The Firm - Firm Basics: Sculpting With Weights Reviews

• Great video to buy to get you started and wanting more

  
  By on 1999-10-21
  I bought this video on a whim. I was curious to see if the "results in 10" were true. I had been taking a once-a-week muscle sculpting class for about a month when I started the video. Well - it was true - I saw results after about 7 times of doing the tape! After one month, I would say I looked like I had lost about 14-15 pounds, but really only lost 7, I toned more than lost weight. The thing I love about this tape is that the way Tracie talks through the reps, I never found myself thinking " oh god I don't think I can do any more" before you know it, you've done 12 or 16 reps. She doesn't count all of the reps so you don't realize just how much you've done, she talks in the meantime. This is the only exercie tape that I've stuck with. I strongly recommend this to people who can't stay committed. I've tried exercise videos in the past, and within 1 or 2 weeks, I quit. This tape, along with two other FIRM tapes I have, give good variety and make you WANT to exercise. The coaches at the end of the video are pretty good also. I've tried other's exercise videos, and they just don't compare to the great instruction from the FIRM.
  
  

• Simply the Best!

  
  By A24FHINNSABDQO on 2000-03-04
  After reading the reviews on this website, I ordered this video along with the Firm Basics Fat Burning Workout. I was so excited to learn that the FIRM had tapes for beginners. I own 2 other tapes, and found them to be too difficult given my fitness level. After doing the Fat Burning tape last night I practically ran home to do the Sculpting with Weights video, I was so pleased to finally be able to complete a FIRM video. Well this tape really blew me away! It's a slightly tougher workout IMHO than Fat Burning. Just right for my fitness level. It is a must for anyone looking to start a weight training program. It combines aerobic intervals with weights to give you a really great workout. It is perfect for those for whom the Richard Simmons, Jenny Craig, and WW's tapes are far too easy (like myself), but are not quite ready for advanced or complicated aerobic workouts. The ratio of weight training to aerobics is 2:1. The Fat Burning Tape is 1:2. There are no complicated dance moves or distracting music. Just a great instructor who guides you through each move expertly. As stated by a previous poster, I feel encouraged and motivated to stick with these tapes. I can also envision the day when I will need to move on to the next level of FIRM tapes, and look forward to it. If there is a better tape out there for those looking to start a weight training and aerobics program, I would love to hear about it. Until then...I'm a FIRM believer!
  
  

• Wonderful video for the beginner who wants results

  
  By on 2000-05-17
  I tried another Firm tape about a year and a half ago that was much more difficult than this one, and sort of did it for a couple of months before stopping. I decided to give it another try with the Basics series. This is my favorite in the series. It was the perfect level for me. It was short enough and within my reach, but every time I worked out, I really felt like I had been challenged. Within a couple of weeks, I could feel muscles all over my body. The instructor is genuine and she is very helpful about correct form. I realized that when I had been pushing myself with the harder Firm video, I wasn't using correct form. Even though this video is "easier," I can feel that I am getting better results. Sometimes the firm "ravers" make you feel inferior if you find the basics videos challenging, but don't let them . . . there's no shame in starting at the right level. This is hard enough to make you feel proud and make you feel strong - without being so hard that you give up.
  
  

• Great for beginners

  
  By on 2000-02-28
  Okay, I have a confession. I have been bad for about a month and haven't worked out. When I tried to do my other Firm tapes, it was frustrating because I couldn't do what I could just a short time ago! So, when I received an amazon gift certificate for Valentine's Day, I decided to give this tape a try. I've done it three times, and it is perfect for those of us who aren't in the best shape. Tracie Long is a great instructor (try her Firm Parts tape, too!), and this workout isn't too easy, isn't too hard--it's just right! I'm looking forward to getting back up to speed and using this tape in the future as well!
  
