Not bad, but...  
By on 1999-04-02
... not great either. The Firm series has a few things going for it: simplicity, basic respect for the viewer, and high quality video, audio, and instruction. This alone makes it as good or better than almost everything else out there. But be warned that this tape really is for beginners. As an intermediate-to-advanced level viewer, I found it relatively unchallenging. To put it bluntly, anyone beyond the sluggish-blobby-reforming-couch-potato stage will find this workout to be inadequate. It's not bad for easy workout days, and I find it to be a very good warm-up for harder workouts, but I usually finish feeling unsatisfied. Otherwise, it's pretty good. MTV Grind fans beware: it's got a pretty strong suburban-housewife thing going on (the sets are tastefully color-coordinated in muted tones, and there's always an oriental rug in view somewhere), and the music, while not the worst I've run across, is decidedly uninspiring. Also, watch out; this tape does require easily-procured but unmentioned equipment - weights (of course), a pole or dowel of some kind (a mop handle will do), and a tall aerobic step, box, or ottoman to sit your fat butt on. ;)
Great beginner's companion tape to Sculpting with Weights
By A1A42XZML220RY on 2002-04-29
The first Firm tape I found was Firm Basics: Sculpting with Weights and I was very impressed with it. I like their approach to weights and aerobics in short enough bursts that I never get bored with either. Feeling like I needed more cardio, I bought Firm Basics: Fat Burning. The two are a great combo for beginners, alternated every other day with a day of some other activity in between to allow muscles to rest. Now that I've been using them for several months, I am moving on to more difficult Firm videos. I highly recommend these to anyone just starting out or just starting back. At 45 minutes, they are the right length, and you can do them in your living room without having to move all the furnitute. Having to buy props was a little annoying to me at first but I use a broom handle and backless chair instead of a dowel and stepper so all I had to buy was 5, 8 and 10 lb dumbbells. I will definitely return to these videos when I need a light workout or if I stop exercising for any length of time. A mere 6 months ago I called myself "the world's laziest woman" and I hated exercise because rep after endless rep was so boring. Now I am hooked on the Firm, getting fitter by the day and I am an exercise goddess!
Great Tape for Getting Started.
By AA9DTQQPE45Z2 on 2000-11-16
I have been using the Firm Video's for about six months. I started using the Firm Basics videos. I' had tried to use workout videos before and have quickly lost interest in them. I didn't lose interest in The Firm! All three of the Firm Basics videos are great. They are easy to follow and fun to do. Oh, and I started seeing a difference in my body shape after my 2-3 Firm Basic workout. I saw big difference after 10 workouts. And at the end of one month I'd lost two sizes. Six months later, I'm down 4 sizes and have a ton more energy and stamina. I've long since grown out of my Basics Tapes, but I keep them around for days when I'm not feeling real great but still want to get a workout in. I'd recommend this and any of the other Firm Basic videos for anyone who want to start getting back into shape.
A Cure for Exercise Burnout
By on 2001-10-21
I have been working out with videos, running, and weightlifting for 6 years now. Whenever I get burnt out, I turn back to this tape (and also The Firm's Not So Tough Aerobics) to pull me through the rough spot. The Firm Fat Burning is fun, Jennifer Carman gives great verbal cues & is warm and friendly. I feel like I am working out with a pal. It's a total body workout, so you get the ab workout in there also. I have found that I can make this tape as challenging as I want to by "heavying up" the weights. The hover squats are exhilarating, but I like the aerobic segments the best. The music is also really great. If you decide to buy this one, you'll want a 12 - 14" step-up box. It is worth the investment if you decide to workout with The Firm workout videos. Another great thing about the Firm is that they always include a warm-up and cool-down stretch. This has helped me with some of my neck and back problems. Of all the various exercise programs and videos I've done in the years I've been working out, I have always come back to the Firm. They are the best workouts with fabulous results in the least amount of time. Best of all, they are FUN.
A pleasant surprise!
By on 1999-05-08
I stumbled onto this video at my local "Blockbuster" store and, having never heard of the Firm, decided to give it a try. I've been walking 3 miles a day for several years, and miss the aerobics and sculpting classes I used to do at the gym. I wanted to get into free weight training too. For the cost of the tape rental, I thought I'd check it out. It turns out that this was a fun tape. I love the alternating of low-impact aerobics, sculpting exercises, and weight work. There's probably not enough of any one thing to satisfy those who want lots of intensity in one area, but it's a great taste of everything. There is a respect for the viewer's intelligence that I appreciate too. The only thing that annoyed me (and it turned out to be a minor annoyance since I was able to scavenge all the items) was that some equipment was needed and it isn't mentioned on the box. So be forewarned: you'll need a high bench, a two-by-four, hand weights of various sizes, a 48 inch dowel (with rubber tips to prevent sliding), and a mat or padding of some kind on your floor if you're not working out in a carpeted room. All in all, I highly recommend this tape, and it's made me hungry to explore more of the Firm's series.
