Editorial Review

Health and fitness experts are exhorting us to incorporate weight training into our fitness programs--it's especially important for women for building bone density, but the truth is that working with weights increases your metabolism (are you listening? this means more fat-burning) all day. As with the cardio workout, Smith has designed two 20-minute workouts; on hectic days, doing the first alone is plenty, and on other days doing both programs will combine to help you see fast results. The movements are basic (including the all-important single-arm rows, key to building back muscles and keeping posture correct), and the delivery inviting and completely unintimidating. If you've been thinking of beginning a weight program, this (and a couple of sets of inexpensive hand weights) is really all you need to get started. Smith and crew will leave you pumped. Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (123)

A great, short workout!
I really like the upper body workout.There are options for using heavy or light weights.You definitely get a good toning workout for arms, chest and back.As other reviews indicate, there is not a warm-up, so be ready to warm up before beginning this workout.A thorough, short workout!

Don`t try to use weights Kathy
This was one of the worst tapes I have ever done.This is no quik fix program.I don`t think Kathy Smith is that good of an instructer.She break this workout down into two parts,I on`t like that sort of thing.I did the whole 60 minute tape,I was not pleased.I think she is not clear with her instructing.Back in the day Kathy Smith didn`t even use weights.She is just trying to copy the Firm.I don`t like her old tapes either.I thought this was terrible and I would not do it again.

Re-packaging the same old product
I liked this workout the first time I bought it as her fatburning workout.The second time I bought it re-packaged I thought it was a fluke. This time I bought this since it sounded more like weight training and less like circuit training, so it must be different.Nope.I have 5 Kathy Smith videos, all three with different titles and covers only three different contents. I feel this is highly unethical and contacted her company.One month later and I have yet to receive a response. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Weight training is quickly becoming the workout of choice for men andwomen alike. These regimens incorporate resistance exercises that can increase bone density and metabolism while creating more lean muscle. Tracy York's Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC
• Instructor Tracy York
• Offers step-by-step instruction of 12 key strength-training exercises and makes it easy to work out at any level
• Incorporates both upper and lower-body exercises to help tone muscles and burn more calories per day for fat loss

Reviews (23)

You Won't Feel Like a Dummy -- You Will Get Into Shape
Although I generally don't like thinking of myself as a "dummy," I take good information from wherever I can get it. This regimen depicts step-by-step instructions for 12 weight training exercises. The instructor, Tracy York, is no dummy, and makes the work out easy to understand, without talking down. The video incorporates both upper and lower body exercises to help tone muscles and burn more calories per day - which can lead to weight loss. Don't be surprised if you gain weight. Fat weighs less than muscle, and you will be adding muscle.
Weight Training for Gentle Rehabilitation
Having waited several years for permission from my doctor to work my upper body, this DVD was an excellent beginning.I was a strong walker, but the lower body exercises (without dumbbells as your own weight is enough to start with) gave me a pleasant burn.I was very pleased with the slow pace of the video, and the perfect form of the instructor.I began with 1-pound weights to get my muscles used to the movement, then cautiously increased to 2-pound weights.I could feel the weight yet be comfortable that I was safely building a foundation.
Good for a dummy/beginner
This tape is excellent for dummies. I bought it on the amazon website. I never did anykind of excercise before. So, this tape is a good start for me. But, I intend to try out more tapes for intermediate workouts. But, I'm glad i started out with this tape. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (44)

normally I love Kathy's workouts BUT NOT THIS ONE!
I usually really love Kathy's great instruction/cueing and strict attention to form and own many of her workouts but I am not keen on this one.
The Perfect Toning Workout
I have numerous yoga and weight lifting/toning dvds and this is my all time favorite! I love Kathy's positive attitude without being syrupy! This really targets areas that need work and does it in a short time frame. I highly recommend this workout!

Keep the workout, cut the chatter!
I enjoyed the workout, but was really turned off by Kathy's excessive giggling and hopping around from person to person.She seemed easily distracted and was so offbeat at times.I enjoyed the format of separating upper and lower body, and then abs.I just prefer less chatter when I workout, which is why I choose to work out at home instead of a gym! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Strength, endurance, and good form come together in the Firm's Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (39)

