The Firm - Jiggle Free Arms (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)This workout is part of the Firm's 4th Body Sculpting System which introduces the Transfirmer, a 5 in 1 piece of equipment similar to the Fanny Lifter but longer in length. It comes in 2 pieces, a 6 inch and 8 inch platform used individually for aerobics, stacked on top of one another for leg presses and tall box climbs, in an incline position for aerobics or strength work, and in a side by side position. It is a very versatile piece of equipment and is very stable.
This workout is led by Stephanie Huckabee, who is joined by 4 fellow Firm Master Instructors including Alison who shows beginner modifications. The workout is just over 30 minutes and alternates upper body work with aerobic segments.
You begin with a simple warmup using the 6 inch portion of the Transfirmer, then you will move into upper body work working the chest and triceps. Pushups are first, with varying counts and tempos, halftime and 2-2 count. These are done on the Transfirmer but you have the option of just doing them on the floor if that is more comfortable. Then you will lie on the Transfirmer set up in the incline position or on the floor and do bench presses, first with both arms, then alternating one at a time, I use lighter weights for this segment as the one arm at a time is more challenging. Then you move in triceps bench presses followed by pec flies. Lying tricep extensions complete this section, where the same weight is used throughout.
Next is a short hi-lo impact cardio section, Alison performs all low impact, jacks, shuffles, calf pumps and knee lifts are some of the moves you will see in this segment.
Tricep and shoulder work is next, you will start with tricep dips, then move into a tough shoulder segment starting with overhead presses with palms inward, then you will do overhead presses with rotation (twisting in at the top). Then you will quickly grab lighter weights and do a segment of front and side deltoid raises with some variation. My shoulders are always on fire after this segment, tough.
More cardio is next, this time a fun step segment using the Transfirmer in the incline position. Hamstring curls, rock steps, sambas, knee lifts and repeaters are some of the moves that you will see.
Now it's time to work back and biceps. You will start with double arm bent rows in a seated position, then you will move into hammer curls, some of them alternating arms. Then you will stand up and do wide bent over rows with a slightly lighter weight, then move back to biceps with angled bicep curls. All of these have varied counts and tempos.
More step aerobics are next, this is a fun segment that is peformed on the 8 inch section of the Transfirmer. I myself use the 6 inch section as does Alison, it's just more comfortable for me. Knee lifts, knee tapovers, turn steps, over the tops, and hamstring curls are included in this segment. Lots of fun.
The final upper body segment follows, working the shoulders and biceps. You will start with clean and presses, then move into bicep curls, then upright rows, all of these with some alternating of the arms. You will finish out with a set of rear deltoid lifts with varied tempos.
More step aerobics on the 8 inch section of the Transfirmer follow. You will see turn steps, over the tops, V steps, hamstring curls, A steps, jacks and other moves. Cooldown and stretch immediately follows.
This is a great compact workout, hits all the upper body muscles plus includes a variety of cardio in just 30 minutes. I often use this in combination with Jiggle Free Buns, which is a similar workout but for the lower body. I find that I get a great workout with these 2 in an hour. Stephanie is one of my favorite Firm instructors and she does not disappoint in this workout. She has Jiggle Free Arms herself that I would like to have one day. But you will also see Annie in the back who has great definition, definitely the buffest Firm instructor I have seen in a video. I highly recommend this one.

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05-51454 The Firm: Jiggle Free ARMS Synopsis: For the past 20 years, The FIRM® has been changing millions of lives with their groundbreaking fitness programs. In a time when dance aerobics was the craze, they pioneered the idea of combining aerobics with weight training, providing effective workouts with fast results! This method is the center of The FIRM® philosophy today, and tens of thousands of FIRM Believers™ across the country will agree that it really works!After years of perfecting their techniques, The FIRM® now brings you their latest offering—The TransFIRMer Series™! By combining brand-new, specially-developed equipment with experienced FIRM® Master Instructors, this series is their best yet! The new TransFIRMer™ was designed with multiple uses in mind, and has 5 different configurations to take your workout to the next level. The fun cardio moves will get you melting off the pounds quickly, and the sculpting moves will help you define a more shapely figure. So what are you waiting for? Once you start, you will see results so quickly that you’ll never want to stop! Jiggle Free™ Arms Is there a little too much "squish" in your upper body? Well, don’t worry—the solution is here! If you want dramatic upper-body results, sculpted shoulders, and sleek arms, this workout is for you! FIRM® Master Instructor Stephanie Huckabee leads you through this 30-minute upper-body blast to help you strengthen and tone your arms and give you maximum results! As a part of the great cross-training Jiggle Free™ series, you can get the upper body of your dreams with Jiggle Free™ Arms!deserve! Approximately 33 Minutes Color

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The Science of Fitness with Tamilee - I Want That Body (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I first bought this DVD because I liked that I got six workouts for the price of one DVD. As soon as I got it home, I tried session one of the Buns workout. I got through about 7 of the 15 minutes, and I had trouble sitting down for the next two days! But with practice, doing the workouts two or three times a week, it gets easier, you can get through the whole thing, and you'll definitely see the results.
As some other reviewers have said, the second Buns workout is almost easier than the first, and at least not as aerobic, but the Arms and Abs segments do have a more challenging Session Two. The Arms workouts gave me the fastest results, and while I've just started using the Abs sections (and let me tell you, it will be a while before I can get through the entire Session Two!) I can tell by the feeling in my abs the next day that it's doing its job.
The quality of the DVD and the instructor, Tamilee Webb, make it a workout you don't get tired of doing over and over. Tamilee is encouraging without being annoying or perky, the music isn't loud, the set is simple, and since it's only Tamilee doing the workout, students repeating the moves do not distract you.
The most important thing, though, is that these are truly effective workouts, most are simple enough to follow along with the first or second time around, and since each individual workout is only 15 minutes long, you can find time in your day to at least do one or two. This DVD, along with walking a few times a week and eating healthier foods, has helped me lose 16 pounds in the last few months. It's my favorite workout and I know I'll continue using it for a long time.

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Renowned fitness instructor Tamilee Webb has used groundbreaking scientific research to find the best possible workouts for each part of the body and every level of student. By going into the lab to study each muscle group and test every exercise, Tamilee has been able to develop fitness routines that will provide the maximum benefit for your body, inside and out.This high-energy workout includes three sections:I Want Those AbsNo one knows how to get rock hard abs better than Tamilee Webb. With I Want Those Abs, she has taken every abdominal exercise into the lab and tested each one to design the most efficient ab workout ever. Just two to three times a week and you'll be showing off your flat, firm abs to the world. What are you waiting for?I Want Those ArmsDo you find yourself wishing that you could wear strappy or sleeveless tops, but are embarrassed by your arms? I Want Those Arms will help you tone and firm your arms and shoulder muscles for a sleek, sexy look you'll be proud to show off. Tamilee has researched every exercise to create the most effective arm and shoulder workout ever. Get the arms you want today!I Want Those BunsLooking for a workout that gives you the look you want in your jeans? I Want Those Buns was designed in an exercise science lab to find the best possible exercise for firming, toning, and shaping your buttocks. Focus on strengthening and firming your buttocks, toning and shaping, or do both routines for a complete workout. Get the buns you want today!

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The Biggest Loser Workout: Power Sculpt Review

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(More customer reviews)I was really excited to get this DVD, especially since you can pick your level and make it "last" for 6 weeks while adding new levels and new moves throughout the 6 weeks. Now let me preface this with saying, I am extremely fit. I work out 4-5x a week doing cardio for 30-45 minutes at a time. (And when I do cardio the sweat is literally dripping off me in waves.) I also have been doing sculpting DVDs 2x a week for the past 6 months. This workout kicked my butt! Level one is definitely easy enough for intermediate, yet will still challenge those who are in good shape. I just added Level 2 today, and I actually had to stop the DVD and take a 60 second breather because I thought I would either throw up or pass out! You've gotta work me REALLY hard to make that happen!
My only "criticism" is that I don't think this DVD is appropriate for beginners. However, after reading some reviews it is clear beginners are doing it and thriving on it. My advice to a beginner would be to concentrate on form before you concentrate on reps or how heavy your weights are. In the DVD a lot of the participants have really poor form. (Even though the trainers give them a thumbs up.) Watch the trainer and copy them. Once your form is perfect add weights and/or increase your reps. I'm sure any trainer will tell you they'd rather you do one really good move than 10 of the same move with poor form.
If you want to loose weight and you stick with this DVD I can't imagine you wouldn't change your life and body. And on the same token, if you are already in shape this DVD will add variety and excitement to your workout as well as giving you a really challenging workout.

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TheBiggest Loser®: Power SculptDVD incorporates 3 strength-training regimens with progressive levels of difficulty, respectively hosted by series regulars Jillian Michaels, Kim Lyons and Bob Harper.

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The Exotic Dance Workout (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm giving this DVD a 4 because it says it's a workout & I really didn't "feel the burn".Its divided into thirds (standing, floorwork, and chair), with a bonus performance at the end. No warm up or cool down, but I honestly didn't need either one. I worked through all three back to back and didn't get the least bit sweaty.
I did feel sexy, relaxed, and generally happy with my body. Its zero impact (unless you fall off your shoes) and the movements are surprisingly elegant.
My complaints are that Lady M narrates as though she is leading a class, not a video (you have to reverse left and right to mirror her) and that sometimes the positions you should be in make it difficult to watch her. Neither of these are a deal breaker, though.

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Studio: StratostreamRelease Date: 07/24/2007Run time: 40 minutes

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Kim Kardashian: Fit In Your Jeans by Friday: Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, I am not really a fan of Kim, that aside, I have to say that she ha an awesome body.
I felt really good about this DVD and Kim behind it since its her job to stay looking fit.
About the workout: I was going in to it thinking it would be a breeze and nothing more kind of expecting to be dissapointed, but WHOA it was pretty tough stuff. I may have to do it a couple more times to get it well. I do say, I felt the burn. Kim is really cute in this video and I was surprised that I found her so charming. So if you really want a good workout that helps you define curves, I would recommend this. All your feelings about Kim set aside, and get ready for some working out.

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Kim Kardashian, Fir in Your Jeans by Friday: Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt DVD

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The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Last Chance Workout Review

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(More customer reviews)CALORIE BURN: I'll begin with this, considering that's typically why we all buy the dvd, is it not? (Well, you do get a health boost as well...)and I own all the Biggest Loser dvds for a good comparison. I wear a bodybugg (the black arm band you see on the contestants of the Biggest Loser with a monitor attached) to measure my daily caloric expenditure with the most accuracy. Because of this, I am also able to monitor how many calories I burn during a specific workout and how many calories I burn per minute of a workout and how much my calorie burn increases after the workout. I mention this only so you know what I say is based upon scientific measurement, rather than perceived exertion. And this dvd is a high calorie burner! I have quite an extensive library of dvds to compare it to since I use fitness dvds exclusively to get my workout in 6 days a week. This is a new favorite and truly, offered great strength, toning, and calorie burn. You won't help but get results here. While some of her dvds have more cardio to burn more calories DURING the workout, because of the good strength training, and "HIIT" training, you will burn more overall with this one. (see my notes under "effectiveness" as to why) It did, however, burn less than her "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" and "No More Trouble Zones" dvd.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED: one set of 1 to 10 lb hand weights, based upon your level, if you have a hard floor you may also want a mat for pushups etc. on the floor
EFFECTIVENESS: The beauty of this dvd is that it's not just cardio but, instead, a full circuit workout. Actually it's a "HIIT" workout which is a model for highest calorie burn. Studies have shown that when you increase your heart rate with cardio then keep it elevated while combining toning and strength exercises and utilize some core floor work in modules, you get double the results. Cardio burns calories during the workout but you recover quickly and your heart rate recovers and lowers. However, when you add strength training with cardio, you continue to burn more calories long after the workout is over and also add muscle which increases your metabolism and allows your body to burn more calories even while at rest--although strength burns less calories during the workout. So, combining the two is always going to give you better results and faster results which is the entire premise of the workouts you see on the Biggest Loser. An expert had the best analogy as to why you don't feel wiped out in a workout like this compared to an all cardio workout, but yet burn more calories: If you go 90 miles an hour in your car for an entire trip, you will use less fuel than if you go 90 then lower your speed, then rev it up for awhile, then lower it again...keeping your heart rate elevated but not at "top speed" and alternating it during a workout will actually burn more calories and, just like a car, use more fuel (calories) in the long run. Old school thinking was that you had to keep your heart rate at max level for best results. The most recent studies showed that the 30 second interval alternation will actually burn more calories. This is what's done in the workout and Jillian mentions the calorie-burn effectiveness of this.
SAFETY: Great instruction not just of how to do the moves, but of how to do them safely if you are a beginner.
LEVEL: Although you'll be well instructed if you are just starting out as to how to get your weight off, this workout will push you if you do the more advanced moves regardless of what level you currently are. You'll sweat. You'll get results. And several of the backup contestants are doing the "beginner level" moves so you can follow them until you get up to speed with the more advanced moves.
CAST: Jillian and past contestants. The beauty of the Biggest Loser workouts is that anyone doing them can identify with someone who is on screen because they don't just utilize their skinniest contestants. When you see someone far larger than you pushing themselves you do think "I can do this." and I like that.
CUEING: Excellent and easy to follow.
MUSIC: Upbeat and coincides with pace of the moves to keep you revved.
SET: Either it is the Biggest Loser set where they weigh in, or it's made to look like it.
CONTAINS: 3 workouts, warm up and cool down 55 minutes total
COMPARISON TO OTHER BIGGEST LOSER DVDS SPECIFICALLY. I own all of the Biggest Loser dvds as well as the ones individually by Bob and Jillian. This is one of the tops for calorie burning, second only to Jillian's "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism"
NEGATIVES: I hate to have to say it, but I had hoped Jillian had mellowed out some...not in her instruction but, rather, in being condescending. Her last dvd offered I think her best ability to shine through as an instructor. She pushed you, but she didn't have that nervous laughter she'd had in her previous dvds and she wasn't condescending for no reason and silly-fake-tough. Well, what I thought she'd pushed aside is back. For me personally, I prefer Bob's tough but positive approach that seems more genuine. But I know others may feel greater results with this approach so you be the judge. I gotta agree with the other reviewer that calling someone her "bitch" in this dvd just seems unprofessional in several regards and I think if a personal trainer said that to me I would have to wonder what testosterone-filled power trip they were on...also when she said "You messed up! HA HA HA HA HA!" and the person working out seemed not fond of that comment..it's just odd to me. However, Jillian is no doubt still an instructor who uses that same pushing to often make you continue when you want to quit so this has a positive aspect to such "toughness". And she really knows how to explain the moves and cue well and ensure you do them RIGHT for optimal results as well as compile the highest calorie burning workouts. So I have every dvd she's made. It's an annoyance factor for me, but the good of the dvd outweighs this by far. Also, it doesn't appear as though the team practiced this routine all that much. They are out of sync many times...I personally am not thrown by this and almost feel as though I'm in a gym because this is the norm...but this may be important to others so I thought I would mention it. It is a bit of a shame they don't have it all down but as long as I can do it, I'm good. :-) And, finally, if you were in a fraternity and had to do a shot everytime she said "Last Chance Workout" in this dvd you'd be dead to the world within about 7 minutes. Heavey marketing that this is the "last chance workout" to the point it's kinda funny.
CONCLUSION: A great addition to any collection that offers great instruction and results. And you can turn off the voice of the trainer and just have the workout on with the music once you get the moves down if you gotta.
ALTERNATIVE good circuit training workouts:
If you like the high calorie burn coupled with strength training and great instruction in this dvd you may also like (in no certain order):
1.Body by Jake Total Body Workout
2.Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism and No More Trouble Zones
3.Kathy Smith Build Muscle Shrink Fat
4.Crunch Total Resculpt
5.Star Trainers: Strength
6.Weight Loss Cardio Sculpt with Violet Zaki
All of the above dvds are tops on my list for measuring high calorie burn but also offering strength so you keep burning the fat even at rest, great cueing, motivational, and just all around good results.

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In the pre "weigh-in" workouts on NBC’s hit show, "THE BIGGEST LOSER,” you’ve seen contestants push themselves to the limit to reach their weight-loss goals – and now you can too! In this intense Last Chance Workout, trainer Jillian Michaels pulls out all the stops with three workouts that challenge your body to the maximum. But don’t worry, past contestants will be by your side every step of the way. With a unique blend of cardio and strength designed to boost your fat-burning potential, and the motivation to keep going, now’s your chance to step on the scale and lose more weight faster than ever!

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