  

• well worth buying

  
  By AACFNM9NHA6WU on 1999-12-18
  I have all of the firm series of exercise videos & quite frankly was discouraged because I just couldn't do them! But when the Firm Basics series came out, I figured I'd give them one more try - and I am soo very glad that I did. I purchased all three, and have been using them for just over one month. You will get a serious workout & you will see results in ten workouts - I began to feel a difference after seven - one workout every other day.
  
  
• Great workout for upper and lower body
  By on 2002-03-04
  This video is a really great workout for beginners and can be adapted (by using heavier weights) for more expereinced exercisers. Tracie long is a great instructor and gives excellent cues, including examples of common mistakes in form that people make and lots of information about which exercises work which muscles. I encourage anyone (beginner or advanced) to watch the ENTIRE video - including the extra info. before and after the workout.
  I started out with the FIRM Basics (Fat Burning and then this one) and they [were difficult] when I first started. Now I use them with heavier dumbells and alternate with more challenging Firm videos, like the Cross Trainers Strength and Cardio.
  Note-- you need dumbells (light, medium and heavy) to do this video. They recommend starting with 3, 5 and 8-lbs. (two of each). If you don't already have them, you should strongly consider buying them, especially if you are planning to use other FIRM vidoes (which I highly recommend doing!). Also, you will need a step or stool. In this video, it's only used to sit on while you do upper body work with weights, so you could use a chair if you don't have the step. (Some of the more advanced FIRM videos use the step for other things and you can't subsititute a chair for those exercises.) It also uses a towel to stretch at the end (I use my Yoga strap.) Give it a try - it really works. It's a great idea to alternate this video with FIRM Basics - Fat Burning. They compliment each other nicely and use the same equipment. When they promise visible results within 10 workouts, they are not kidding (for me, it was more like 5 or 6)! If you stick with this, you WILL reshape your body - it's unavoidable. (Especially if you work up in weight as you get stronger and alternate with other videos.)
  
  
• Excellent Beginner Tape-Too Easy For Advanced
  By on 1999-09-28
  The Firm's Scuplting with Weights is definitely an excellent tape for beginners or people who have not used weight-training before. Tracie Long is an excellent instructor. However, I exercise regularly and this one was not a challenge. I like the workout, and use it for days I don't want a heavy workout. For a more advanced workout, I suggest Firm Parts-Tough Tape-also with Tracie Long.
  
  
• Hu--Raaaaa! for the Firm Basics.
  By AA9DTQQPE45Z2 on 2000-05-01
  I purchased this tape and the other two Firm Basics tapes. They are as good as everyone says they are for getting you back into shape. I've been alternating the three tapes for a little over a month and have lost 2 sizes and though I don't quite look like a skinny person in the mirror yet, I sure feel like one. My body shape seems to improve on a daily basis. If you've been thinking about getting workout tapes but are afraid to because you're so out of shape ... I suggest starting with the Firm Basics Trio.
  
  
• Excellent Beginner Tape
  By on 1999-08-01
  I bought this as my first Firm tape, after reading the comments of the many different Firm videos. At first I was worried that the "basic" work out would not be hard enough (even though, at age 22, I do not work out often). Boy was I wrong! This video was exactly what I needed. The work out is fun and goes by quickly. I have been using the video for three weeks now and weight 8 lbs less (only 20 more to go!). I am back at Amazon now to buy another Firm video.

  If you want to know about the length of the video and how much time is spent on abs, floor work, warm up etc. check out the web site, but order the videos from Amazon.com because it is cheaper (both the video and shipping and handling)!
  
  

• Firm in LA
  By on 2001-02-02
  This was the video that started me on the road from fat to fit. I was hooked from the very beginning. The instructor, Tracie Long, is helpful and easy to follow. The tape is much harder than it looks, but is adaptable to all fitness levels. Yes, I hated the lunges at first - they made my knees scream in protest! In spite of this, I stuck with it and this tape, unlike the others I'd tried, made me look and feel better about myself than I'd felt in years. They were right to recommend a trial of ten days for noticeable results. I was well on my way after seven. I now own several of the Firm series of tapes. This one, by far, remains my favorite and I always go back to it. I can't say enough good things about The Firm. You really need to give it a try. I'm 41 years old and I'm hooked for life!
  
