Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1766 in VHS
• Released on: 2000-05-16
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Formats: Color, NTSC
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 60 minutes

Amazon.com
Interval workouts incorporate a variety of activities that are powerful and short in duration. These intervals create an anaerobic workout that forces the body to adjust to variations of intensity and motion. Interval training has the real potential to burn fat and build strength. The Firm: Body Sculpting Basics utilizes these same aerobic and anaerobic components to create a 60-minute workout that promotes strength and stamina. Instructor Susan Harris presents simple dance-style aerobic combinations and weightlifting techniques that are sure to make you break a sweat. This video is somewhat dated (lots of '80s-style leg warmers and traditional dance aerobic movements), but the content is so stellar that it would more appropriately be coined as a fitness classic. Pliés, squats, and split-leg lunges work the major muscles of the lower body, while lateral raises, curls, and push-ups concentrate on the upper body. Light weights (5 to 8 pounds) are used throughout this workout, and a set of ankle weights may be helpful if you are looking for a challenge. Cueing comes quickly and Harris does not give much information on form or body alignment. Therefore, beginners should watch the informational portion of this video (the segment immediately before the workout) in order to train as confidently and safely as possible. This is a brilliantly designed program that merges weight training and cardio in an effective and approachable (not to mention quick) package. --Olivia Voigts

Customer Reviews

Not for absolute beginners
I'm in my late twenties, about 10 pounds overweight, but I exercise daily. I bought this video - my first from the FIRM - because I needed a change from my regular workout. In a nutshell, it was HARD. I was so sore afterwards that I couldn't believe I was breezing through my other workout tapes and barely breaking a sweat. This video makes you work, particularly in the legs (squat city). That said, I wouldn't recommend it for people who are overweight, have knee problems, or are just starting to work out. Twenty pounds ago, there was no way I'd be able to do even half of the movements in this video. If you're a beginner who doesn't mind building up to the full number of reps (VERY SLOWLY!), that's fine. But if you want a workout that doesn't discourage you because the movements are too hard, this isn't the video for you.

For intermediate to advanced users, you'll need: 1 wooden board or an acceptable substitute to maintain proper form (about 14 inches long, 3 inches in depth and 1.5 inches high), at least 3 sets of hand weights (ultra light, medium, and heavy), and 1-2 sets of ankle weights (light and medium). The workout is based on "pyramids" - alternating between light, medium, and heavy weights for maximum toning. DON'T be discouraged by this. You can get away with far less equipment and still work, but the results are pretty amazing with the full set of gear. You do not need the step (commonly used in other FIRM videos) for this workout.

Body Sculpting Basics is well worth it for people who are exercising but not seeing results. You'll get them with this tape and then some!

SO worth the effort. Give it 10 tries.
This tape has already been thoroughly reviewed, but I can add a few thoughts. This workout IS incredibly difficult, and I too was ready to quit after my first attempt. But I stuck with it for 10 sessions. That was 1995. I'm now totally sold on The FIRM tapes and rotate through the 10 or 15 that I own.

To those who say they can't do it because of their bad knees, I'll add this: My physician actually recommended easing into lunges and squats to develop the muscles around my knees. I did experience pain when I started doing this workout. However, I fixed that by buying and wearing a pair of ACE neoprene (wet suit-like material) knee braces. They let me get through this incredibly effective workout. Susan Harris never fails to motivate me.

And finally, one FIRM believer said this and it's helped me on those "uuugggggggh-I-don't-want-to-do-this" days: Every workout is like a coat of paint. One coat may not be noticeable, but do one after another, and you eventually see a TOTAL TRANSFORMATION.

I'm now 37 and my "glutes" are higher and firmer than ever before, even at 16. If you want to look BETTER as you get older, want to be proud of your body, and want to be firm and fit, buy these tapes and stick with 'em. You'll be SO proud of yourself!!

Marci

Once you do this workout...you'll never use anything else
I rented this tape in 1996, and I bought it the next weekend. I've used this tape as a regular part of my workouts for 3 years, and I'm finally buying a new one because my original is worn out! I can't say enough good things about it. I've used it consistantly for 3 years, and it's still a challenge. That, in itself, is the beauty of the FIRM tapes. If it starts to get easy for you...just add weight.

A word of caution: This video is MUCH harder than you'll expect it to be. Start slow and don't use weights at all until you've gone through the workout a couple of times. Unless you're in really good physical condition, you probably won't be able to do the whole thing in the beginning. It took me several months before I could make it through the whole tape without skipping a few sections.

There is nothing in this world like a FIRM workout...and this tape is my very favorite. It was produced a long time ago, so the outfits and hairstyles are kinda funny. The music is way dorky, as well. In spite of these faults, the tape is so full of substance, that you'll easily be able to overlook it's corny-ness.

Susan Harris is genuinely an inspirational instructor. Some of her moves are a little unconventional, but they get the job done - and done well. She's energetic, but not annoying or bubbly. She is really wonderful at reminding you to pay attention to form or offering encouragement through the tough spots. And...she's got a killer set of legs and biceps that are just SO motivating. You won't want to stop until your arms look like Susan's!

Obviously...I'm a believer. I would recommend this tape to beginners and advanced alike. Everyone should start somewhere, and the workout provided on this tape will be a challenge for anyone.