Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The FIRM: Express Cardio Review

The FIRM: Express Cardio
Stephanie Huckabee, 2004 

This was released with the Firm Box (aka death box) system so it uses an incline step. Its a 30 minute mostly cardio workout. In addition to the incline box you will need a light set of dumbbells. Stephanie leads with 4 background exercisers with Libby showing the beginner modifications. The set is slightly dim but not too dark.

Stephanie is a fantastic lead so you cant go wrong with this workout. It is a very typical Firm cardio workout. Mostly cardio, but some light strength work-dips, squats, leg press, bicep curls while keeping your heartrate up. None of the moves are truely unique to this workout but it is put together well and Stephanie cues wonderfully. There are no dancy moves or tricky choreo in this one.

IMO this workout is mostly step work, on the 6 inch (you can up it to the 8 in if using the TF), and on the incline. She also does a routine or two of floor cardio-tri-star, shuffling, grapevine, etc. Ther is also a nice set of tall box climb with light weights and a quick set of light weight leg press. She also does some of the cardio routines with light weights, so fast 4 limb work is I guess what they call it.

I would rate this a solid to maybe high intermediate workout done as is. WIth all Firms you can easily modify them up or down to suit your needs. Its a fun workout and you can work up quite the sweat in only 30 minutes. It definatley has a place in my collection and I use it frequently.

1 comment:

  1. Amy Bento - wow! She is one of my all-time faves - such a genuine sweetheart as well as being a great instructor.

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