The Firm: Crosstrainers - The Tortoise

Susan Harris, Tracie Long
Year Released: 1995

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights)


I didn't find the ballroom aerobics annoying at all. It's a nice change of pace from the normal aerobics with the classic FIRM strength moves that I love AND that work so well. What I did find annoying was that the cueing was terrible for the aerobic segments. They assume that you are familiar with the steps (I'm sure I will be a few more times around) but the only one I knew was the charleston, because of the common charelston that appears in many gym aerobics classes.

I got a very good aerobic workout using an 8 inch step for the aerobic segments. I wasn't using my heart rate monitor, but I perceived myself to be working in my range. (I usually use one riser shorter - 6" - for all other aerobics - like Cathe)

I likes that there was no floor work for legs, because it's always a pain to put on the ankle weights and then take them off. It never seems to flow when they do that - or give you enough time, so I always have to search for the 'mote to pause it.

Lunges, leg press, dips, squats are ever present here!! Sometimes I wish they'd "invent" or be creative with these moves since they are in every firm tape I own (I only have the newer ones). But since they work I won't complain too loudly!:)

Grade: B (but that's only compared to the other FIRM tapes I own) It's still very good!

Exercises included: trip kickbacks, abs in the beginning and end, french press, 3 sets of leg presses, squats, lunges, dips, pushups, bicep curl (a few sets with barbell and free weights), military presses (these always kill me), single arm lat rows, chest press.

The FIRM should really include lower back strengtheners after doing abs. I should suggest that to them.

Susan Harris's presence was confusing, what was her purpose? But her cueing is good!

Lisa Herzog

04/18/1997