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THE FIRM: BODY SCULPTING BASICS

Description: The Firm: Body Sculpting Basics is part of the popular Total Body Series. Master instructor Susan Harris leads this total body, 2-in-1 aerobic weight training workout for simultaneous fat-loss and muscle shaping! Designed for both men and women, The Firm creates a slender, well-toned body.

Reviews (34):

It works EVERYTHING!
Reviewer: Anonymous 04-29-2004
This is a really effective workout. It seems to work EVERYTHING! I gave it only 4 stars because some of the instructor's technique & form are incorrect.

Fantastic Workout
Reviewer: Anonymous 05-20-2004
This tape has really helped my overall figure! It is a fantastic workout. It took me some time to work up to doing the entire tape. So don't get discouraged if this happens to you. Soon, like me, you will be able to do the whole thing.

It's Challenging!
Reviewer: Anonymous 04-12-2004
I have been using this tape since 1996 & still find it challenging! You can always make it even more challenging by upping the weights.

Difficult Workout
Reviewer: Anonymous 05-30-2003
I think this workout is very hard. If you have not been working out for awhile, I would not recommend this. I also did NOT like the music.

Way too fast!
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-12-2000
I found that the instructor was way too fast for me to keep up with her moves. It was very confusing & I was very unsure if I was doing the exercises correctly. There is a real lack of explanation as to how to properly do the exercises.

Needs Longer Stretching Segment
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-08-2000
I really like this tape because it delivers a tough workout. My only criticism is that I didn't feel that my calves and hamstrings were limber and ready to work. It needs more time for stretching.

Difficult but Good
Reviewer: Anonymous 04-05-2000
I was really sore after using this tape. It was much more difficult than I expected, and I am in pretty good shape.

Not For Beginners
Reviewer: Anonymous 02-20-2000
This tape is not a good one for beginners because there is very little instruction, and one could get injured easily. However I like the combination of aerobic & toning exercises. It makes for a good workout.

Quick Results!
Reviewer: Anonymous 01-27-2003
I've really slimmed down since using this tape, although it's definitely not for beginners. After doing this, I feel like I've had a great workout. If you want to lose weight & firm up, I would definitely recommend this tape!

The Best Workout Ever!
Reviewer: Ana FL, USA 06-01-2004
It's about 60 minutes you don't see. The results are clear and I have lot's of fun with it. Suzan Harris is such a good instructor which makes the workout a lot easier. I get to work my whole body. The best pay off is to hear from my husband he happily see the change as my muscles and skin are firmer and my body getting in perfect shape!

Most Challenging Workout Ever
Reviewer: Wendy A. Sharpe Smyrna, Georgia 03-24-2004
I am a Firm believer and I must say that this video is the best Firm video ever. It is challenging. Even though it is quite dated (80's workout attire) the routine is classic. The inner thigh work is the best. I look forward to doing this video every time.

Susan Harris is the best!
Reviewer: Janice Manuel Pittsburgh, PA United States 02-07-2004
This video has me spoiled, I am constantly searching for workout tapes on par with this one. The 80's look doesn't bother me at all. This workout is the only one that has actually slimmed my legs in a few months -- and I was only doing it 3-4 times per week. The music may be hokey to some, but I think it creates a rhythm that makes the moves easy to follow. It is also very relaxing.
This is an intense workout, but in some ways it's so easy to follow that I actually find myself enjoying it. The first 2-3 times I tried it, I found myself overwhelmed, but I quickly became able to do it. The only parts I skip are the jumping jacks, as they are too hard on my knees. I also modify my lunges so that they aren't so deep, again because I want to protect my knees.

I can't say enough about this tape and I think Susan Harris is an excellent instructor. I have tried some of the more recent firm tapes. They were all compilations of various instructors and I found them choppy and nerve-wracking. This tape has a definite flow to it. The camera work is pretty good, too. I have tried tapes where the camera man would just focus on the instructor's face when she begins a new routine, so you can't even see watch she is doing. This tape is easy to follow.