  
• Good Woorkout for Beginners
  By AEM56F8R85GZ0 on 2002-06-26
  This is the first Firm tape that I have tried. I'm from Canada and I don't see the tapes in the stores here, and this one was in the library. I am an intermediate exerciser but this was the only Firm tape there. I really enjoyed this tape, but it is SO different from any other exercise tape that I have tried. I am used to Kathy Smith and Minna Lessig, so I was really surprised by Tracy Long's style, and the style of the video in general. I found it funny that they were in this pseudo-fancy studio with all of this "classical" art, but it wasn't that big of a deal. It was just different from what I am used to. Tracy is VERY formal, I felt that her instruction was almost robotic! On the up side it was very professional and helpful; on the downside I couldn't tell if she had a personality! Anyhow, back to the exercises. This is a very effective workout for light days for myself, and perfect for beginners. You will sweat, work all of your muscle groups, and Tracy will help you to achieve good form. This was a good way to re-learn some basic exercises and help to correct my form. And it was FUN! One reviewer said that you will need a dance background, I disagree. It was tricky at first, but you will get the hang of it. I am uncoordinated and I can do it. Overall, I think this tape is very good. I think that they were trying too hard to be posh and fancy; when that woman at the end of the tape was demonstrating a bicep curl in her blouse and pearls, I cracked up! But these are small details, and at least the production was good. I highly recommend this tape for beginners, or for intermediate exercises who need a refresher course.
  
  
• Don't Let Snobbery Stop You
  By on 2000-08-29
  ...This video is designed to give beginning and low intermediate exercisers a thorough, informative, fun workout that will give results. Please don't let a few negative reviews stop you from buying and using this video. It is excellent, and though I am now an advanced exerciser, I find myself using this whenever I want to have a lighter day but still feel like I've had a good workout. If you keep going heavier on the weights as your strength improves, you'll find this video will grow with you. Tracy Long's instruction and the production quality are superb, as always. Have fun, stick with it, and enjoy the way exercising makes you feel! You do NOT have to have a killer workout every day of your life to see improvements, so ignore some of the snobbery in a few of the reviews.
  
  
• Super Duper!
  By ANBHJC7DPK43X on 2000-09-15
  I was involved in accident about a month before I got this tape. I decided to give it a try since I needed to gain my strength back and knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with the other fitness videos I had, and let me tell you, this was GREAT! It was just right for me. Not too hard and not too easy either. I have been using this video for about two weeks and I have already regained a lot of the strength I lost while I was recovering from my accident. It is a perfect stepping stone for those of us who want to get back in shape, but are not strong enough to keep up with the other videos out there that are either too easy or too hard for us couch potatoes. I would highly recommend this video, especially if you are interested in more Firm videos as this is a great way to "pump up" before trying the harder ones.
  
  
• Best of the Basics!
  By A1Q4Z2DTBTB6U on 2000-04-28
  Tracie Long is the greatest instructor of all the Firm videos I have (5). She explains how to do the moves, and also shows how not to do them. She is big on getting you into the right form for things and stretching, which is very important. This tape is really geared towards beginners and you really will notice your progress after doing it a few times. For someone starting out, I cannot recommend this tape enough. But if you are more advanced, you probably won't find this much of a workout or would want to use it on "light" days.
  
  
• I LOVE IT!
  By A1H9L43WUVY2HG on 2000-03-19
  With this tape, it is so easy for me to stay motivated because my muscles scream the next day to DO IT! The instructions are wonderfully clear and easy to follow. I especially like using the weights during the aerobics segment because I detest JUST lifting weights.
  
  
• A great intro to The Firm
  By A1C760KGFSRI6F on 2001-11-09
  This is one of my very favorite Firm videos -- the one I always turn to after I've gotten out of the exercise habit, and the one that always makes me want to work out again!

