The earlier FIRM volumes have more basic, high impact aerobics (Volumes 1,2,3) segments interspersed with the weight training so they tend to leave me feeling rather fatigued at the end. The Variety series leaves me feeling energized and strong, because the weight training uses heavy dumbbells (or a barbell) throughout. I think these workouts are much more well-thought out than the earlier volumes, and the choreography is wonderful.

Strong Heart has 3 aerobic sections; 1 a floor segment using 3 lb. dumbbells and the other 2 step sections with no weights done on an 8-10" box. I just use the back of my Reebok step. They are really fun... lots of hip action and tripple steps combined with knee lifts, squats, v-steps, and the rocking horse, amongst other moves. The warm-up is a blast; it's my favorite of the two tapes. It's a little dancy and I even stole one of the moves to use in my aerobics warm-up. I use dumbbells for the weight sections even though half the class uses a barbell. I find the dumbbells allow a greater range of motion and give me a better workout. Lots of squats, lunges (*killer* lunges), tall box leg presses, dips (like a reverse lunge), and floor work with ankle weights for the legs. You'll need a 2X4 to do tricep dips sitting on the floor with your legs at a 90 degree angle on the tall box. Killer shoulder and bicep work.

The only thing I wish this tape didn't do is go right from say, tall box leg presses to bicep curls because it doesn't give you a chance to pyramid your weights. First time out I put 15 lbs. on each shoulder for the leg presses, then when she said step off your box and curl the biceps, I was in trouble, since 30 lbs. is too much for me. Next time through the tape, I made sure to use 12 lb. weights for the leg presses! I don't recall Strong Body having any sequences like this, although I've only done it once through so far.

I didn't find the ab work very intense in Strong Heart but it's different and still effective. The floor leg work is killer. They also work the lats with rows (one set each side) and the pecs with flies. Oh, and the triceps with french presses as well as the dips described above. Killer push-ups too. The beginning stretch uses the tall box. It's pretty inventive.

Roberta Kagno