I'm currently doing a month of Firms, so it's really nice to get some of the Classic Firms back into my rotation. I had forgotten how challenging and effective they are in just one hour! I think that when it comes to the early Firms, you either really enjoy the style or you don't. I'm one who does. They definitely offer a lot of variety in one workout. The title "Aerobic Interval Training" is a bit misleading. This is not true "interval training" like Interval Max or Intense Moves where you bring your heart rate to the anaerobic range and recover. This is a circuit workout alternating aerobic segments with weight work. I really enjoy the variety of this workout; I like how quickly this video changes from exercise to exercise. The aerobic segments aren't that interesting by themselves (and most of the aerobics are quite high impact), but they are short so they are over before you know it. Sandahl does not do many sets for the upper body, but it is a good lower body workout. You can alternate this tape with one that has a lot of upper body work for a balanced workout. Many of the reps go too quickly to use heavier weights (as do the majority of the early Firms). The ab section is TOUGH, especially if you use ankle weights as shown in the video. Sandahl does a lot of stretching throughout the video, and a nice stretch at the end (right before the ab and pec fly segments). Among the few things that I dislike about this video: the silly warmup shimmies, and the dance or whatever it is right at the end. I really don't see the benefit of including these other than the fact that they showcase Sandahl. But it is a beautifully-produced workout that has aged well.

Instructor Comments:
I really enjoy Sandahl's teaching style. However, I think that her style is the type that you either love or hate. She definitely plays it up for the camera (sometimes a little excessively); you can tell that she is a stage dancer/actress. She definitely has the lean body of a dancer. She gives a few form pointers (not too many, but I have a feeling she ad-libbed the Firm script a little). Her form on the exercises is good. I agree with Lena (who reviewed the tape earlier)--she does remind me of Laurie Metcalf (Jackie on the show "Roseanne").

Kristin Aziz