  This video alternates low-impact aerobics with weight work, as in most Firm videos. If I haven't worked out in a long time, I usually feel energized and pleasantly sore afterward -- the way you do when you know you've used your muscles but not overdone it. The video uses fairly standard exercises for the muscles: biceps curls, pushups, squats, dipts, etc. The low-impact moves are fun and creative, and the music is great! Not too cheesy, like in some videos. If you run or do a lot of aerobics work, this probably won't get your heart rate very much -- aerobic work isn't The Firm's strength.

  Tracey Long is a fabulous instructor. She's not overly chatty or fake, and she uses excellent form and gives frequent reminders so that you do, too. She also has a great body -- muscular but not bulky.

  You will need a tall box (about 12 inches), three sets of dumbbells (if you've been very sedentary, try 2, 3 and 5 pounds for women) and a 4-foot dowel. The Firm sells all this stuff, but you can buy it pretty cheaply at (...)or similar stores. Tip: Buy the 12-inch Rubbermaid toolbox -- you can use it to work out, plus keep your videos and stuff in!
  
  

• One of my best purchases on my road to getting fit
  By on 1999-05-01
  Tracie Long is unsurpassed as an instructor. She is expert at cueing and giving pointers on form. This video is great for beginners because it motivates you...makes you hungry for more. The only problem is that things sometimes move quickly. If I am recalling properly, when I was a beginner, I thought that the lunges were done too quickly. Even with this small glitch, I would have to rate this video as one of my best purchases on my road to getting fit. When you "outgrow" it and move on to more challenging tapes (The Firm's Tough Tape perhaps?), you will probably find yourself coming back to it on those days when you haven't got much energy but want to work out anyway. A definite A+
  
  
• Great basic set!
  By A16PMYZIHM9OXP on 2002-06-03
  This is my personal favorite of the 3 Firm Basics, with Tracy Long an excellent instructor. As a 50-something (aging baby-boomer), I want to keep in shape, but am not a "jock" with nothing to do but work out. Alternating the 3 tapes in this series according to how I'm feeling that day, capably achieves my goals, although I've begun some of Tracy's more advanced routines when I've felt I needed an additional challenge. I work out faithfully 5-7 days a week. Even doing 1/2 the work-out per day helped me maintain when I was working, although doing the whole 45 minute routine daily helps to ready me for more advanced work-outs. It definitely improves my quality of life, and makes me feel strong, and I love the convenience of not even having to leave the house! I've recommended it to friends and have been disappointed that it is only available right now second-hand. The Firm's ownership change with their limited offerings have hampered my ability to get the tapes I've wanted to share, and they seem to only want to sell their new box, rather than work with previously satisfied customers.
  
  
• Trying to get in shape? Look no further!
  By A15EQGJFVB01WO on 2000-07-19
  If you are just beginning to exercise, if you are seriously out of shape and would like to gain overall strength or if you like your figure but would like to re-shape it, look no further! This is a perfect, easy to follow and fun workout.
  
  
• Easy Does It
  By A1252F513I7KOV on 2000-12-19
  I have exercised with tapes for many years and found this particular one to be too easy. I also did not realize that you had to have the right equipment to use the tape effectively. I did not have the "bench" that the tape suggested you use and was not told ahead of time that I would need it.

  This may be a very good tape for those just starting to use weights and beginning to do low impact aerobics. The instructor looked so muscular that I am sure she is doing other exercises and using heavier weights to have such defined muscles.
  
  

• Great for Beginner's
  By on 1999-02-17
  I received this video for a Christmas present as I was wanting to get into lifting weights. The weight exercises were well explained and proper form shown. The low-impact sections were easy to follow. I have also became a definite believer in the Firm workouts. I got results in ten workouts! Tracey is by far my favorite instructor!
  
