The Firm: Cardio (aka Variety: Strong Heart)

Heidi Tanner
Year Released: 1995

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights)


It took a few tries before this video started growing on me. Mostly, it is very similar to SB, except it focuses on the legs a little more and the arms a little less. The aerobics sections, particularly the one with weights, are pretty fun. I really only have two main complaints: one, I don't really find those standing leg lifts to be effective, especially since I don't have ankle weights, and I always skip that section. Second, this is not my favorite abs segment. Specifically, when she alternates knees I find that way too fast to do comfortably, and I always modify that and a few other parts. I would imagine that anyone who likes SB would like SH, and vice-versa.

Instructor Comments:

I jokingly refer to Heidi as the "granola instructor." With her relatively deep voice and Joni Mitchell-like looks, I could picture her jumping on a mountain bike with a bunch of guy friends after a workout. It's interesting to compare the way she says, "Now that we're warm, let's stretch!" with the way Sandahl Bergman (Vol 3) says, "The muscles are warm and ready to stretch." Heidi is much more casual and non-sexy sounding.

Jennifer M. Blaske

11/30/-0001