Tough workout, but good video
Reviewer: Amy Gilbert Warsaw, Indiana 10-21-2003
I have to say this is really a good workout. It's an hour video, and it feels like it goes on longer than that. It had a lot of variety and the host is really motivating which is nice for as tough a workout as this. It does get you toned, but it feels a little boring after the first half hour. It was so tough for me (I'm a beginner) that I was praying for it to end half-way through. So if you want a good workout, this video gets results. But if you want a fun and somewhat easy workout, this is NOT the video for you.

best firm workout of all
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-02-2003
I really prefer the older firm workouts to the new ones- the sets are nicer, the music is better, and you don't have to buy all the Firm product junk the new ones insist on. A stool, a 2X4 board, dumbells, and maybe ankle weights will do ya. This Firm video is volume one, which is surprising, because its the hardest I've ever used. However, you can make it easier by using light or even no weights. Susan Harris is gentle and Southern, and a pleasure to watch. The workout is over an hour long, so don't do the whole thing at once. Break it into half a day. The camera work looks a little randy, like the cameraman was indulging himself with Susan Harris. But the best you can buy.

Turn your body into an incredible muscular sculpture!!
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-01-2003
I would recommend this video to anyone who not only wants to tone their body, but truly sculpt and define their muscles. Before I tried this workout, I had been doing cardio and weights at the gym, but I saw faster results after a few weeks of doing this video than I did after more than a year at the gym. The exercises simply work muscles that those machines at the gym never will. The video's strength is the the butt and thigh region, but also provides a great arm workout, and satisfactory back exercises. However- you may want to turn somewhere else for a more in-depth ab routine, or otherwise do more sets of the ab exercises on the tape.
Overall, this is probably one of the best tapes you could ever buy if you want sexy, sculpted muscles. Spare yourself the grueling gym workouts- they will never compare to this video.

The Best Firm Video !!!
Reviewer: "eatpna" Lansing, MI United States 05-13-2003
I LOVE this video! You don't need to buy any extra equiptment, and you can see and feel it working!! They don't lie when they say guaranteed results within 10 workouts. However, the reason you do get results is because it hurts. This is my favorite Firm video because it doesn't focus a ton on the upper body, like alot of the newer videos, though it does work them some. It's a great combo for lower body and cardio, and the ab workout still kills me. My arms just don't need as much work as everything else. I started this one using cans of vegetables for the cardio, and jugs of water for the weight training, which worked just fine.

One word. AWESOME!
Reviewer: Anonymous 11-21-2002
Definitely not for beginners. Kick [butt] floor work. An all around great choice for anyone looking to get in shape. Fast. I found this video to be a real challange although I owned several Firm tapes before this one.

Fantastic workout
Reviewer: Christine F. Bruno Seattle, WA USA 08-09-2002
This workout is just incredible. If you are OK with being sore, you will do fine. This is one of the only workouts I've ever done that I KNOW is doing something to shape my body. Also, even though I'm never attracted to women, Susan, the instructor, is so sexy she even turns ME on. I'm not sure whether this is a JOKE during the workout or not, but her gorgeous body and sexy voice are an inspiration! I mention this because it might actually get on some people's nerves.
Also, don't let the difficulty of the workout discourage you. I think anyone who starts with this one may have difficulties with heavy weights, but you'll be able to work up to heavier weights once you build your strength. The point is to just keep moving and the maximum resistance you can stand, just be patient and do your best! It's totally awesome and once you can keep up, you will start to feel like a fitness monster.

Well....at least the floorwork was good
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-27-2002
I just started The Firm and have been using the new body sculpting system for almost a month. I picked up this video to accompany it, because it received such rave reviews. The only advice I can give is if you are a new "Firm Believer", don't get this tape. While the copyright says the tape was made in 2001, it is merely a rerelease of the original Firm workout from the 1980s. That being said, there have been a lot of newer innovations in exercise science since this tape was made almost 20 years ago, and many of the standing moves are just not as safe as the moves in the newer Firm tapes. Also, this tape clearly was made before the concept of "slower is better" came about, because there a lot of jerky movements, and does anyone realize that in the cardio segments Susan is telling you to jump around with 5lb weights??? I have to say though that the floor exercises were really great. I just don't know if they were worth the cost of the tape. Do yourself a favor and if you are new to the Firm, buy a tape that really is newer, not just a rerelease of older unsafe moves.

one of the best
Reviewer: Anonymous Norman, OK USA 07-25-2002
I have had this video for 10 plus years and I still "feel the burn" when I complete it. This workout is killer. Susan Harris is in great shape. A little too perfect at times, but she is very motivating. Tjis workout has everything, aerobics and toning exercises that are effective and safe when performed correctly. Don't try to use weights your first time. Take it slowly and you WILL see results.

