The Firm - Total Body Toner Reviews

• Allie Rocks!

  
  By A2U2ZPHR54XLSS on 2007-12-28
  I recently purchased the three newest Firms (Total Body Toner, Cardio Sculpt Fusion, and Cardio Inferno.) This is the only one of the three that I'll be keeping. I really like Allie as an instructor ... she is not overly peppy, nor is she patronizing ... her instruction is clear and concise, and the exercises are "spot on" for total body conditioning! The exercises are structured to work the upper and lower body together (i.e., lunging to the side, then standing up to reach overhead with a light handweight) and the moves are fast enough to give a light cardio workout. Then its on to the floor for some intense and effective oblique and ab work. This is a great head-to-toe workout in just 40 minutes!
  
  

• Very good workout :-)

  
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2008-01-05
  I haven't got many of The Firm workouts because their older ones didn't do it for me and so I didn't give many of their newer ones a go. This however, appealed to me as a straight toning workout and I really enjoy it a lot. Allie Del Rio Pointer is a new instructor to me, and I found her to be very good, not annoying and easy to follow along to.
  The entire workout uses weights and to get maximum results, nearly every fast paced exercise works multiple muscles in one go. She also starts with a basic routine and then adds modifications to increase intensity. I also like this because all you need is two sets of weights and you're good to go.
  This is a good 40 minute routine to really do almost every muscle in your body and based on this workout, I'll definately give The Firm more tries. I enjoy this and highly recommend it.
  
  

• Restance workout without the drudgery

  
  By A20J4FB33G3X4X on 2007-12-29
  I just finished this workout and loved it. It's a complete body toning workout that's not too hardcore. I have a lot of the older Firm videos, and while I do like the fact that they provide a solid workout, I don't really look forward to doing them because they are so intense. I regularly do weight training videos, and while this one isn't as tough as the rest, I felt I really got a good workout. Not only that, but the moves are unique and interesting. Alli is also a very good instructor (not annoying in any way). This is a workout I'll look forward to doing again. Just for the sake of providing details, it's a 40 minute workout and includes abs as well.
  
  

• just o.k.

  
  By A3M93OF8X7RZBC on 2007-12-08
  I am a firm junkie and especially like Allie Pointer, but this was a little bit of a letdown. I think this would be a good beginner video for someone NOT looking for a cardio video. This is definitly more of a cross-trainer. I really would like to see more of the old transfirmer upper body moves integrated with some tougher plyometrics like in Allison Davis bootcamp video (which is tough )now that would be the total package!
  I hope they can make my wish come true since the last few videos have been not so good.(sculpt and burn, time crunch, killer legs) they just don't have that old muscle exaustion I love.
  Stacie
  
  

• INCREDIBLE!...Will Blaze You a Brand New Body in 40 Minutes!