If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would
This is, by far, the best "beginners" video I have ever done. I am a HUGE fan of the FIRM workouts; their approach is based on science, they have a diverse selection (I own over 30 FIRM videos and DVDs), their instructors know what they're doing, and most of all, THEY WORK. These workouts, combined with the sensible FIRM eating plan (it is NOT a diet, but a practical plan based on the food pyramid) helped me quit smoking without gaining a pound...in fact, I lost weight and was in the best shape of my life. Now that I'm planning to quit again, these videos are the first things I'm pulling out of my "toolbox." Tracy Long is one of the best instructors the FIRM had; she gives excellent demonstration and information regarding form and "how to's," and I find her quiet style preferable to hyper cheerleader types. She remains a great inspiration for me.

this is an excellent workout
it was my first firm workout, and has been my springboard and the one i come back to since i bought it in 1997. Tracie Long is such an excellent enthusiastic instructor, and she was so gracious to me as i was babbling that to her on the FitPrime website that i still cant help talking her up.good luck to her and the Fitprime series as i read on this site sounds like another wonderful workout that i do intend to add to my collection at some point. the other Firm videos, The Tortoise and the Hare and All weights workouts are excellent.

Too much lecturing
The workout is great, but you have to listen or fast-forward to it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

Features

• Color
• Digital Sound
• Full Screen
• NTSC

Reviews (3)

Nice easy exercises for seniors like me!
I am over 70 and I am greatly benefiting from the gentle easy exercises on this Video. The exercises are done at a nice slow pace that I can follow, She first demonstrates how to do the exercise, and then dose it together making it easy for me to see and do.
Excellent Easy Gentle Exercises Video
I am greatly benefiting from this easy and gentle yet effective exercise video.
Simple Easy Sitting Isometric Exercises.
This is a GreatExercise Video For Seniors &Elderly.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness    2. Special Interests   

Editorial Review

This 52-minute video from 1992 combines low-impact and step aerobics with strength training. You keep the heart rate elevated for fat burning and cardiovascular conditioning while working the muscles. Jayne Poteet leads a class of fit exercisers of varying ages through a workout that's as tough as you want to make it, depending on how heavy your weights and how high your step. The aerobic moves are basic--no patterns, no complicated footwork--so beginners can manage the workout. The strength moves are sometimes combined with aerobic moves and sometimes isolated, and they are done slowly for safety and effectiveness. This is a well-designed workout except that the largest upper-body muscles (chest and midback) are left for the end (they're most efficiently worked early in a workout) and the shoulder presses start behind the neck (they're safer starting in front of the shoulders). Poteet includes both upper- and lower-body strength moves, but emphasizes the lower body. You'll need a barbell, dumbbells, a tall (14-inch) step, and a medium step. Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (25)

Works great, just right
PROs
A Firm Believer since Volume 1
This is volume 6
excellent firm workout
i love the ab routine. this workout is the core of my collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Arnold Schwarzenegger works the crowds, plots strategies for defeating multiple opponents, shares his parents' values with the press, and inspires legions of admirers with his resolute optimism about the future. And all of this long Read more

Features

• Color
• Original recording reissued
• NTSC

Reviews (142)

The "Reel" Arnold
Bodybuilding used to be a beautiful sport. There were a few guys that maybe weighed close to 250lbs but they still had lines, proportions, and symmetry. Nowadays the sport is filled with guys who weigh 300+ and they're only 5'11". In a word, they look absolutely ridiculous. Now I wouldn't go down to Venice Beach and tell them that unless I really wanted to know what my butt smelled like, but there really is no sense of style about the sport anymore. In fact, I think the last time bodybuilding was a thing of real beauty and art was probably in 1983. I think as soon as Frank Zane walked off the stage for the last time, bodybuilding just became a freak show.
It is worth the 10 bucks,
I saw this when it first came out in video.It is pretty cool seeing again after many years.It is worth the money.Also, if you can find an old copy of his "Education of a Bodybuilder" that is an interesting read as well.

Arnoln in his hay days
This video was pretty cool to watch Arnold and alot of other bodybuilding superstars in their hay days. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Sports   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Low key, but excellent information
Don't let the low key delivery put you off.Read more

Features

• Color
• Digital Sound
• Full Screen
• NTSC

Reviews (7)

Good circuit weight training !
I got the combination of the Fun Circuit training exercisesand the Funcercise workout with resistance bands and in the beginning of march this year after giving birth, and I am very happy that I got this combination, I use them to alternate my workout routine and I dont get bored.
Great circuit weight training workout !
I have the dvd and wanted to share this with you all.
Great video for training with weights at home
I was looking for a video to use at home to train with light weights. This video is simple to follow and works all the major body parts in sequence to give a full body workout in about 30 minutes. I like the fact that you can alter the intensity of the workout by using lighter or heavier dumbbells (3-5# for beginners)and by doing 1, 2, or 3 sets of each exercise. Usually, sets 1 and 2 are the same exercise and the third set is a slightly different exercise working the same body part. I did the first run through of the video without any weights, just to get familiar with the exercises and to warm up my muscles.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness    2. Special Interests   

