be more cardio-based, the cardio is very easy. What isn't easy is some of the arm work. There is a seated segment that almost made me cry. And I was only using five pound dumbbells. They should have named this one Upper Body, as a cross-trainer to the other Prime Power which targets the lower body.
Firm Workout Listing
So how many FIRM workouts are there? Well, according to my count there are currently 131. I highlighted Express Yoga as that is one workout I do not have. I'm sure I'll acquire it before this Challenge is over! The FIRM is also taking pre-orders for a new workout led by Allie. Yes, of course I pre-ordered it! It's not coming to retail until the end of 2012.
Volume 1 - Body Sculpting Basics | Susan Harris |
Volume 2 - Low Impact Aerobics | Janet Jones-Gretzky |
Volume 3 - Aerobic Weight Training | Sandahl Bergman |
Volume 4 - Time Crunch | Susan Harris/Kai Soremekun |
Volume 5 - Abs, Hips & Thighs Sculpting | LaReine Chabut |
Volume 6 - Boomers | Jayne Poteet |
Not-So-Tough Aerobics | Various |
Tough Aerobic Mix | Various |
Upper Body | Various |
Standing Legs | Various |
Lower Body Sculpting | Various |
5-Day Abs | Various |
5-Day Stretch | Various |
The Tortoise | Tracie Long |
The Hare | Tracie Long |
Firm Strength | Pam Cauthen |
Firm Cardio | Heidi Tanner |
All Cardio (Fat Blaster) | Various |
All Weights (Maximum Body Shaping) | Tracie Long |
Better Buns and Body | Various |
Tough Cardio Mix | Various |
Ballroom Aerobics | Tracie Long |
More 5-Day Abs | Various |
Sculpted Buns, Hips, & Thighs | Tracie Long |
Tough Tape | Tracie Long |
Tough Tape 2 | Various |
Sculpting with Weights | Tracie Long |
Fat Burning Workout | Jen Carmen/Stacey Millner-Collins |
Abs, Buns & Thighs Workout | Stacey Millner-Collins |
Lower Body Sculpting | Kim Bartlett |
Fat Burning | Stacey Millner-Collins |
Cardio Burn | Tamela Hastie |
Power Cardio (aka Calorie Killer 2) | Dale Brabham |
Maximum Cardio | Carissa Foster |
Core Cardio 1 | Various |
Core Cardio 2 | Various |
Bust & Butt | Various |
Upper Body Split | Various |
Lower Body Split | Various |
Super Sculpting | Various |
Super Cardio | Various |
Cardio Split 1 | Various |
Cardio Step Mix | Various |
Total Body Shaping Mix | Various |
Boot Camp 3-in-1 Mix | Various |
Cardio Sculpt | Allie Del-Rio |
Body Sculpt | Jen Carmen |
Ab Sculpt | Lisa Kay |
Super Body Sculpt | Stephanie Corley-Huckabee |
Body Sculpt Blaster | Nancy Tucker |
Super Cardio Sculpt | Nancy Tucker |
Cardio Sculpt Blaster | Lisa Kay |
Lower Body Sculpt I | Lisa Kay |
Lower Body Sculpt II | Libby Heath |
Complete Aerobics & Weight Training | Emily Welsh |
Total Sculpt Plus Abs | Jen Carmen |
Maximum Cardio Burn Plus Abs | Allie Del-Rio |
Upper Body Sculpt | Janet Brooks |
Calorie Killer | Nancy Tucker |
Firm Abs | Nancy Tucker |
Complete Body Sculpting | Christa Riley |
Total Muscle Shaping | Stephanie Corley-Huckabee |
Fat Blasting Cardio | Lisa Kay |
Advanced Cardio Blast | Lisa Kay |
Cardio Express | Stephanie Corley-Huckabee |
