The Firm: Crosstrainers - The Tortoise

Susan Harris, Tracie Long
Year Released: 1995

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights)


The first few times I tried this tape I was completely lost throughout the various ballroom step routines. After a while, however, I started to feel more graceful and really enjoy these moves. I don't know why so many women complain about the ballroom step aerobics. I think it adds some extra intensity to this already intense workout. The only thing I might have wanted to add would've been posterior deltoid work, although these muscles are indirectly worked while doing lat rows. The Tortoise is now and will probably always be one of the most challenging and effective tapes The Firm will have to offer.

Instructor Comments:
Tracie is an excellent instructor. She comes off as likeable, her cues are very clear and she definately doesn't have what I would consider a "bimbo" image. The only problem is on two different exercises, right arm lat row and the first set of left leg press, she gives you two extra repetitions. I'm glad I caught that or I might be lopsided today. Susan Harris doesn't get any credit for this tape even though she leads the opening and closing stretches and a "charleston" step routine. I thought she was much more human on this tape as opposed to her debut video (Body Sculpting Basics). Her step routine is fun as well.

Lena Yester

03/03/1999