Editorial Review

Need to get those muscles moving, but only have half an hour to do it? Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (18)

Total body workout in 30 minutes...
Debbee Sharpe leads you through this half hour routine which is not a bad one for those with limited time.There is a variety of exercises which hit all the muscle groups in a short time, some of these being compound movements which work the upper and lower body at the same time while providing a little extra challenge.You will need one set of dumbells ranging from 2-10 pounds.Debbee and her crew appear to be using anywhere from 2-5 pound weights, one of them being a man who is pointed out to be using slight heavier weights.
Debbie Sharpe Is Awesome
I Love her energy! She has great cues and gives great instruction. The only problems I had with the video were that sometimes she seemed to lose count of the reps she was doing and you wind up doing maybe one or two more on one side, big deal~ You will need 2 to 10 pound weights for some of the workout. I consider this a difficult workout. I sweat through it and my muscles hurt afterwards. That's awesome. The group she has are all different sizes. It's not just a bunch of skinny blonds, which is nice. She is very motivating to lose the weight you want. She's a baby boomer and looks fabulous! I wish they made this on DVD, that's such a shame. To me it's the best Crunch workout available. It's not a bunch of crazy dance moves that are hard to memorize, it's just plain ol' get in shape movements! Keep moving and stay motivated!
Great Video for Only 30 Minutes
I bought this video a while ago and I must say that for a 30 min segment it covers your major areas pretty well.I build and lose muscle quickly so after just one work out I see results, and can definitely feel it working.There is a slight lag time but I use that time to take some sips of water or switch my weights or grab my exercise mat for the floor exercises.My heart rate gets up, I can feel my muscles working, and the ab segment is definitely challenging. All in all, I would rate this video as great for the time that you spend using it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (14)

Historic documentary for women's body building enthusiasts
In any athletic field, the most watched female athletes are those who have a distinct physical presence.Just being good at your sport may allow you to win medals but you won't get much popular or media attention.This historic documentary highlights why this became a huge issue back in the 1980s when women's bodybuilding just started to take off.Rachel McLish was considered the favourite for the Caesars Palace World Cup Championship.She was very toned, lightly muscled and considered very attractive by most people.Bev Francis was an Australian powerlifting champion who shocked people wherever she went because she was so muscular.Everybody agreed that she had bigger muscles than anybody else but where there was disagreement was whether it was "aesthetic" for a women to be that heavily muscled.Bev comes across as very honest, dedicated, outspoken and caring, something you would expect when you see her.Lori Bowen was a Rachel McLish fan, so much so that she actually looked a lot like her.She and her boyfriend (who is a go-go dancer) dream that she will win big.She is from an economically depressed background and you get the feeling she has struggled for whatevr she got. Carla Dunlap is very well muscled, although not as big as Bev.She comes across as a very intelligent, outspoken woman, the type you would see in a unversity classroom arguing with her professor about an issue in metaphysics.I won't tell you who wins because that would spoil the movie but let me tell you why I gave it 3 stars.It explores the issue of sexualizing women in the sport of bodybuilding and at the same time tries to educate the viewer about the sport.Although it does fairly well at both tasks, the two different lens that are applied tend to make the final product less effective.Is it about women and their objectification in bodybuilding - something that continues today ?Or is it just a story of the competitors ?Or does it try to educate viewers about bodybuilding as a sport for women.In the end although you would have learned a little about each part, you are not quite sure.
song track?
Does anyone know the name of a certain track in the movie near the beginning when Rachel Mcclish is seen posing in a studio under the guidance of Joe Weider. She is wearing colored feathers and posing with 2 dumbells in her hand. The song that is playing I would like to know the tiltle of.
Truely inspirational!
I was so enraged at the sexism displayed by the judges and some of the other girls in this film I immediatley afterward went to the gym and hit the weights extra heavy with extra reps. Watch how Bev Francis was shafted and changed the face of womens bodybuilding forever. The feminine debate goes on... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (57)

Tough; just wish it were longer
This video is led by Violet Zaki, and falls just shy of 29 mins (Warm up and cardio sculpt segments combined). Then, there is a cool down of about 5 minutes, which I usually omit, since I cool down on my own.
OK
Good workout for its kind.Not as good as Crunch Boot Camp, but I felt the burn from time to time.LOL!The buns workout at the end is good too.My main complaint were the weird balance moves that I found hard to do and not very effective.