The Firm Body Sculpting Basics
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-18-2002
I love this video. I have other vidoes but none of them make me work like this one does. If I get away from this video for more than a couple weeks, I'll be sore after words. This is a whole body workout, definately form the intermediate to advanced person. Well worth the money.

Awesome workout! But some cautions..
Reviewer: Janetta McCrery Dallas, TX 07-03-2002
This is the first of the FIRMS - the one that started it all, and I was anxious to try it out to see what started the whole FIRM following.
After having done it several times, I have this to say:
This is a workout for ADVANCED exercisers, or for those who definitely want to be advanced. Even if you thought you were advanced after months of kicking away to advanced taebo, this workout could still kick your butt. The floor work on this tape is some of the hardest out there. For amazing results, this video is one of the best. But what else can you expect from an hour long work-out with weights, cardio and extended floor work. They are not kidding about results in 10 workout hours - you WILL see them. That however does not mean you will lose 50 pounds in ten days - just that you will be on your way to loosing them faster than with just about any other exercising video out there, and you will start getting beautifully toned.

However, before you grab this video at the nearest store there are a couple of things I would want to point out:

1. This work-out was done in the mid 80s. If leotards, make-up and 80s music get in the way of your work-out you will not enjoy this. Also, if you currently do the more recent FIRMS and have not tried one of the original 6, you should know that the earlier videos are quite different from the later ones and you might not necessarily like the setting, music or the way the instructors cue.

2. This, being an earlier work-out does not demonstrate the safest version of moves. As an example you do not squat to pick up or release your weights, and also in some of the lunges people's knees extend over their toes. If you already know about proper form you can do this work-out without following the bad example, but if not you may be better off picking up a tape where proper form is talked about and well demonstrated - some of the later FIRM tapes do a much better job at that.

3. Finally, you need a set of dumbells for this workout (3,5, and 8lbs for women, 5,10,15 for men to start with) and ankle weights that are optional but recommended as you get stronger. As a beginner you should do the tape without weights and rest as needed, not doing the whole work-out your very first time. It will be practically impossible with that intensive leg work anyway.

Keeping all that in mind you will enjoy this video if you want to do something serious for maximum results and have the time, equipment and determination necessary to succeed.

A tough workout.. but great!
Reviewer: "tinkerbell73" NY United States 07-01-2002
I've been doing this workout for about a week but still cannot go through the middle part when they do leg on the floor. While I fast-forward the tape to the next ab part, I just shake my head and think they are monsters.
But it really works your muscles from the start and has great warm-up and cool-down.

The instructor is great. She doesn't give you sweet talks but is very pleasant with rhythmical instructions.

For beginners (like me), I would recommend Fat Burning Workout also from The Firm. I tend to do this one more because I want faster results :)

The Best of The Firm
Reviewer: Suzanne Akron, Ohio United States 06-06-2002
This is the best of the The Firm. It's a complete, tough workout for intermediate and advanced users. Even the cooldown is terrific! The workout is very easy to follow and has no pauses. It really works!

Great Workout
Reviewer: "lrzulma" Toa Alta, PR 06-01-2002
If you're looking to lose weight fast, and tone up your body, look no more. This workout will help you gain muscle and lose fat fast.
Susan Harris is a Great instructor! It never gets boring.

Excellent tape
Reviewer: Anonymous 05-10-2002
This tape is hard ... made me realize very quickly how out of shape I am. I have done it twice, and while I am sore as heck after each workout, I still feel good and energized. Looking forward to being able to do all the moves with weights.

Love it! Love it! Love it!
Reviewer: Jules Memphis, TN 04-11-2002
This is the video that made me a FIRM believer! It is such a good all-around workout. The video guarantees results within 10 workouts, but for me, I could see the difference after three! Susan Harris is a great instructor, not too peppy, but there to keep you going. I cannot say enough good things about this workout. I absolutely am hooked on it and I love it!

very effective
Reviewer: Anonymous 04-11-2002
This workout video is uncomplicated yet very effective as it combines weights with aerobics. All The Firm workout videos are very good.

For fastest results, this video is the best!
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-14-2002
For those of you who are looking to get in shape and lose the weight fast, this is the video to get! I've had it and been doing it on and off for 5 years now, and I have yet to find anything that works faster! I found it very easy to follow ... and let me tell you, after all those squats and lunges, your backside will look better than ever!