- Ideal for rank beginners
By on 1999-07-01
This is an excellent tape for those (like myself) who are just getting into, or back into, working out. However, it really is very easy -- I mastered it in about one month, and I was seriously out of shape (and uncoordinated to boot!) Even if you are as clumsy as I am, you should be able to get the moves pretty quickly. If you are not an absolute couch potato, you might want to get some of their other tapes and just take them slowly.
- Challenging, but not daunting, for a moderate exerciser.
By A1NR5TBDR58KNB on 1999-06-10
Exercise starts out slowly, builds to a point where you are working up a sweat and then gradually comes back down again without a prolonged period of maximum effort. Short sets of light aerobics are alternated with sets of toning exercises, some using free weights, a tall box, (I use my two-step Rubbermaid footstool) and a dowel. (I use an expandable shower curtain rod.)You can improvise equipment based on what you have around your house. There are lots of squats, lunges and dips so quads and hamstrings get the most toning benefits. The last exercise on the tape is a great shaper for the upper hamstring area. Exercises are done in low-rep sets so they are mangageable and the tape moves along quickly. I like the tape and have recommended it to my sister (who has been doing the same Jane Fonda tape for more than 5 years!)
- GREAT workout...only if you're a beginner though.
By A1PT585OH7KZCF on 2000-01-15
I have used FIRM videos since day one, and actually have every one ever made. I bought this to teach a sedentary neighbor how to do aerobics. As I expected, she was VERY challenged while I barely broke a sweat. I do use it if I want to workout but am kinda under the weather or too sore from yesterdays hard workout to want to be too challenged. I HIGHLY recommend this to seniors that are out of shape, or beginners new to aerobics.
- Great tape for beginners
By A1Q4Z2DTBTB6U on 2000-05-22
I got this tape after a year or two of inactivity, and it was the perfect thing to ease back into it. Note, this is a tape for beginners, but intermediate can modify with heavier weights and for not using a dowel. (And you can use a broom or mop instead of a dowel.) This tape has a lot of fun aerobic segments mixed with some sculpting with weights. It's only 45 min, so it's perfect to motivate yourself to workout for a short period of time. After I got this tape, I bought many more from The Firm. Their instructors and techniques are excellent, and you do notice results very quickly. This tape has excellent cueing and having two different instructors keeps it interesting.
- Great to start an exercise program with
By on 2000-07-24
The Firm Basics are The Firms "beginner videos" to get you started, their ads say. The people that bought them, and have complained in the reviews, must have been past the beginner stage and bought them anyway. I'm here to tell you that I was a beginner, when I got the Firm Basics and they were tough for me back then. I had gained about 50 pounds from having a baby, and was badly out of shape. This video helped me to get fit, and I saw results after about 8 workouts. When I bought it, I knew that I couldn't do 15 minutes straight of aerobics. But I had heard that these tapes were intervals, or the cardio mixed with the weights, I bought this one and Basics Sculpting With Weights. Both videos have changed me from an out of shape fat person to someone who regularly exercises and is fit.
- BEGINNERS ONLY
By on 1999-05-22
If you already own any of the Classic Firm tapes, skip this series. BEGINNERS ONLY. I own about nine tapes and bought this one because I was looking for a new, mostly aerobics Firm tape. Great if you're just starting out or have never used weights before. Good cuing and instruction. Way too slow and dare I say it, boring, for seasoned Firm users like me.
- GREAT!
By on 2002-04-30
Fantastic tape for beginners. Not much needed in the way of equipment. (mop handle, chair light dumbells) I use this one on occasion after softball or another strenuous activity. The workout is easy to follow and evenly paced. Just starting??? I recomend this one!
- Great workout
By on 2000-03-17
This is a great workout. I use to be a runner before I had kids. I now have a three year old and a eight month old. Videos are the only workout I am able to fit into my schedule after my kids go to bed. I was very skeptical about workout videos. I was very happily surprized. After not excersizing in a while, I started with the FIRM BASICS series. I mastered them in a few weeks, and started to move on to other tapes. The only shortcoming of this particular tape is that there is very little upperbody and weight work. However, I use it to my advantage, and find it a great tape to use the day after a more intense weight workout. It is a good cardio tape to use when you want to workout, but your upper body is still a little sore from a previous workout. I HIGHLY recommend this tape!
- [money]wasted for me
By on 2001-08-14
Okay, I know I'm going against the grain here, but I really don't like this tape at all. Sure it has a couple of things going for it, like the production value is great and it is low impact like it claims, BUT.... It says it is for "moderate/intermediate" exercisers. I don't think so. I consider myself to be at that level, but my heart rate wasn't raised at all. In fact I didn't even really feel like I had done any aerobics at all. I could have worked up more of a sweat strolling through the mall. Maybe the toning sections are better, but I wouldn't know. I couldn't do most of those exercises because I don't have all the equipment that you need, none of which is listed on the back of the box under the equipment needed listing. All that's written there is that you need light weights, no mention of the stool, pole, or extra little bit of wood to put under your heels. I tried to adapt those exercises somehow so I could do them, but for most of them you really need the equipment to perform them correctly and effectively. Interestingly, all those items are available for sale in the little catalog that came with the tape. I suppose I will eventually find someway to to incorporate this tape into my routine, but right now I feel very angry about this tape ... I only gave it one star because I couldn't give it any less. No more Firm tapes for me.
- Straightforward and effective, a little dull
By A1F6QT6HTMCO34 on 2001-01-08
I'm out of shape and overweight, just getting back into exercising. This tape is not difficult for me. It seems to be just about my level -- I work up a slight sweat, have a little bit of a challenge doing a few of the toning parts (especially the abs and push-ups), and find myself motivated to continue and improve. It does a good job of warming you up and cooling you down, so nothing feels too sore. It's definitely a good workout for a beginner.The downside has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the tape, and it may not be applicable to you, but ... I find the atmosphere, visuals, and music very dull and sterile. The models are a little scary to me; they remind me of the Stepford wives. Fixed grins, very plastic. I feel like I'm working out with a cult when I watch this video. Also, you have to fast-forward a ways before you get to the actual workout. Just a couple of small irritations in an otherwise very good, very effective workout. I'm sure I'll try other Firm tapes at some point.
- This Works !!!!
By on 1999-02-23
After I quit smoking I gained almost 20 pounds. I most definitely was looking for a method to not only take the weight off, but also get in shape. Without a doubt, I feel that the FIRM tapes are that method. They keep their promise of "Visible Results in 10 Workouts!" Nothing I have done before has given results this quick. They are fun, interesting and motivating. You really feel as though you are accomplishing something by doing these tapes, and the results that you see in such a short time - shows you that you are. This particular 45 minute workout is great for anyone who is just getting back into an exercise routine -- the aerobic numbers are low impact and are interspaced with weight training, so you are not in a prolonged state with an elevated heart rate. At the same time, once you get better, it is easy to increase the intensity of the workout, by adding more weights and pushing yourself to perform the aerobic numbers at peak performance. I'm so thrilled with the results of the FIRM tapes, that I have since added a mix of other FIRM tapes and am exercising daily. (The 5 Day Abs is also great!)
- Really for beginners
By A2PWRIMFB9NFP0 on 2006-03-07
PROs
- Light.
- Exercises are broken down so they're easier to learn.
- Clear and well-timed cueing with some instruction on proper form.
- Perky, happy instructors.
CONs
- I had already been exercising for about 5 weeks with the Susan Harris, Jayne Poteet, Standing Legs, and Upper Body firm videos when I tried this. I didn't even break a sweat, and I couldn't hit my target heart rate. This isn't really a bad thing but it would be more accurate to label the video "For beginners". In fact, if you're a beginner, then try this first. It'll give you an idea of what the Firm videos do and how they do it, and it'll prep you for the harder videos.
- Recommended for Beginners or Resumption of Exercise
By A13700AF4X40YG on 2005-08-25
I recommend this video for people who are new to exercise or are resuming exercise after a period of inactivity. You'll need either the tall box/fanny lifter or something you can sit on that is approximately 14 inches in height, as the tape uses it for hover squats and lateral rows, as well as leg exercises and some arm work. Also needed is a dowel or mop (I use a piece of PVC pipe I found in my basement) a set of light weights, one heavy weight (lateral rows) and a set of medium weights.
I returned to consistent exercise about a year ago and slowly worked up to resuming use of The Firm videos (I was one of the original Firm Believers who pre-ordered and pre-paid for the videos before they were produced). Two of my favorites are The Firm #4 - Time Crunch with the divine Susan Harris and Kai S. and The Firm Maximum Body Shaping with Tracie Long (who lives up to all the hype).
I bought The Firm Fat Burning Video thinking it might be a good workout for a light day, but didn't feel like I got much of a workout - didn't break a sweat. However, I liked the routine -and found it fairly easy and fun to follow and felt the instructors were pleasant and gave good cues. Like most Firm workouts, they alternated aerobic activity (in this case, low impact) with (very light) weight work (the least weight work of any Firm video I've done to date) and lunges/dips with the dowel. The abs routine was fairly brief - I think the box said 3.5 minutes.
If you want to start using The Firm videos, I'd recommend you begin with this one before tackling some of the others, as I find most of the other Firm workouts to be some of the toughest and most intense of those I've encountered.
