Video Fitness

The Firm: Cardio Overdrive

Allison Davis

I just bought the newest Firm DVDs 2 months and LOVE them. The best part-NO equipment needed except the new cardio hand weights. Which are easy, and very nice grip when you hold them.

The workout is hi/lo cardio with some light toning, but your heart is never stopping. Like other Firm cardio workouts, this one keeps you motivated and interested! The whole running time is 52 min. The workout it self is 39.

What I love about the warm=up is it isnt too long-then you go straight into the workout! The first segment is a fun move doing a "cone touch", which is just stepping to the side, while bringing the leg back. Some knee lifts, and tri-stars. I LOVE the part where you do calve pumps and the "pony" at the same time-great move!

The next segment, there is this great new move called the "back and butt burner", where you start out like you are doing a dead lift, then lifting one arm at a time to do a row, then walking at the same time-you can really feel it-and the music is GREAT in this one!! She also does a new move called the "step n scoop" where you do a reversed lunge-while lifting one arm up at a time doing a "front rasie" (used to tone your front shoulders). There is also some good heart pumping fun jacks with lots of other fun moves-NOT your typical Firm workout like before-and no stepper needed!! And the best part is-the music has REALLY improved! You only need 3 pound weights with this one-although I used 5 my second time. I wouldnt recomend going higher since it is a cardio workout. It's under an hour, but long enough to where you feel its a good cardio workout that is longer than 30 min at least. And the time just flies by! There is NO boring repetitions like some of the other Firm cardio workouts. It isnt an advanced workout, but inbetween inter/advanced.

Try this video-well worth it! Grade A+

Instructor comments: Her cueing is VERY excellent in this newer Firm. As tiring as the workout is in some segments, she says things just at the right time. I'd give her an A!!

Christy

9-13-2007

I really, really loved this workout. Great music, great set, great instructor. I apologize in advance for not offering a break down of each section and some of the exercises, but I was having so much fun I didn't have time to even think about stuff like that. :D

This workout made me forget all about the older FIRM cardio (Tough Aerobic Mix et al) that were basically chopped segments from Total Body workouts. And my knees love the break from the TransFIRMer and Fanny Lifter.

I also loved the music. The segment for the 3rd cardio section had the percussion line from Salt N'Pepa's "Push It" and even though I was wanting to modify after the first two sections, I got a new burst of energy, which came in handy for the 4 limb section with the cardio weights. The new 4 limb moves, including the back and butt burner, are a welcome addition to years of overhead presses and delt raises with side touches.

There are also some great functional fitness moves for the core using the weights in that section as well.

I also saw, for the first time, a nice sweaty glow on some of the background exercisers. I read a few reviews that said this workout was too easy, but I disagree. Like most FIRM workouts, you can always heavy up on the 4 limb for more of a challenge, but I did just fine with the 3 lb. light weights.

A+.

Instructor comments: Allison is my favorite of the new FIRM instructors. Her cuing is great and I never missed a step.

theurbanhippie

9/4/08



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