  
  By A59NEDTG1DHG7 on 2008-06-17
  I am a huge fan of The Firm's workout programs. Even so, this workout surpassed my expectations.
  Using 3 sets of weights (light, medium and heavy; you decide what is what) and good old-fashioned gravity, you can get gym-level results in just 40 minutes a day.
  You begin with a fast-paced warmup that is approaching on cardio (quick stepping from side to side, jacks, squats, lunges, push-ups while touching one shoulder - man are those tough!- and use of your light weights). The warmup alone will definitely get you sweating!
  The program itself is very fast-paced, and allows you just enough time between exercises to switch your weights and set up in the new position. Because of this, your heartrate will stay elevated, and, you guessed it, you will sweat and burn calories!
  The moves are different and challenging (such as raising from a backwards lunge into a shoulder raise and glute lift...on the ball of your standing foot!), and like most of The Firm's workouts, you will often be engaged in four-limb movement, in which you will be working your upper body and lower body simultaneously. Even if you aren't so coordinated, don't worry! Allie Del Rio Pointer is an excellent and encouraging instructor who will guide you through the more complex movements one move at a time, in a layering approach. With the exception of doing a few moves on one side and then again on the other, there is virtually no boring repetition of moves here.
  Because it is sculpting (but fast-paced sculpting), it is pretty much low-impact with a lot of lunges, plies and squats of all sorts. However, there are 2 sections with plyo jumping, but of coarse, there is a beginner modification exerciser who shows you how to keep it low impact.
  Though many "total body" exercise programs skimp on certain parts of the body (even some Firm titles are guilty of this), this is truly what it claims to be. You will feel this in every inch of your physique: arms, shoulders, back, biceps, inner thighs, outer thighs, upper abs, lower abs, buns, calves, waist...it misses nothing!
  The cooldown is active, with one of the best abs sections around and great total-body stretching.
  This DVD is, in my opinion, one of the BEST total body sculpting workouts out there. The workout is great, the music is quite good and the instructor, Allie, is one of my personal favorites. The only thing that would make it better would be a more exotic location! :-) When doing this workout, I preceed it with 20 minutes of light cardio and come away with basically the perfect 60-minute workout: ultra-effective, super-fat-burning and fun!
  And if you want to see a preview of this and other Firm DVDs, check out The Firm's official site.
  Highly recommended!
  
  
  
• I liked this one.
  By A2VOS0QU40O0QS on 2008-01-13
  Out of all of these new Firm dvds this one is my favorite and honestly the only one I will continue to do occasionally. I got the Transfirmation set and those were terrible. This dvd is good though. Enjoyed it.
  
  
• Great Total body workout that's only 40 minutes
  By AFI00QJ0NT26E on 2008-02-05
  I just purchased the firm transfirmation and was interested in adding a few more of the newer firms to my rotation. I basically bought this due to the positive feedback on amazon. The workout was a great total body workout that got my heartrate up and kept it up during the entire workout. I love when I can get a good sweat in while doing weight training. The moves are mostly compound moves so you are getting a total body workout in the compact 40 minute time frame and working more then one muscle group at a time. I found the instructor easy to follow and the workout was well structured to hit the entire body in this compact workout. I was able to get a good burn and sweat while doing this workout and would recommend it to anyone looking to get a good strength workout with only 40 minutes available. This will definitely be in my rotation for quite some time.
  
  
• This workout is FUN
  By A3BYD2X4RK6NDT on 2008-07-01
  Nothing beats a good FIRM workout. Especially one that doesn't need a lot of added equipment.
  
  Even though I am now 53 I'm still in great shape and this workout is challenging, moves right along, is fun, and only takes 40 minutes. When I'm done I really feel like I've gotten a good workout.
  
  
• Love It
  By AQS16FEZQNMDF on 2008-07-25
  I LOVE these new Firm DVD's that are back to the basics - cardio + sculpting, with just simple hand held dumbbells - none of the gimmicky stuff that is expensive and awkward and sometimes shameless (hello, "sculpting stick" - i.e., just a means to make money). Maybe Gaim, who now owns the Firm, is responsible for this back-to-the-basics move, and I am extremely pleased. It's simple, and it delivers. I think the workouts are much more fun to do when you're focusing simply on your body and the weights - not lugging around a fanny lifter, a bench-press thingy (can't even remember the gimicky name for that), or an unnecessary sculpting stick. I always thought the Fanny Lifter seemed a little dangerous, too...it works your legs REALLY hard, to the point of loss of muscle control, and you're teetering precariously on top of these stacked boxes...for someone like me who has to be precise and careful with her movements due to a repaired ACL (knee ligament) from an injury years ago, this is not the way best way to go. Furthermore, the Fanny Lifter always got my knees (both of them) - crunching. Literally. Making an unpleasant crunching sound. Ahem.
  