- This tape works out most areas of your body
By on 1999-03-06
At first I didn't think this tape was hard enough but by halfway through I had a good sweat going. It emphasizes good form and you can make it as hard as you want by increasing the amount of weight you use. I highly recommend it. The instructers are friendly but not fake.
- Kudos to the FIRM
By A185EOPODKQ7KC on 2000-04-16
I absolutely enjoy the FIRM Basics tapes. I started doing the FIRM in the early 90's but stopped. I gained 20 pounds during my FIRM hiatus and was happy to see the FIRM Basics tapes on the market when I began exercising again. I love the instruction and motivation you get from Jennifer Carman and Stacey Milner-Collins. Once I lose 20 pounds, I plan to move back to the Classic FIRM series. I've lost 6 pounds in the last 3 weeks.
- Great for Newcomers!!
By on 1999-02-17
If you're just getting into exercising or getting "back" into it, this video is perfect for you! The moves are very easy to learn and the dowel helps you balance on some of the exercises! Try it! I'm a FIRM believer too...I've seen the results and am living proof that they work!!
- Wonderful Tape!!
By A2HMK84BSRL2K4 on 2001-06-19
Coming back to working out since a major slump, this workout is perfect...It's not too long (40 minutes), not too hard and feels effective...The aerobic segments are short and sweet which is nice and this is interspersed with lunges, squats and weights...Although I greatly enjoy this tape and consider it a good beginner workout, the ab routine is not very challenging and I generally have to use my 5 day ab tape at the end, which is the only drawback...Other than that, the time flies and it's fun!!
- Better late than never...
By A3LLMG0I8TAXJH on 2005-08-27
I found out about this tape while browsing a few fitness forums for a good solid beginner work that would produce results.
Well, we all know about the good reputation the FIRM has for results but this is a great tape that can prepare a beginner for any system. In fact with modifications, this workout can grow with you. Sure, it's an older video but it gets the job done and it's fun to do.
I just wish they would put this on dvd. If it does happen please Amazon, let me know.
- Not just for beginners!
By AB2DRDQUIY7G8 on 2007-01-23
It's true that this is probably a more challenging workout if you're a beginner. However, I often use this workout on days when I'm just not feeling energetic enough to do one of the FIRM's more advanced tapes. I still get a decent workout, and I'm not worried about injuring myself by doing more than my body is ready to do. Also, you can use heavier weights on some of the exercises to make it more challenging.
Once you're feeling more fit and more comfortable with the FIRM, you should probably try some of the tougher FIRM workouts. Keep this in your FIRM rotation, though! It's a great complement to all of the other FIRM tapes and DVDs.
- Excellent tape for getting started.
By AA9DTQQPE45Z2 on 2000-04-22
If your out of shape this tape is just what you need to get you off
the couch. It's easy to understand and follow along, but it's also
challenging enough to give you the workout you need. This tape has
been a great motivator and a good beginning work-out for me. I can't
wait to see some of the other Firm videos!
- Great second-level weight workout.
By on 1999-01-01
I tried this when I first returned to exercising and found it too difficult even after several tries. If you've already been exercising for a while and want to add a weight workout, this tape should be ideal. But if you're just starting out exercising, this one may be a bit much. (Try Jane Fonda's Total Body Sculpting until you get stronger, then move up to this.)
- I haven't been bored yet with this exercise tape!
By on 1999-01-05
I have enjoyed the variety of exercises on this video: low impact aerobics, strength training, and stretching. I also appreciate the comments on why this approach has been proven scientifically to be ideal, as well as the tips on how to be successful in pursuit of fitness!
- The Firm really is effective!
By on 1998-11-12
For those who like to exercise at home, The Firm is incredibly effective. Results are guaranteed in 10 sessions but you see benefits much faster. With a total of 22 tapes on the shelf, these are the only ones I use now. Give them a try!
- Great for beginners
By on 2000-04-08
I'm 25 years old and in the last year and half I've put on 40 lbs (yikes) well I figured it was time to start working out and this tape was the first one I purchased. I did it for a month straight and I was really happy with how it helped get me back on track, however, I would not consider it a "fat burning" workout, it's more of a tape to get you limbered up for more advance workouts.
- Great workout
By on 2000-03-17
This is a great workout. I use to be a runner before I had kids. I now have a three year old and a eight month old. Videos are the only workout I am able to fit into my schedule after my kids go to bed. I was very skeptical about workout videos. I was very happily surprized. After not excersizing in a while, I started with the FIRM BASICS series. I mastered them in a few weeks, and started to move on to other tapes. The only shortcoming of this particular tape is that there is very little upperbody and weight work. However, I use it to my advantage, and find it a great tape to use the day after a more intense weight workout. It is a good cardio tape to use when you want to workout, but your upper body is still a little sore from a previous workout. I HIGHLY recommend this tape!
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