FABULOUS
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-04-2002
This workout..it is UNBELIEVABLE! It is tough tough tough, and if by some chance, you outgrow it, you are doing it wrong!
:) That is the beauty about FIRMS, you can adjust weights and work harder and harder!
Susan Harris is wonderful, it is no surprise that many FIRMies want to see her again in Anna Benson's FitPrime videos!
Susan is just a top notch instructor. I simply HATE HATE HATE
instructors that are too peppy or too perfect, but Susan is MOTIVATING.. She is obviously knowledgeable about fitness, and her slender body proves then and now that women especially can be sexy and well toned by weights!

This workout is VERY tough, although it could be modified w/ light weights! Susan starts w/ a warmup then a slow weight warmup, followed by more weight segments for the upper body. There is only one "main" cardio segment (although I guarantee your heart will be racing during this workout!) The cardio has running in place w/ light weights and jacks and it is a fun segment.
BEWARE OF THE FLOOR WORK! if you don't like floorwork, DON'T GET THIS TAPE! The floorwork (as I have heard from others too) contains some of the hardest exercises..by the end, I am so exhausted! The floorwork contains many generic exercises, but the sequencing and the intensity is TOUGH! First, there is table work (down on all fours one leg up working at a time)
which is tough because there are side leg lifts as well as a new move that I haven't really seen where you bend your leg at a 90 degree angle, then turn your leg inward and do tablework..ouch!
Then more leg work later laying on your side lifting your leg w/ a weight on them and "shooting out " your leg at a 30degree angle
OUCH AGAIN, then you lay on your side again and put the back leg behind you and do frontal sweeps w/ your inner thigh/leg..OOH!

I really could go on and on about this workout. it was filmed in the eighties, complete w./ eighties hair/makeup/songs, but the workout is so hard, I would've NEVER thought I would still be doing a sixteen year old workout today, but it never gets any easier

Hope this helps!
:)

The best workout video ever
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-03-2002
This video is great because you can do even just the first 10-15 minutes of it and feel as though you've exercised a good portion of your body without overdoing it, yet building muscles easily. Once you get to know the video, it just feels great to work through the whole thing. You can always make it harder by adding weights, but I've found they aren't necessary at all to make the workout worthwhile.

This is the classic Firm video -- It's Great!
Reviewer: Christie Hansen North Logan, UT United States 02-25-2002
I was first introduced to this video six years ago. At the time it was all I could do to finish the video -- let alone add weights. But just last year when I got serious about getting in shape, I remembered what a great workout this tape is and decided to get a copy for myself.
I've never regretted it.

This video not only is an aerobic work-out, but also helps tone muscles. Upper body and lower body. My husband even does this work-out sometimes and it's challenging for him too.

Don't let the '80s instructor's outfits turn you from trying this tape. It's great!

a mixed review
Reviewer: kimberly carlile belmont, ma USA 02-05-2002
Overall, I'm a dedicated "firmie"--I've done the tapes for years. I came to the Firm, though, with some of the newer productions, in particular Strong Heart and Strong Body. But I read that this was the quintessential Firm video--the one that started it all. I have to say, I was a little disappointed. It's hard to follow, both because the instructor, beautiful as she is, doesn't queue well, and the movements are quite rapid, and change often before you've had a chance to "get into the muscle." I think it will be better once I know the tape better, but I still prefer the concentrated, methodical yet graceful moves of the later tapes I mentioned previously. They use the wonderul "tall" box to work the legs. This tape just does endless, agonizing "donkey kicks."

no nonsense 80's-style workout
Reviewer: "mareyes3" Philippines 11-20-2001
I didn't know that this was shot in the mid-80's to begin with, so I was a bit shocked by the legwarmers, crayon-colored leotards, mullet hairstyles and gold necklaces. Also, the music sounded like a clown circus.
Every set of muscle seemed to be worked individually, repetitively. No entertaining dance moves or fancy footwork. It's discouraging at first not to be able to do a particular set of exercise either because I didn't have enough resistance (the repetitions are really tiring) or the the muscle part involved seemed to have atrophied (I'm a beginner).

But the instructor is very encouraging, and she herself seems to have a difficult time when the set gets challenging. And with repeated use of the VCD, I find that I'm getting more and more fit and toned. This is one workout wherein you'll really see results. I like the way my stomach gets shaped the morning after every exercise.

So if you want hardcore, no nonsense, no frills exercise, try this. You'll be rewarded for your patience.

PS. I haven't tried the multi-weights required, being a beginner.

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