Effective...just make sure you have the equipment.
Krys | Fishers, IN | 03/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an extremely challenging workout in terms of lower body work. Format: Warmup, Lower Body Work, Cooldown for Lower/Warm up for Upper, Upper Body Work, Cooldown. The DVD allows you to select lower, upper, or both. Equipment called for: The Fanny Lifter, dumbbells. You could also use The FIRM Box or the TransFirmer. If you have a regular step, you can use it with a little creativity, no problem.
As others have noted, you need some kind of step for basically ALL The FIRM workouts, plus your dumbbells. Some FIRM workouts also require a Sculpting Stick. There is truly no need to expect to participate fully in The FIRM workouts without your box (or step or whatever you have).
Here's some helpful hints: All body sculpting systems (BSS) from The FIRM require dumbbells. BSS1 requires The Fanny Lifter. BSS2 requires The Fanny Lifter and Sculpting Stick. BSS3 requires The FIRM Box. BSS4 requires The TransFirmer.
Some of The FIRM workouts will work just fine with a regular Step, others won't. Just be aware that you may not be able to fully participate without the proper equipment. I will say this about The FIRM: Even though they require you to purchase their equipment, you can use the equipment for years to come. Plus, the packages are not that expensive, they usually come with 3 or more workouts, and the old stuff is on sale on their website. And, they usually let you pay with two payments instead of one. Not bad.
I love The FIRM. I've lost over 50 pounds of my pregnancy weight with these no-nonsense, effecient workouts. These workouts are challenging guys. They get results, so I'm willing to spend a few extra bucks on their equipment because these workouts WORK. I've noticed a definite change in my muscle tone, energy level, and stamina. Like everything else in life, this works if you work it. Good luck, everyone"
Total body workout
Shon | 02/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I haven't done this workout in awhile and thought I'd wipe the dust off of the cover and try it again. I forgot how challenging this workout is. The lower body almost killed me. I could hardly step down off my TransFIRMer when it was over. Which is good b/c I need more strength in my lower body. The upper body was hard (I didn't think it was as hard as the lower body though), with the push-ups killing me every time. I forgot how much I enjoyed this workout in the past. I will definitely add to my rotation. I had the VHS version, but I'm glad it's on DVD now. Having it chaptered is easier, in case I want to do lower or upper body only combined with another FIRM workout."
Tough workout at a slightly slower pace
Rachel Himes | Indiana, Pennsylvania USA | 01/08/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have done many, many firm workouts. I really like how this one is broken down so you can do it in sections or the entire workout at one time. You can choose upper body or lower body and go directly to the workout. What I find annoying is the plastered-on smile and constant need to flash cleavage at a predominantly female audience. This particular instructor gives some very helpful tips on proper execution of the movements, but is especially guilty in the annoying display of cleaveage.
If those factors don't bother you, you will enjoy the workout."