This workout has already been thoroughly broken down by others, so I am just going to add my opinions. This is one of the three Tri-Trainer videos issued in 1998 by the Firm. I never really understood how Maximum Body Shaping qualified as a “tri-trainer” video with only Tracie Long instructing, but she’s amazing and no complaints here! All three Tri-Trainer videos have wonderful music and newer, updated, creative moves (or creative twists to traditional moves) and this is no exception. Except for two short tall box climb segments and a calmer, slower moving floor aerobic set (albeit it does include some plyos) the majority of the video is exclusively toning so this is a strictly strength video, not AWT, in my opinion.

This is an awesome video. In my head I categorize it as a little easier than other Firm tapes, because it is comparatively short (45 minutes) and the sets are shorter with not as many reps. However because there are no cardio “breaks” from the strengthening, it still feels very intense to me and I break an excellent sweat with the great variety of moves. There is one leg press segment, but there are pauses after every 3 reps so it is easier to accomplish; there are also squats, lunges, dips, and a dip/kick combo which is especially fun, and various arm work that hits all the major muscles equally. The floor section includes table work over the tall box (alternate legs back and forth so the muscles do not fatigue nearly as quickly) and a short-ish (but fun!) ab segment with super music. There is also some additional ab work on the floor. I especially enjoyed a waist twisting segment (sitting on the tall box) that before this video has never been seen in another Firm video.

The music is amazing even in comparison to other Firm videos (of which I think music is one of their greatest unique assets as a series) and Tracie Long is an extraordinary instructor. All Firm instructors are good, but she is the Master master instructor. I really appreciated her not just verbalizing but actually demonstrating “don’t do this” poor form on certain moves. Her form and cuing are excellent as usual with all of her workouts.

Highly recommended, especially for Firm fans but also for others looking for a fun and highly effective total body toning video. I know a lot of people don’t like the mansion set (I do) but this feels more updated and fresh because of their more modern outfits and creative exercises. As usual, high production quality and music synchronization are apparent in this workout. Grade A+!

Instructor Comments:
Tracie Long is perhaps the most talented of all Firm instructors (which in itself is a super collection of instructors). She is direct and has a clear voice and gives great form pointers, and is encouraging and inspirational all wrapped into one package! Her success with the Firm helped her to eventually produce her own videos and she continues to be an inspiration.

Emily B.