This one is the newest addition to my video library, and I couldn't wait to sing its praises. If your lower half is the spot most in need of reshaping (always has been for me!), Tough Tape could be your solution, with set after set of leg presses, lunges, dips and squats. Even FIRM diehards will be pushed to the limit. It's actually a great workout for the entire body, except for the abs--the FIRM has chosen to leave them out. While I wish they hadn't made this decision, my abs are my best feature and my lower body my worst, so I won't complain too loudly.

Most of this compilation, with the exception of the warm up, cool down, and some of the leg presses, comes from Tortoise, so Tortoise owners will find it redundant. I borrowed Tortoise from a friend last year and loved the strength work, but hated the ballroom aerobics. Fortunately, Tough Tape includes everything I liked about Tortoise (except the ab section) and none of the silly aerobics.

Tracie Long's instruction is superb--she explains and demonstrates modifications for beginners and for advanced exercisers, and her form pointers rival Karen Voight's. The camera focuses in on the legs on the more difficult moves so that there can be no doubt about proper form.

WWWendy