  Nonetheless, I've stuck with The Firm over the years, because I've tried so many different brands and instructors, and The Firm seems to me to be the most efficient, effective, straight-forward, pleasant, uncomplicated (despite the use of a couple of the tools mentioned above, which aren't nearly so bad by a long shot as some of the needless fancy-footwork utilized by other instructors/brands), and un-embarrassing (barring their now nearly obsolete 80's videos with big hair and weird outfits; these are EXTREMELY hard, and long, with heavier weights and millions of reps, but they were rewarding because of it [and they focus entirely on cardio + weights too...but I think these videos were probably simply TOO HARD for the average exerciser]).
  
  Anyway. As for this particular DVD, I am really happy with it. After a long pause of NOT doing DVDs, I am in average shape, and mainly need to shrink a bit and tone up. I find this DVD challenging enough that I feel worked out when I am through, and am sweating lightly while working out, with a light - medium raised heartrate (which is the best zone to be in for burning fat). My muscles feel tired when I am through. HOWEVER (and this is key), I don't feel so exhausted that I don't look forward to doing it again the next day. I also love that this new series seems to focus on a 40-45 minute workout (I have 3 of the new series, including this one). Perfect amount of time. Feels much more do-able. With these new DVD Firm series, it is the first time in a LONG TIME that I have worked out many days CONSECUTIVELY - I am really happy about that. Otherwise I tend to be a sporadic exerciser. So that is probably what I love most about this new series - it is challenging, but I feel that I CAN conquer it, and CAN look forward to doing it again tomorrow.
  
  
  Finally, I love that they incorporate a few oldie-but-goodie moves that I've seen used on some older videos by different instructors, namely, the embarrassingly-slightly-creepy Brad-Somebody from the Look Great Naked series and Tamilee Webb from her individual sets of Great Arms, Great Legs, Great Abs series. Both of these instructors had these really effective sculpting series....only problem is, it wasn't incorporated into an entire workout. They were for 15 minute bouts of sculpting, focusing on one particular area.
  
  Whew. So. Bottom line: thanks, Firm, for keeping it simple, modern, safe, effective, professional!
  
  
  
• Good workout, but face-paced for a beginner
  By AKKTU2VIYU1QL on 2008-01-22
  I am totally new to the workout video scene, and I bought this one because it was a good price and it claimed to do what I was looking to do--tone. I, like the other reviewers, found Allie to be cheerful and peppy, but not to a fault. However, I also found that she moved really quickly from move to move (especially at the beginning, it seems) and I couldn't keep up. She has all these names for her moves, but I had no idea what they meant until she did them. We'd do four reps, and then be on to something else! Also, I wonder if both sides of the body are worked out equally? It seems like she'd do one move on the right side, and then move onto something different without doing the left side.
  
  As I said, I'm a beginner, so maybe I just need to do the video a few more times to get into the rhythm of it. It was definitely a good workout, though--my legs a still shaking!
  
  
• Disappointing, like other new Firm DVDs
  By A1TWY8ZEN9WXB on 2008-05-08
  I love the Firm and particularly Allie, but I'm very disappointed with this and the other new Firm DVDs. Some of the four-limb segments are good, but I find the aerobics segments unnecessarily complicated and they don't even raise my heart rate. With my older Firm DVDs, I always feel like I've had a workout; with these new ones, I don't. Also, these new routines feel harder on my knees (because of twisting more than impact) and back. I have minor back problems, and I find myself modifying the moves in these new DVDs to protect my back from being strained/"put out." And I miss the fannylifter/transfirmer. I don't know if these changes are because Gaiam now owns the Firm, but I really hope they go back to the more intense, more straight forward routines. I would return this one and get my money back if I could. Sorry Allie!
  
  
• LOVED IT!
  By A1XDGVLP4R4VAQ on 2008-01-27
  This workout is not very long, but it is the only one that consistently makes my [...] sore the next day. And even though it is billed as sculpting, my heart rate is still pretty high throughout-and I am not a beginner. Great workout, interesting moves, okay music, and of course Allie. She is a great instructor, good cueing and very knowledgeable. You can't beat this!
  
  
• OK for light days
  By A22WB594UPJSQ5 on 2008-03-05
  As far as FIRM workouts go this is a pretty good one. I use it on days I don't feel like doing a serious workout but want to do some kind of workout to get my blood circulating a bit. As with most FIRM workouts, there isn't enough of any one thing to really make a difference(make muscles, etc.) but, like I said, it has just enough "fun factor" to not let it gather dust on "light days" and it's hard not to like Allie even though all Firm workouts are scripted.
  
  
• Excellent DVD For New & Experienced!
  By A1U6E8IJEATCYM on 2008-03-09
  A really great workout, great instruction, nothing annoying. Great for beginners in my opinion be cause the moves are easy to follow and you don't have to use weights and also great for more experienced people because increasing the weight makes it much more intense. All around dependable workout!
  
  
• A good workout
  By A1HM9YKBZF17N on 2008-04-02
  I enjoy Allie as an instructor. She is easy to follow and very motivating. This particular workout is good for toning but I don't feel that I work out quite as much as with some of the other Firm workouts. I rotate between several Firm workouts so when I do the Total Body Toner, I wind up doing a second workout that day.
  
  
• Fantastic Workout !!!
  By ALQGQSFW9EF6H on 2008-05-15
  As a FIRM fanatic for the last 3 years, I had to take a moment to share my opinion on this DVD.
  
  Allie, in my humble opinion, is the very best of the FIRM instructors at preparing the user to smoothly run through the workout without a level of sheer frustration. She gives you proper form, breathing recommendations, and a smooth transition throughout this workout.
  
  You never stop moving from one set of weights (if not a beginning) to another to work different muscle groups. I have only used this DVD once, so far, but I already know that it will become a well used workout.
  
  Well worth the money and time!!!!
  
  
• Allie always comes thru!
  By A1M1VV6FWF6COV on 2008-06-05
  I have a ton of FIRM DVD's as they are my favorite series of all. I've tried just about every other series, and I keep coming back to The FIRM. Of the FIRM DVD's in my collection, the ones with Allie are my favorite overall, and this one is my very favorite.
  
  I am a daily exerciser, so I am always looking to challenge myself more and more, and this is probably the most difficult DVD in my collection. I would only recommend it if you are looking for a serious, hard workout. This one is definitely not an easy one. I am waiting for Allie to come out with a follow-up, more challenging routine as the really challenging DVDs seem hard to come by.
  
  
• One of the best Firm dvds
  By A2MW4K4T7P35D1 on 2008-07-12
  I LOVE this workout dvd. Allie is my favorite Firm instructor to begin with, and she is great on this one. Her cueing is excellent, great use of weights (which I love) and a fun overall workout. No use of the Fanny Lifter here, or any of its permutations, but still an excellent all around workout.
  
  
• GOOD WORKOUT
  By AU1YORMMYVODQ on 2008-09-30
  This is a good overall workout, not too long, not too short. The warm up section is a little complicated for someone like me who lacks any coordination, but the workout itself is pretty good. I really did feel like I was getting a total body workout. Maybe a little boring, but overall pretty good.
  
  
• Great for small room
  By A1LL60U12Z8YMC on 2008-10-19
  I needed a change from my regular routine. This video is easy to follow, great for people who don't have a large room to move around. I didn't know this when I bought it but it uses 3 different size weights. It doesn't say which size but I think it is 3,5,10. Time goes fast when doing this video.
  
  
• Great all over toning
  By A1EPSD6D0WNR7S on 2008-10-27
  This video is 40 minutes of all over toning. You are moving most of the time and you really break a sweat. The exercises themselves are not too difficult, and the instructor is easy to understand, but it is not an easy workout. I exercise everyday and I was sore for 2 days after my first time doing this work out, at least on my bottom half. I have done it 10 times and have seen a difference in my shape, mostly my midsection and my arms are more defined. It's for me a long weight training tape, I usually do 15 or 20 minutes of weights, but it has been worth it. I think most people would enjoy this tape, I would recommmend that less experienced people do the first work out without weights, and then see how they feel the next day. You still do a lot of lunges, squats etc.
  
