The Firm: Upper Body Split

Tracie Long, Pam Meriwether, Carissa Foster, Taber Bruner
Year Released: 1999

Categories: Upper Body Strength


This is a Firm compilation made up of the three Tri-Trainers videos, the three FIRM Cardio videos (Carissa/Tamela/Dale), and the Prime Power video. Others have already broken down the video in detail so I am only going to add my opinions.

In general I absolutely adore the Firm, especially the classics which by my definition is anything with the mansion set produced before BSS1 / Goodtimes. There are very few videos that I do not like in the entire Firm classic series, and unfortunately this is one of them. I got this video and Lower Body Split at the same time, and this video pales in comparison to LBS, which is an excellent workout (all standing strength/cardio with ab work consolidated together at the END!). My main complaint with this routine is that abs are disbursed throughout: there are so many trips to the floor and back to standing and down to the floor again that it is really annoying. Like another reviewer aptly said, it is long and disjointed. It is not as nicely balanced or as enjoyable as the original Firm Parts Upper Body and there are so many other arm videos to choose from that this one left my collection rather quickly – a rarity for me!

If the constant up and down aspect does not bother you then it might be more enjoyable. However again I think there are many other better arm videos out there, many from the Firm itself. Grade C-.

Instructor Comments:
There is a big collection of Firm master instructors in this video because it is a compilation. However I think all of the instructors are excellent and have good cuing and good form. I particularly like Carissa Foster and as others have said she is an inspiration to follow along with.

Emily B.

09/14/2009