The Firm: Calorie Killer
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Movie Reviews of The Firm: Calorie Killer
Movie Review: Effective, enjoyable workout combining aerobics with light toning
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Firm: Calorie Killer" is a fun and highly effective aerobic workout that incorporates light weight (in the form of a sculpting stick) and a fanny lifter (basically two blocks that can be stacked on top of the other). If you don't have the sculpting stick, a regular household broom or barbell and set of light dumbells will work. And if you don't have their fanny lifter, a high step or foot stool will also work just fine. Set to uplifting techno-trance music, the choreography isn't overly complex although it is fast-paced, with lots of sports-oriented and some athletic dance moves. Despite one participant showing modified moves, I would consider this to be an intermediate level workout.
Nancy Tucker comes across as a clear and down-to-earth instructor - she doesn't radiate a whole lot of presence though, but at least she isn't obnoxious.
The main element of frustration with this workout, is both the needed equipment and how it is used in some parts. While you can certainly substitue the above mentioned items, I think the placement of the sculpting stick on the floor for many of the moves poses a tripping hazzard. Setting up and re-adjusting the equipment (particularly if you're having to use other items) can also be a hassle if you're trying to move on quickly from one exercise to the next.
However, this is a great cardio workout overall, with a proper warm up and cool down, which I'd definitely recommend - though perhaps more to already seasoned Firmies than to absolute beginners or Firm newbies. I would definitely consider myself to be a Firm believer, as they are some of the most effective workouts on the market and will quickly get you into shape.
Rating: Good
Movie Review: Fun cardio video with variety...
Summary: 4 Stars
Nancy Tucker leads this 45 minute video along with 4 fellow Firms master instructors, including Alicia who shows beginner/low impact modifications. You will need the Firm's Fanny Lifter, though a regular step and stool will do if you don't have one. They also use the Firm Sculpting Stick, again if you do not have this you can use a broom or mop handle, along with some light dumbells. Although you could skip the weights too if you choose.
This video has nice variety, aside from the warmup and cooldown, there are 2 step segments, 2 low (or higher) impact segments (one of them uses the Sculpting Stick) and 2 tall box segments which use light weights and/or the Sculpting Stick, plus the Fanny Lifter. The routines are fun and easy to follow, although there are some cueing errors, most notably in the last step segment which tends to throw me off, otherwise Nancy does a decent job leading. I would consider myself to be intermediate level and I breezed through most of the workout pretty easily, the exception would be the first tall box segment where you use light weights, it really got my heartrate up there and was a bit challenging for me. There is also a brief toning segment at the end using the Sculpting Stick, sometimes I will skip this section just to shorten it up as by this point I have already gotten in 30 minutes of cardio.
Overall this is a fun video, good for days that you don't want anything taxing but still want a decent cardio workout. Recommended.
Movie Review: A good sweat if you up the weights
Summary: 4 Stars
This video is pretty good for a Firm cardio. My only real complaints are about their use of the sculpting stick on the floor being a safety hazard and I don't particularly care for this particular instructor; she seems too laid back for working out. I don't have a sculpting stick but I find ways around that obstacle. I don't feel the burn from this workout's floor segments unless I use heavier weights than they do, but then that's what Firm workouts are designed to do. Aside from that, the moves are mostly easy to follow once you catch on, and there is one samba track I enjoy. However, I wouldn't recommend this video for a complete beginner. It's over 30 minutes long.Movie Review: Worth your time!
Summary: 4 Stars
I rented this DVD to see if I liked it. I am a FIRM fan and regularly do the BS2 series. I was looking for something to mix-it up a little and add variety, and that it did! I like the fact that it moves much faster than the videos that come with your set. I definitely work up a sweat with this one! Some of the step moves are a little confusing at first, but if you stop moving and WATCH the first time (instead of trying to keep up and tripping all over yourself) you can pick it up pretty easily.Movie Review: may burn calories... but...
Summary: 3 Stars
While I love THE FIRM's workouts, this was not one of my favorites so far. Calorie Killer was not simple to follow; and I have little trouble following aerobic/step routines.
While the floor aerobic sections definitely get your heart rate up, I find the ease of transitions of movements, for maximum effect to be somewhat lacking. Some people may enjoy this video, but some of the moves were cumbersome and uncomfortable in their given patterns.
You also need their fanny lifter and stick for this routine as well.
The bonus is that you get a 30 minute quick calorie burner if you're in a hurry.