FitPrime Weights First

Tracie Long
Year Released: 2002

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights) , Total Body Workouts


I wanted to like this tape. I think it is a mediocre workout because it has too many of some exercises, and too few of others. The attempt at yoga falls flat. The two cardio sections are practically non-existent with a few marches and jumps. There are lots and lots of forward and back lunges, some tall box climbs, some squats and not much for upper body. There is one set of biceps, upright rows, french press, and lat rows. There are 2 sets of triceps pushups, done on the box, and also a set of pushups with one hand on the box and one hand on the ball. There are some good mornings and clean and press. The ab work is short and uses the ball and stick. The rolling like a ball with the stick behind the knees is fun, but not very effective. Lying supine and throwing the ball up was awkward and possibly dangerous (with a weighted ball). One exercise which is done prone with the arms outstretched and lifting the chest while doing a hamstring curl was awkward, and Tracie never explained what the purpose of the exercise was. I appreciate tapes with stretching, but the yoga segments seemed out-of-place and almost funny. The exercises with the ball and stick seemed contrived. It seemed like Anna Benson is just trying to figure out something to make her tape different in some way.

What is good about the tape is the music. The production quality is not the worst and it's not the best. The set is visually interesting with colorful wall-hangings and lamps, and the zebra rug.

I would have liked to have seen a more balanced workout, covering all parts of the body more equally. This tape is not nearly the same quality as some of the better Firm tapes of the past. I would rate it a B.

Instructor Comments:
Tracie has been one of my favorite instructors. She is usually serious, but in this tape, she smiles more. She does the best she can with this workout, sort of like a great movie actress with a mediocre script. She seems to be working pretty hard in this tape, which I've never noticed in the Firm tapes.

Abbe

03/25/2002