(response to Neefer's review)

I use all of the FIRM workouts, and wanted to add my thoughts to Neefer's review of Volume 3 with Sandahl Bergman (Interval Training).

While it isn't one of my favorite workouts, I always find myself trashed at the end despite the 3 separate aerobic intervals. I do use the heaviest weights I can with good form (about 7-15 lbs. depending on the exercises), and Neefer is right, you really do have to pay extremely close attention to form in this video. Since I've been using exercise videos for years I have perform the moves as close to perfect as possible. If I find myself swinging the weights or arching my back while lifting I'll pyramid to a lighter weight.

I don't find the routine boring or repetitive though, and do find it to be a good total body workout. It works both the upper and lower body with both standing toning/aerobics and floorwork. In some sections though, I feel more reps/sets could be added, but since the FIRM had to make effective use of the time I feel it's more than adequate, especially if you are rotating volumes on a regular basis. In fact, the FIRM's intention when producing the videos were for the tapes to be used in a cross-training fashion, so what might have been missed in one workout was covered in the next. If a person is using them sporadically they might very well feel they are not getting a complete total body workout. In that sense, Neefer made a very good point and I agree with her assessment.

When I compare the choreography of FIRM aerobics to say, that of Cathe Friedrich's step tapes (which I do on my off-FIRM days) there is no comparison whatsoever. The FIRM aerobics are (somewhat) boring. Perhaps the reason it doesn't bother me is because I'm getting the killer aerobics on my off days, and when I'm combining aerobics and weight training as the FIRM tapes do, I don't want a lot of complicated choreography to mess me up and tire me out.

Just thought I'd add a different perspective on this tape for those who might be interested in trying it (or any of the FIRM total body volumes).

Roberta Kagno