The FIRM: Hi-Def Sculpt

The thing with being very overweight and trying to do these videos is that sometimes it's hard to do the exercises as fast as the instructors. I can do dips and lunges just fine, but by the time I get my leg forward -- with good form -- to lunge, they're already bringing their other foot forward. This DVD takes care of all that. It goes at a slow pace, but not too slow as not to get your heart rate up. You're doing lunges at a slow rate but you're also doing weight presses over your head so yeah, you'll sweat. She starts out advising you to have light and medium weights by your side, but through the whole thing you only use one set of weights. So I guess you can decide which ones you want to use in the beginning. The instructor seems a little nervous and misses a couple cues but once you do this DVD a couple times, you'll get past it. In fact it's endearing. The only thing I miss in this video is the many reminders to keep your abs in; I like it when instructors constantly remind you of what your form should look like. For example, she reminds us to "lead with your elbow" for a couple of the exercises but I think more could have been done. One instructor from another DVD says that the plies should feel like your back is sliding up and down a wall. Things like that. All in all, the best all-over toning workout I've ever used.

This is my workout DVD by The Firm as Annie as the lead instructor. I have at least a dozen Firm videos but none of them were of Annie leading. I wondered what to expect. The workouts itself are great and I like the fact that she reiterates throughout the video the importance of form. I liked that she would have you put the weights down and stretch after working out for so long. The stretches were very short but at least it was something. It can prevent injury. She recommend medium and heavy weights. From my observation, I don't remember them switching out to heavier weights. It seems that all the crew worked out with the same dumbbell weights from start to finish. I started out using 5-pounds and I do keep at 8-pound nearby because I do not like combining weights. I prefer to just grab one heavy dumbbell, such as one 8-pound or 10-pound dumbbell to do an exercise with verses holding two of them in one hand to complete an exercise. The express workout I believe is only 25 minutes but it targets your ab more with floor exercise; whereas, the 45 minute exercises the abs but not as much as the express workout. The only con to this video is that her cuing is off and you don't realize it until you see some people are doing different moves.

I'm not really one to write reviews for things, but I feel as though these workouts deserve recognition. My first experience with The Firm was a few years ago when I decided to buy and try the Transfirmer series of workouts. I wasn't necessarily a beginner at that time, but man..those workouts kicked my butt! I then ordered the previous body sculpting series videos to rotate to avoid boredom. I had great success with them but for whatever reason, I ended up joining a local gym and the The Firm videos/step began collecting dust. Fast forward to present, a husband and almost 2 year old daughter later, I decided I needed something that worked for me at home bc trying to coordinate a toddler to your desired gym schedule isn't necessarily the easiest task (not to mention wasting so much gas). It dawned on me to re-order some of The Firm workouts, new and older DVDs; no more driving 30 minutes to the gym for me! Let me tell you, as someone who is by no means a beginner when it comes to fitness, these workouts are no joke. I got a better workout with these DVDs than I did at any class or time on the treadmill/elliptical. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who wants to get in shape and get there FAST. I can tell a change in my body already-they promise results in 10 workouts, but you'll see it before then. Trust me. What's also great is that you can make them as easy or as challenging as you desire-increase or decrease your weight. Either way, you'll get a great workout!

