The Firm: Body Sculpting System - Express Cardio

I have completed 2 of the sculpting workouts twice. I am enjoying the workouts. I do not have a slanted step. I have a low 6 inch step and I use my 11" mini-trampoline for my high step. I do the abs portion with a mat on my carpet. I do not plan to use the Cardio Blast workout because I enjoy doing my cardio on my mini-trampoline. I plan to keep these in my workout rotation.

As a diabetic, I have to keep in shape in order to avoid stroke, heart attack and other nasty things. I had a heart attack five years ago due to stress, despite religiously working out. So I know the importance of cardio and aerobics in addition to strength training. I'm the enthusiastic type, which means I regularly blow out my knees and whatever else I'm using the most when I work out. However, despite blown out knees, sore lower backs and iffy ankles, this DVD rocks like hell! It's a 35 minute workout, divided into 15 minutes or so for stretching and warm up and the last 15 or so for strength training. I've dropped around eight inches overall in the last couple months using this DVD four times a week. I highly recommend it! (Just take it easy like I've been forced to do, or your knees, too, will fold up).

I am giving this video 5 stars because it has quickly become my favorite 30-minute workout! Yes, the criticisms mentioned in other reviews are valid - sometimes tricky footwork, less than ideal cueing (mainly with regard to which foot is leading), meh music - but it's still an excellent short workout and it's a bargain. It did take me about 6 sessions to get the footing down even though I have been doing Firm workouts for years and so already know all of the basic moves. But as it turns out, that is what I like most about this video - every move counts so you get a full-body workout in 30 minutes. In between the warm-up and cool-down there are 4 cardio segments all using the box (you need one that has the ability to safely incline) and 2 of the segments also use light weights (I recommend 3 lbs). As with any Firm workout, there are plenty of squats, lunges and dips. There are also the typical "box" moves like A-steps, V-steps and turn-steps. The weights are used for arms and core strength. If you are looking for a short, full-body cardio workout - give this one a try!

The FIRM is my go-to workout series. Pick up those weights! These use light weights. The step up box ramps up your cardio work.

The one that started it all! I originally bought this system about 10 years ago and decided to buy it again. This is one of the more challenging versions of the firm. My least favorite DVD is body sculpting because I don't think she gives a break between legs. Your leg is worked to exhaustion. However, I definitely have noticed results.

I like this workout for when you just want a good aerobic workout without weights or strength training (I suppose you could add light weights if you wanted; no one on the video uses them). This video has fast-paced & upbeat music, a little tricky choreography at first, and is definately a challenging workout for an intermediate exerciser. I use the Transfirmer system without any problems instead of the system shown on the box. Lisa Kay gives good cues and is perky enough to keep you going but not annoying. My one complaint is that they don't do a good job of showing the low impact alternative (Libby). Several times she wasn't shown until after several repetitions of the movement. You can't see her for much of the workout because she is off to the side. All in all it is a good workout video.

I’ve been working out with the firm for 20 years and I love these workouts!! You get results!

Meh - just not my cup of tea.

I just love this video! It's split in 3 sections: Upper body, Lower body & Abs. Each work out can be performed independantly of the others. Each section has a warm up & cool down. Each section is approx 15 mins! Love the ab routine. The only thing is that you need the Fanny Lifter (The Firm's 3 in 1 Step) to do it right. It just sculpting. Very little cardio. I think it's great.