FIRM Workouts - which do you recommend?

[arizonacolbys]

I tried to search - but it wasn't working. I know in the past I have read that many WISHers love FIRM workouts - which ones do you all like?

I tried the 60 min FIRM Total body workout (aerobics w/weights) last night for the 1st time, and didn't quite make it through the entire video.

Are the other FIRM videos shorter? I was looking into maybe one of the ones focusing on abs or legs. Can anybody help me?

thanks in advance!!!

 

[Christine]

My favorite is an "oldie". It is called "Better Body & Buns" and has about 3 instructors that rotate through the tape. It gives a good leg and hip workout without being "dancy" at all (which I hate). It also makes very good use of the Fanny Lifter. I find it to be an all-around good workout while not having you moving all over the floor. I doubt you can find it in stores now, but I think you can get it readily on half.com.

Edited to add: This tape is also 60 minutes long; however, it is very easy to find a segment of it and skip it. I will usually skip what they call the "table" work. That is where you lean over the Fanny Lifter and do legs lifts and such. I feel that I get enough legwork doing the step ups so if I am short on time I will cut there. I will also cut out some of plyometric jumps if I'm even more pressed for time. As far as shorter Firm tapes, there are some 30 minutes tapes but I don't think they work the total body. They either focus on upper or lower body, or abs., etc.

 

[ZerasPride]

I use the FIRM videos and love them. Currently I use the cardio sculpt tape with "Ally" as the instructor on M-W-F. I only do 30 minutes and use the medium weights only for now. I also do the ab sculpt with the blond lady (can't think of her name). My tapes came three in the box with the fanny lifter and the third tape is the body sculpt but I haven't done that one in months. I don't care for the dark haird instructor lady too much. She really gets on my nerves! But I really do love the other two. They are so much fun. Hope this helps!

 

[luvmydogs]

I've used Firm tapes for about a year and a half, and have seen great results--but it did take me a while until I could complete them without getting really winded. I use Cardio Sculpt and Complete Aerobics & Weight Training, both of which are nearly an hour long. They also have an Upper & Lower Body Sculpt with Jen Carmen--the first half of the video works lower, and second half works upper--you can do just one section at a time for a shorter workout, or both together. It can be pretty intense (at least I found it to be!) if you are using weights and are just starting out. Ab Sculpt is good too--20-25 minutes of jsut abs. Have you ever been to www.collage-video.com ? They have great description of workout videos, and reviews from users. I found their prices more expensive, so I research there and buy elsewhere. I've had a lot of success with Firm tapes--I just had to learn to work at my own level and modify when I first began--I did see fairly quick results in increased strength, sculpting and conditioning. Good Luck!

 

[MelanieC]

Last fall I bought the FIRM II system and I love it. I was doing them 3-4 times a week with WATP's in between. Then I got so busy and burned out and haven't been able to get back into the groove. I think the moves come with time. I had been doing them for several months and was still lost on the moves. If i got tired, I just walked in place till I could pick it back up. I love when they go to weights. It gives me a chance to catch my breath.

 

[Cinderelli]

I think I have the same tapes as ZerasPride. I bought them a little over a year ago at Target. There are 3 tapes and it also included a FannyLifter. The CardioSculpt runs about 55 minutes (including the cool-down at the end). It is good for aerobic & weight training. I think it's a great overall workout. Then there is the AbSculpt tape. It runs about 30 minutes. Finally, the BodySculpt. I haven't done it in awhile (I just started working out again 2 weeks ago and it hasn't been scheduled yet on the schedule they included with the system). But, if memory serves me correctly, it runs a little shorter than the CardioSculpt. Maybe like 45 minutes. It is more intense on the Body Sculpting aspect and less of the aerobic stuff. You definately will get toned using this system. It took me awhile to get all the moves down, but once I did, I really enjoy it. I feel like I get a great workout.

They have another series that you can get at Target right now, too. This one comes with a big stick type thing. I think I looks pretty cool, too and may buy that system in a couple months if this gets boring.

I did this series faithfully for 5 months last year and was really pleased with the results. Unfortunately, summer hit and I never got back into it until now.

Good Luck with whatever you choose.

Lissa