I did this workout for the 2nd time today and I have to say, I liked it a lot more after this morning! When I did this workout for the first time, I found it to be unchallenging, boring, and the warmup was a little dry for my tastes. Let's face it, it had some serious dread factor for me! Instead of selling this DVD, I decided to keep it and try it one last time before I came to a final conclusion. I took some notes, reread them this morning and opted for this over any Firm workout. The only 2 changes I made were, a) Using 8s for my "mediums" and b) skipping Annie's warm up for another 5 minute one of my choice. Those 2 changes made all the difference in the world for me! This is a solid 45 minute (approx 47 min) workout that covers all of the muscle groups, large and small completely. I find that this DVD gives some extra attention to the shoulders, back, and abs. There is plenty of standing core in this DVD which helps to break up the usual floor routines for abs. 95% of the time, you will use your medium weights and never just your lights. There are also various exercises where you will combine both of your mediums in one hand, which I found to be challenging as I was gripping 2-8 lb dumbbells. These movements will focus on the upper-mid back. Annie does not do a lot of reps in this workout which is PERFECT for heaving up! I made the mistake the first time using the weight increments that I would for other Firm Pinks and you will need to increase your ranges for this DVD regardless of your fitness level. If not, you will not be challenged and this workout will most likely feel pointless for muscle and strength gains. Aside from dumbbells, I'd recommend having a mat for floor work. With a bad shoulder and knee, adding the weights, even using the 16 lbs didn't hurt me, so I say this is more than safe and I'm known for babying that shoulder! Again, the slower pace and lower reps are what makes the difference here. This workout was one that drenched me in sweat and had me breathing very hard at times! I'm sure lifting 16 lbs with one arm helped that! You'll do a combination of compound (multi-muscle) exercises along with isolations (single muscle focus; ie Bicep Curls). Often she pairs both types into one exercise for example: Alternating lunges with bicep curls, doing them seperate then both together. Several combinations like this are in the workout including squats, bridges, and various moves for abs and upper body. It's a workout that won't get your heart rate as high as cardio or aerobic weight training DVDs by the Firm (cardio and weights together), but it really gets it up there compared to other strength-only DVDs that you'll find from other instructors. You'll be at an Anaerobic Rate several times which is a high calorie burning range! I also think it's one of the most well rounded strength-only DVDs on the market and at 47 minutes from start to finish, you just can't beat that! For those tight on time, there is a 25 minute premix option which I have yet to do. Give this workout at least 2-3 trys before tossing it to the side. It'll take some time and notes to really understand what your perfect weight selection is and once you do, this workout has a Night and Day difference! 2 hours post workout and my biceps are still nice and warm which is one of the hardest muscle groups on my body to get "fired" up! This DVD is one that will allow me go heavier not just with this workout, but also increase faster with other Firm Workouts both Pink and BSS Systems. It's an asset to anyone's collection that wants a solid, effective, and fast strength workout. This DVD is a keeper in my book! Whereas 3 months ago, I was ready to chuck it! The only cons that I can list are that there are a couple of times she flubs her words and the warmup is in my opinion, boring. Which is the only reason I am deducting a star; I'd say it's closer to a 4.5 Star DVD. Edit: 1 Day Post Workout and I am feeling the effects in places I didn't expect! I have read on other sites that this workout is a silent burner and I do agree! While all muscles got a great workout, I didn't expect to feel it in the chest, inner thighs, and butt. I expect to feel it in the back and shoulders and while I do, not nearly as much as the other muscles. I've been using the TransFirmer and Fanny Lifter DVDs lately, so the lower body burn is a real surprise. I woke up sore and stiff and now I am positive that this WILL remain in my regular rotation!

I am a FIRM believer for over 20 years now and I have been using the TransFirmer DVD series exclusively. I always noticed how sculpted and defined Annie Lee was in the background of these videos and thought "whatever she is doing, I want"! I was thrilled to discover this DVD on Amazon. As soon as it arrived I did the workout and love it! Annie is motivating throughout without being annoying which is a plus for me. She incorporates lunges, dips and the usual moves with new exercises you can feel are doing the job-especially in my triceps which is a problem area. This routine isn't overly complicated but is highly effective and fun! I highly recommend you watch the segment where Annie explains and demos the moves used in this routine. It is one I plan on using at least 1-2 times a week along with other Firm DVDS.

If you like getting up and down of the floor, you'll love this work out. I personally don't. When this company was gobbled up by corporate GAIA, it began to suck. The first 5 Firm workout were great. A kick butt standing workout and another kick but floor workout.

If you're experienced with working out, then this will be a nice addition to your library (if you're not, read on and you'll see why I wouldn't recommend this video for beginners). It's a good, solid, sculpting workout. There are no aerobic sets like there are in other The Firm sculpting videos, so if you're looking for a strengthening and toning routine, this one is good. I've been working out with weights for many years and I found this workout to be moderate - it covers all the major muscle groups and some of the exercises are creative where upper and lower body are combined. I broke a sweat and felt like I worked at the conclusion. The abs segment is fine for maintenance in a pinch, but be aware that you'll want to try other routines if abs are your focus. Annie misses cues and misspeaks several times in this video. The first time you do the workout, be aware of this and make sure you watch and listen. You'll figure it out. Moreover, sometimes for a lower body set you'll work one side and then the other, and then at other times you will alternate sides. Annie doesn't tell you which to anticipate, so you have to be ready for either. This workout claims to require a set of light weights and a set of medium weights (it is suggested that beginners use no weights). The medium weights are used for every set, but I found this to be incongruous. For example, whatever you choose for your medium weight will be used for both lat rows and straight arm front raises. A heavy weight is more appropriate for rows, but if you use that same weight for front raises you may strain yourself. I suggest having heavy, medium, and light weights available. Ignore the cue to pick up your medium weights and choose the appropriate weight for the exercise. You'll want a heavy enough weight to challenge the big muscle groups, but lighter weights for other exercises. Of course it takes some experience to make a safe and appropriate choice.

I really enjoyed this DVD and found it to be a great workout even though I saw some other reviews on a different site that said she stuttered a lot and appeared nervous. I didn't see this so much...just a couple times where there was a little hesitance, but that's it. Otherwise I enjoyed Annie and thought she was a great instructor. Some of the other gals like Allison go a little too fast and it takes me 2-3 times to catch all the moves. Annie is paced just right and this workout is good and varies my Firm workouts. I have been doing The Firm since the late 80s and I'm glad they are still making great workouts. I'm also glad no step box is required here as I got tired of buying all the different ones as they changed series.

Exactamente lo que queria, tenia la duda si venia en español pero al probarlo me di cuenta que sí! Cumplio todas mis espectativas

Nice pace, great functional workout.