good workout, bad music
A nice little 30-minute workout with interesting moves but marred by some of the most annoying music this side of Kenny G. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Features

• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Exercise   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (2)

THE FIRM DOES IT AGAIN....GREAT AB WORKOUT
I added this tape to my ab rotation workout.It definitely gives your abs a great, all around, workout.I like this video because the people actually look like real people instead of Barbie dolls.They also show you a modified version for beginners.The moves are both challenging and very effective.A great workout for your lower and upper abs and for your back.Be sure to do the cool down stretch at the end so that you are not sore the next day or so.A great buy.

This is a great ab and back workout!
I am a firm believer and this tape is one of my core tapes.I try to tie this in with my total body workouts AT LEAST once a week, sometimes 2!Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Features

• Color
• Digital Sound
• Full Screen
• NTSC

Reviews (3)

ExcellentSeniors Resistance Bands Exercise Video!

Funcercise Rocks
This video is totally exciting ... It makes me want to work out on a daily basis as I can easily understand every step as Sunshine explains it so well ... And the relaxation part is a definate bonus ... This is a totally uplifting exercise video that I highly recommend .

Simply the BestSeniors Resistance Bands Video!
Easy Sitting Strengthening Fun Exercises. This video with the resistance bands gave me Exactly what I needed? a 5 minute Stretching Warmup, 15 minutes of Upper Body and Leg exercises with the Fun Resistance Bands. 10 minutes of Lower Body Isometrics that strengthened my legs and lower back muscles, Cooldown with stretching, and five minutes of Relaxation withBreathing exercises.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness    2. Special Interests   

Reviews (1)

The Firm is the most effective workout you'll EVER do...
For this series (one of three), a 14" "fanny lifter", sculpting "stick" and dumbbells are recommended. However, you can use just dumbbells and a regular aerobic step with an old broom handle (that's what I do)! This is a fun workout; it's got weight training, cardio, and lots of variety. I am 48 years old and have been doing the Firm since the first one came out in the late 80's. Truthfully, I have a tight, toned body that everyone says looks no older than 35. If you do these videos, you WILL get results.
Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness   

Features

• Color
• Digital Sound
• Full Screen
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Fitness    2. Special Interests   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (8)

Wonderful for Beginners
I received my tape and instantly began my workout.I thought the video did and excellent job of going through the exercises.You can definitely tell a difference in your abdominal muscles after using the tape just once!

Outstanding and it works!
I started using this tape after using nine other Pilates-ball related tapes, and find myself using it two or three times a week with outstanding results.I had trouble with the oblique exercise done on one's knees with the waist draped over the ball.To keep the ball from flying across the room, I now rest the ball on the corner of a couch which is against a wall.I find all the exercises flow well, one into the other, and I have had absolutely no problem understanding what to do next.I have lost two inches from my waist, have lost two pant sizes and the roll around my abs is almost gone--after using this tape for six weeks, along with Suzanne Deason's tapes for abs, lower body and upper body, and Colleen Craig's On The Ball tape.I use a combination of Suzanne's tapes along with Colleen's tape and Liz Gillies Body Sculpt tape six days a week for a total of 1-1/2 hours a day. I am 56 years old and need to lose a lot of inches as a result of lack of exercise after becoming disabled 12 years ago.I will continue using this tape faithfully because it works!!!

LET DOWN JANUARY 2003
THIS VIDEO IS NOT WHAT THE TITLE SAYS I THINK IT IS VERY HARD TO FOLLOW BECAUSE JUST AS YOU GET THE MOVEMENT GOING LIZ CHANGES MOVEMENT WHICH BECOMES VERY FRUSTRATING THE SETS ARE TOO SHORT TO FOLLOW TO GET GOING AND THE KNEE LIFTS WHILE YOU ARE LEANING ON THE SIDE OF THE BALL ARE VERY HARD ON THE KNEE & HIP JOINTS.I ALSO PURCHASED THE FAT BURNING BIG BALL WORKOUT AND FEEL THE SAME ABOUT THAT ONE PILATES AND BIG BALL DO NOT MIX LIZ CHANGES MOVEMENTS TOO SOON JUST AS YOU GET BALANCED YOUR CHANGING POSITION AGAIN.I ALSO WOULD NOT CALL IT A FULL WORKOUT ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie