The Firm - Body Sculpting System - Express Total Body Shaping

I really like the Firm workouts. I've used them off and on over the past few years. Now that I'm "on" again, I wanted the shorter duration workouts due to work and class constraints on my time. If time permits, I'll do 15 - 20 minutes on the treadmill or the elliptcial, then pop a 30-minute workout in the DVD player which gets me up to the 45-minute range. Yes, these Firm workouts are equipment-intensive, but I've accumulated most of it over the years so that's not an issue. I've got another sculpting stick workout that I alternate with this one, along with the balance ball, express full body workouts, and small weighted ball routines. Pam's a great instructor and this one (for me) is challenging. Some general comments regarding all Firm workouts: 1) recommend keeping the remote nearby because some of the transitions are quick and I can't get myself in position, properly, to execute the moves without risk of injury - pause, get in position, continue; 2) keep a floor mat nearby - my knees are not as young as they used to be and I really need the cushioning (again, keep that remote handy). It's great that these have come down in price and are readily available on Amazon. That enables me to have many to choose from so I don't get bored with any one. I do have some of the older 50+ minute workouts, but I find these shorter ones much more enjoyable - they move through the muscle groups quicker, yet target them effectively so you can feel the results that day and the next.

The case says that you will see a difference after 10 workouts. I can't wait to see. I am a somewhat active person. I am overweight. I like the fact that it is only 30 minutes because I have a family a job and I am a student. I had the bar and all I needed was the video. I bought it from Goodwill and it was like a brand new video. I had no trouble playing it. I usually don't stay on a program long enough to see results and I buy different products because I get bored. But with the reputation of the Firm I will stay on it. The instructors on the video are in good shape and they are older which I like. They have a person in the back that you can follow if you are a new bee.

A great workout for the entire body. Makes really good use of the weighted sculpting stick. Good length DVD, making it feel like you've really worked your muscles well. Satisfyingly sore day after!No other pieces of equipment are necessary and it can be completed in a small space. When you are supposed to detach the ends of the sculpting stick to use as hand weights, I prefer to use dumbbells of at least 2kg each (more when I feel like a better arm workout). [So you could add other pieces of equipment - and I always use a mat for the floor parts, especially for my knees.]No complex moves; easy to get right the first time.The instructor is motivational and has helpers, one of whom shows easier moves for beginners. 30 minutes is a great start and easy to convince yourself to do even when you don't feel like exercising.

This is a great all-over toning workout when you're short on time or want to pair it up with a short cardio workout. Be advised that there is more emphasis on the lower body than the upper, but the squat & calf work alone are worth the price of admission. If you don't have the Firm's sculpting stick a weighted bar or body bar can be substituted & light dumbbells can be used during the 'twigs' portion. (These twigs weigh 2 lbs each)Just choose weight for your fitness level. In some cases the stick is used for balance so a wooden dowel or broom handle would work as well. While I wouldn't use this sculpting workout exclusively, the unique moves may work your muscles differently enough to shake up your exercise routine so you will see continued results. Pam cues exceptionally well & beginner modifications are always shown. The music is decent & in my opinion & worth the 30 minutes of your time.

the firm rocks! you really see results after 10 work out have lost the weight of my two pregnancies with these workouts and i am still using and buying them!! after my pregnancies was overweight and lost over 80lbs in a short period of time with a healthy diet and you can also shed a lot and i mean a lot without diet as well... but don't go eating like crazy.. ;)

I loved it. I was surprised when it was just the stick as the equipment ( you could use a broomstick as well). but it worked my entire body. Legs really got worked on which is good. I cant say that I was wheezing or that like some of the other firms but for a 35 minute work out I felt really good afterwards! would recommend.

This is a great workout for beginners that focuses on exercises using an upright bar for support. Nice, easy-to-do warm-up movements without the bar followed by what I find to be unique exercises using the upright bar for support, balance and toning. This is really good for the legs, hips, and things which I have not found in other bar-type workouts I purchased.

I'm happy with the video, I just can't find the sculpting stick. The bidding gets crazy on eBay for these things and I've hunted all over the internet as well as in town. I'll have to compromise and buy something else. I wouldn't have bought the video if I'd known it would be this hard to find the stick.