The Firm: Core Cardio

Tamela Hastie, Carissa Foster, Dale Brabham
Year Released: 1999

Categories: Floor Aerobics/Hi-Lo/Dance


While I will probably keep this video in my Firm collection, and give it a few more tries (mostly because I want to feel that I wasn't a sucker for paying $79.95 for three tapes), I've got to say it's not one of my favorites. When I pay "extra" (more than the standard $19.95) for a video, I expect it to be something special. This video isn't even a complete workout: too-short a warm-up, ineffective ab work (during which the instructor says that an obvious "abs" exercise is for the spinal erectors!), a complete lack of cooldown before going supine on the floor (unless one is supposed to be in such great shape that doing power jumps--plyo moves--while holding weights is considered a "cooldown" move!), and a rushed final stretch where positions are held only 5 seconds! Well, perhaps the "extra" is included in the excessive high impact moves (I agree with Anne P's assessment of the impact), some of which are done WHILE HOLDING WEIGHTS (be still my aching joints!).

To me, this tape represents a step back in Firm progress. I've always thought the aerobics moves in the "Classic" firms were hokey, but they seemed to be getting better and better with each tape, starting with the non-ballroom moves in "Tortoise"and "Hare". I hoped that Cardio I and II would follow the same line as "Tough CARDIO Mix", a tape which proved to me that the Firm CAN do cardio that is interesting and intense, but lower impact. Unfortunately, while they've upped the impact (and risk to joints), they haven't done the same for my interest. Running in place while doing bicep curls, hopping for 4 counts on one leg (let's put as much stress on those knees as we can!), with some "bunny hops" and "tri-stars" thrown in, is not my idea of "innovative" aerobics. Add this tape to my list of reasons why I would never refer to myself as a "Firm believer", but rather as a "Firm sceptic"(but I WANT to believe!).

Kathryn

04/05/1999