Express Total Body Shaping | Pam Cauthen |
Hips, Thighs and Abs | Pam Cauthen |
Firm Power Yoga | Kirsten Strohecker |
Aerobic Body Shaping | Allie Del-Rio |
Ultimate Calorie Blaster | Stephanie Corley-Huckabee |
Supercharged Sculpting | Pam Cauthen |
Jiggle Free Buns | Pam Cauthen |
Jiggle Free Arms | Stephanie Corley-Huckabee |
Jiggle Free Abs | Allie Del-Rio |
Speed Slimming Sculpt | Allie Del-Rio |
Rock it Off! | Alison Davis-McLain |
Rock Solid Buns | Alison Davis-McLain |
Rock Solid Cardio | Kelsie Daniels |
Rock Solid Abs | Allie Del-Rio |
Express Abs | Emily Welsh |
Hi-Def Sculpt | Annie Lee |
Cardio Overdrive | Alison Davis |
Hard Core Fusion | Allie Del-Rio |
Cardio Party | Various |
Cardio Dance Fusion | Alison Davis |
Burn & Shape | Emily Welsh |
Cardio Sculpt Fusion aka Total Body Lite | Emily Welsh |
Skills, Drills & Thrills (Balance Trainer) | Tina Smalley |
TransFIRM Your Trouble Zones (Kettlebell) | Kelsie Daniels |
Cardio Inferno | Sue Mi Powell |
Pump, Jump 'n Jab | Kelsie Daniels |
Sculpt-ilates | Robyn Johnson |
Target Toning Zero-in-Ten | Rebekah Sturkie Emily Welsh |
Tight Buns & Killer Legs | Kelsie Daniels |
Total Body Toner | Allie Del-Rio |
Total Body Time-Crunch | Rebekah Sturkie |
Core Solutions | Alison Davis |
Get Chisel'd | Rebekah Sturkie |
The 500 Calorie Workout | Kelsie Daniels |
Dangerous Curves Ahead | Alison Davis-McLain |
Fat Burning Cardio Toning (Firm Cords) | Tina Smalley |
Bootcamp Maximum Calorie Burn | Alison Davis |
Cardio Dance Slim Down | Allie Del-Rio |
Ultimate Fat Burning Workout | Alison Davis |
Fat-Burning Sculpting Ball Workout | Tina Smalley |
Sculpt & Tone Pilates | Alison Davis |
Slim & Sculpt Stability Ball Workout | Allie Del-Rio |
Cardio Core Fusion (Sculpting Balls) - with Cardio Absession Burn, Shape & Tone | Rebekah Sturkie |
Weighted Cardio Gloves Workout | Rebekah Sturkie |
Power Sculpt Workout (w/Sculpting Stick) | Allie Del-Rio |
Express Yoga | Alison Davis |
Calorie Explosion | Various |
Power Half Hour | Emily Welsh |
Slim Solutions Yoga Workout | Allie Del-Rio |
Slim Without the Gym (Cardio To-Go Kit) | Annie Lee |
Slim & Trim (Power Ball Kit) | Tina Smalley |
Core Toner Plus | Emily Welsh |
Cycle 1 - Ignite: Cardio+Sculpt | Emily Welsh |
Cycle 1 - Ignite: Cardio | Emily Welsh |
Cycle 1 - Ignite: Sculpt | Emily Welsh |
Cycle 2 - Accelerate: Cardio+Sculpt | Rebekah Sturkie |
Cycle 2 - Accelerate: Cardio | Rebekah Sturkie |
Cycle 2 - Accelerate: Sculpt | Rebekah Sturkie |
Cycle 3 - Turbocharge: Cardio+Sculpt | Alison Davis-McLain |
Cycle 3 - Turbocharge: Cardio | Alison Davis-McLain |
Cycle 3 - Turbocharge: Sculpt | Alison Davis-McLain |
Cycle 4 - Overdrive: Cardio+Sculpt | Kelsie Daniels |
Cycle 4 - Overdrive: Cardio | Kelsie Daniels |
Cycle 4 - Overdrive: Sculpt | Kelsie Daniels |
Kickstart Your Metabolism: Pump it Up! | Jennifer Ray |
Kickstart Your Metabolism: Shortcut to Flat Abs | Jennifer Ray |
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