The Firm: Crosstrainers - The Tortoise

Susan Harris, Tracie Long
Year Released: 1995

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights)


I just did Tortoise this morning after not having done it for awhile, and it is really a great workout! I enjoy circuit-style workouts, and this one fits the bill. I also like the ballroom aerobics for a nice change of pace. I do find, however, that the aerobic sections are not very intense. I have to use an 8" step in order to stay in my training zone (I usually use an 8" step for other videos and the 10" step for Firm short box work). The aerobics are slow enough that an 8" step is not too high if that is what you are used to using. The strength work is great! I really feel as if I am able to go heavy for me due to the slow nature of the workout. I liked having the abs first for a change, but I'm really not crazy about splitting up the abwork. For me it's more effective to do it all at once to really fatigue the muscles. All in all, this is one of my favorite Firms, and I have most of them.

Instructor Comments:
Tracie is a no-nonsense instructor. Her instruction and form pointers are adequate, and definitely more thorough than the earlier Firms. Her cueing and form instruction isn't as good as it is in her Tri-Trainer, Maximum Body Sculpting. Susan Harris leads the Charleston segment and some of the stretching. It was nice to see her featured in a video again, but this is Tracie's video.

Kristin Aziz

03/15/1999