The Firm - Firm Parts: 2-Pack (DVD, 2002, 2-Disc Set)

This 2-disc DVD set of 4 TheFIRM titles is a good combination package of workouts for people who are already familiar with TheFIRM or those who are new to TheFIRM. Both discs have a "bonus exercise program" which is "TheFIRM Points" program that covers the basic information for beginners or those who want a clear and concise review of how to do the exercises.

One of the discs has the "Upper Body"(35 minutes)and the "Standing Leg" (42 minutes)routines. These workouts were originally compiled from many of TheFIRM classic video series and therefore have the 80s look (somewhat heavy makeup on the instructors, French cut leotards and tights look), which does date the tapes. Aside from the "look" of the program, some users may feel that these programs seem "choppy" because the workouts are compiled from many different tapes. The transition is made smooth by the video "leads" who will tell you what tools to put in position and what size weights to pick up for the next set of exercises. Still, the overall look of these "compiled" tapes/DVDs are never as smooth or high-budget as the classic series. That said, the exercises themselves are the usual TheFIRM stuff -- tested, popular and proven effective. Even though they are somewhat short in length, they will give most exercisers a serious workout. As with all TheFIRM workouts, you vary the weights and therefore the intensity of the workout. This upper body/standing leg DVD is great to alternate on different days.

The other disc in this boxed set is the "Tough Tape 2" and "5-Day Abs" combination. Both of these workouts are also compilation programs, meaning there are numerous cuts and numerous different instructors leading you in each segments. It does add more interest visually, but it also gives a little of the fragmented feel. "Tough Tape 2" is a good total-body sculpt workout(45 minutes). The big hole in this workout is the abs, which I guess is addressed by the second program on this DVD -- "5-Day Abs". Each day is a segment on this program and lasts anywhere from 6 to 9 minutes. Any of these segments will be great to add to your other workouts from this boxed set. Whenever I use one of the programs from this DVD set, I finish by adding one of the routines from "5-Day Abs" to round out the workout. Or if you're looking for a tough ab workout, do the whole program for a total of 35 minutes. What a killer ab workout!

I have 10 different TheFIRM videos that I collected over the years (Some were bought as early as in early 90s and they still work just fine after hundreds of viewings.) and this was the first DVD volume I bought to add to my collection. Even though the programs on this particular boxed set are not my absolute favorites nor, in my opinion, TheFIRM's best, it is nice to have variety, and DVD features are convenient to have. For example, the scene selection feature on DVDs is much easier than fast forwarding the tape to find the exercise (This is especially true for 5-day Abs.).

These workouts can be performed by anyone in good health. Beginners should always start slowly and add weights gradually. More advanced exercisers can vary the intensity of the exercises by changing the size of the weights they use. TheFIRM is a great workout that you won't easily outgrow. This boxed set is usually priced to be equivalent of 2 workout DVDs. By getting 4 workouts for the price of 2, it is a great value especially when you're looking to add variety.