  
• My review of SWW
  By A180KJZK5WOJVU on 2001-03-15
  This video is EXCELLENT for beginners. Tracie Long is one of the best FIRM instructors, and perhaps one of the best fitness instructors of all time. With her smooth and explanatory cueing, you'll be finding yourself completely absorbed into this fun workout that shapes the entire body. This is one of the videos guaranteed to produce results for beginners very quickly!
  
  
• Outstanding Instructor
  By A121W91V58YCPZ on 2002-05-07
  I own a very large number of the FIRM tapes. After having my last child a year ago, I needed something that could get me back into my "exercise mode" without killing me. I love Tracey Long! She gives outstanding pointers on form and technique and tells you "it's ok to cheat when you're learning". That is SO important to keep you from getting discouraged. She also choreographed this video and the choreography is simple and effective and you don't feel like you are tripping over your own feet. This is a very good total body workout that I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone who has been away from exercise for a while or who is just starting. Don't let the props scare you, use a broom and a chair! Have fun...If I can do this one (I gained a LOT of weight with the baby) then I truly believe that anyone can. I really can't say enough good things about this tape and the instructor. I would get ANY of the FIRM tapes with Tracey Long as the instructor.
  
  
• life saver
  By on 1999-10-28
  I have 6 of the firm videos, if you want to get results, just buy one of them.
  
  
• Terrific!
  By on 1999-04-22
  As a beginner, I wanted a video that wasn't too hard and I didn't get tired of too quickly. I really enjoyed this workout. I really like the instructor; she's not some Barbie-doll up there to look pretty. She really takes it seriously. Sometimes the music is annoying and the exercises change a little too fast, but I'm happy and will probably buy another FIRM video in the future.
  
  
• Tracie Long is the best
  By A3MRAD7C9TH0TP on 2000-08-13
  This is a terrific tape for beginners for those experienced exercisers returning from an injury, illness, or other period without exercise. Tracie Long has impeccable cueing and is very motivating. This tape just flies by and is a great introduction to the FIRM which has changed by body from a lump of flab to a lean and curvy woman.
  
  
• This is a fun workout that is not too heavy.
  By on 1999-02-04
  Master Instructor Tracie Long returns for yet another fun effective Firm workout. This workout is designed for beginners-intermediates, but can be beneficial for advanced as well. I like using it for "light" days.
  
  
• Coming back after an injury
  By A3CKJ5THACRH6A on 2000-03-16
  I have recurring tendonitis, and when it flares up, I stop working out. This last bout lasted for about a year, and I had gotten really out of shape. I wanted to start back slowly. I had 17 Firm tapes, and just love them, but knew I'd probably over-do and irritate the injury. So I purchased the whole "Basics" set and started using them. I alternate every other day, so that I use all three in a week, and swim twice a week, which helps the shoulders. The pain has diminished and yet I really feel like I've had a good workout. The way the Firm workouts are put together with the music, the instruction coming just before the move and the camera angle changing about every 4 beats keeps me from becoming bored. They are all just excellent. I go to the gym strictly for swimming since I started with The Firm
  
  
• Too much lecturing
  By on 2002-09-15
  The workout is great, but you have to listen or fast-forward to it.
  
  
• Excellent introductin to the Firm
  By AXYL2RTNRQ0NS on 2001-11-19
  After several months of not exercising due to injuries, I am at last starting over again. I am using the Firm Basics to help in my recovery and return to exercise. They are just the pace and intensity for those new or returning to exercise -- I can testify! Sculpting with Weights is an excellent overall body workout to get a combination of aerobics and weight-traning in less than an hour. For more fat-burning you might want to alternate Firm Basics workouts with longer periods of aerobic activity (which I will do when my ankle gets better). Enjoy.
  
  

• The Firm - Firm Basics: Fat Burning Workout
• Firm Basics: Abs Buns & Thighs Workout
• The Firm Cross Trainers - The Hare
• Firm: Complete Aerobic Weight Training
• The Firm - Total Body: Low Impact Aerobics