  
• Nisi J (New York)
  By A3IU9H9MYUYCNM on 2008-01-18
  Along with the other highly positive reviews, this is a truly excellent workout. I do look forward to it and there are lots of creative moves I've never seen and Allie is just an excellent instructor who is genuinely motivating and generous and lots of fun. I'm a Firm workout user and have them all, but several of hers have become my top favorites, and this one is currently at the top of the stack. Great work!
  
  
• The Firm - Total Body Toner
  By A3ALSDL70FW9PB on 2008-02-09
  Allie at her best! Results in less than 10 workouts. Great when paired with the Cardio Inferno for alternating days. You won't get bored with this one.
  
  
• a great workout
  By AJDM8X8T4496P on 2008-02-10
  If you are looking for a challenging yet doable weight video, this will meet your needs; although not enough cardio to be considered total body toner.
  
  
• Doreen's Review
  By A3L3PAUPT1KEL3 on 2008-02-10
  I am a huge fan of The Firm and recommend their product to everyone. It is a fabulous workout regimen where results are seen within 10 workouts.
  
  
• Amazing workout
  By A28FMWQ8OG4AX2 on 2008-02-26
  Really enjoyed this workout. No cardio but if you are looking for a firm workout which focuses on toning, this is IT!!
  
  
• Sore... in a good way!:)
  By A1FA9WA920238F on 2008-03-12
  This is a great workout, what isn't to like? The warmup is thorough and interesting (the push up variation isn't one I've seen before) and the variety of moves and different weights is fabulous. I like that they use their own weights and not the cardio weights. While there really isn't any cardio, it definately gets your heart rate up with the changes in moves and resistance. I really enjoyed the ab portion in this workout, more so that the ones in the other Firm dvd's I have- I liked the weighted bridges and the variations on working the obliques. The modifications are good if you don't like bouncing around or going deep into lunges/squats. Allie is an awesome instructor- she's informational and motivating without being annoying and her cuing is impeccable. Definately worth the $$ and worth including in a rotation.
  
  
• Big disappointment
  By A3SPKVBQT94V4 on 2008-03-17
  I'm really disappointed with this video. I thik Allie's queuing is much better than some of the new Firm instructors but the video was still a bit tough to follow, mostly due to the really poor camera work. Most of the time the shots were very tightly zoomed when I really wanted a whole body shot so I could actually see how to do the moves. This seems to be a problem for all the new Firm videos. I won't be buying another one. As for the music, I'm not sure who it was trying to appeal to; it goes from rock to electronica, to disco and isn't right at all for the pacing. The only good part about it is that the music is so soft you can tune it out.
  
  
• love it
  By A3L8HBEHO5SBXU on 2008-03-28
  i love workingout with allie del rio,and this dvd is not an exception. i'm looking forward to buy more dvd's like this, with allie as the instructor. you can feel the energy and the sweat of a good workout. try it you won't be sorry.
  
  
• *Great toning workout*
  By A2TVRGGKX6WJT2 on 2008-04-03
  I like this new firm toning workout. It is great to pair or alternate with another cardio based workout. I like Alli as a firm instructor and she is great at cuing in this workout. I love doing cardio but know the importance of strength training, so this is a great addition to my other firm workouts. This is a definite keeper in my rotation of new firms and the transfirmer series workouts. I think this one is worth a try if you are looking for a good total body strength training workout.
  
  

• The Firm: Total Body Time-Crunch
• The Firm - Cardio Sculpt Fusion
• The Firm - Tight Buns & Killer Legs
• The Firm: Burn and Shape
• The Firm Bootcamp - Maximum Calorie Burn