The Firm: Calorie Killer

Nancy Tucker
Year Released: 2003

Categories: Step Aerobics


I have, and like, the cardio workouts from the Firm 6-pack. In fact, I like the two that Nancy leads better than the one that Lisa Kay leads. However, I received Calorie Killer in a trade, tried it once, and traded it away despite the fact that it’s led by Nancy.

I’ve been an “advanced” exerciser (doing high-impact, high intensity workouts) for several years, but recent problems with my joints have led me to seek different types of workouts than usual. I still want something that gets my heart rate up and includes some complex choreography, but I have to keep my moves relatively low-impact.

This workout uses both the Firm Fanny Lifter and the sculpting stick. I used my high step and 5 lb. dumbbells. The workout starts off with a warm-up that includes some kickbox-type punches. Nancy has horrible form on these, which made me cringe. But I ignored it and kept going. The rest of the workout felt really choppy. It intermixes floor and step aerobics. There are some plyometric jumps and other moves that can be done high-impact. One participant shows low-impact modifications.

The aerobics were relatively simple and easy to follow. They reminded me a lot of some of the choreography in the old Firm Cardio Split video. Floor moves are dancier and include grapevines, shuffles, jumping jacks, and mambos. Step moves are more athletic and include step-ups, repeaters, and tapping on and off the box.

The workout just never seemed to flow, which is the case with many of the newer Firm workouts, in my opinion. It wasn’t fun for me, and didn’t give me a particularly good workout. I can’t do plyos, and even if I did, they are only one small part of the workout, and not enough to keep my heart rate up the entire time. The step-ups with arm movements such as bicep curls, delt lifts, etc. made me breathe heavier, but only took up about 5 minutes of the whole workout.

I think this workout would be a good introduction to step. It’s also good if you don’t have or don’t want to use a ton of equipment. However, I would recommend Super Cardio Sculpt or Body Sculpt Blaster over Calorie Killer.

Instructor Comments:
Nancy is a pleasant lead, and while she does occasionally refer to the Fanny Lifter and sculpting stick, it’s not so overdone that you want to scream. Nancy Tucker and the other participants wear orange tops and black pants. I like her manner, and her cuing.

Pratima

08/24/2004