I got this one as a give-away bonus at an
athletic shoe store with a pair of reebok cross trainers.
Surprisingly, I liked it. The set is kind of new-agey,
but not overly obnoxious. It's light and airy and seems
spacious, which is a nice switch from the trend towards
dark, industrial, mega-lit sets thats been becoming more
popular. This vid is particularly useful to beginners in
the world of resistance training. It also makes a great
video to use before someone starts using the FIRM. Why?
Because Kolber instructs and explains modifications so
you know how to do a squat safely, or where to stop your
arms when doing a lateral delt lift to protect your
shoulders. I don't find this video particularly
challenging (I think I was more advanced when I got it)
but if I feel I need more of a body part on any given
day, I'll do a segment from this video because they're
quick and each section (legs, upper body and abs) hits
all the parts you need to get efficiently. My complaints
are the female atheletes. Occassionally, they make an
insightful comment about their training and conditioning
and which muscles/moves have helped but largely they are
"eye candy." Particularly Manon Rheaume. You'd
think a female hockey player would have a lot to say
about the importance of having a strong body, especially
as the only pro female hockey player in any league, but
she seems more concerned about wanting a flat stomach and
dropping dress sizes. At least Nancy Kerrigan talked
about the muscles she uses to gain speed and the moves
that helped her develop flexibility and strength in her
legs. Thankfully, all of the atheletes, as well as
Kolber, illustrate good form. This video also includes
some unique hip rotation moves, a shin strengthener and
back strengtheners, all of which are still seen very
infrequently. In general, a beginner could get a lot out
of this tape, and it definitely prepares you for more
challenging, yet less instructed workouts.
Linda
8/10/97