The Firm: Lower Body Sculpt I

Lisa Kay
Year Released: 2002

Categories: Lower Body Strength


Firm Lower Body Sculpt is an all-standing lower-body routine using the Firm Fanny Lifter, and it really targets those glute, hip, and leg muscles (if you don't have a FL, a full-size adjustable step could probably be used as a substitute). Firm instructor Lisa Kay does a solid job leading the workout, which comes in right around 30 minutes. In addition to the FL, various sets of dumbbells are used throughout.

The workout begins with a 6-minute warm-up and stretch using the FL at its mid-range height. Exercises in the first segment include plies, leg presses on the full FL, hover squats, and then a second leg press series; calf raises are also included as part of the leg press work. Next comes a short (3 minutes) aerobic section using the low (purple) portion of the FL, which was fun and helped keep the heart rate elevated. Another toning segment follows, this one with dips, lunges, and squats, and then there is another 3-minute aerobic sequence, this time on the floor (includes some small plyometric jumps). Yet another set of leg presses comes next plus more calf work, squats, and finally, dips/curtsy dips. The workout ends with a 3-minute stretch seated on the FL.

Although I haven't always clicked with Firm workouts, I enjoyed this one very much, and I felt that my lower body got an excellent workout. I also think that the routine is quite customizable to meet your needs: the first time through, I was already tired from another workout, so I used a bit lighter weights, but you could easily go quite heavy on your weights as well. Furthermore, I loved that the workout moved quickly, which meant that my heart rate stayed in my target zone for about two-thirds of the workout (eg, over 20 minutes). I would definitely recommend this routine, especially for those like me who do not enjoy floor work and thus prefer standing exercises for their lower body.

Instructor Comments:
I had no problems with Lisa; as is typical with the Firm, she speaks with a southern accent and sounds somewhat scripted, but she cued well and was perfectly pleasant.

Beth C (aka toaster)

04/15/2007