Gaiam: The Firm 500 Calorie Workout Review

The Firm: The 500 Calorie Workout
Kelsie Daniels, 2008

This is a 60 minute AWT w/o led by Kelsie w/ 4 background exercisers. Tina shows the beginner modifications. The set is one of my favorites-hardwood floors w/ the (fake) city backgound view from the windows. Kelsie uses one set of (5 lb) dumbbells but I used a variety; you wont need any other props for this w/o.

Kelsie alternates cardio and AWT strength segments thourghout this dvd. The sets are a nice length, so youre not switching up every few mintues, which I like. The pace is quick in this one so it was hard to use my typical Firm-heavy weights, I heavied up as much as possible and I am quite sore today! Kelsie does not waste any time in this one, but I didnt feel rushed or lost at all.

Her cardio is straightforward and athletic (love) w/out being boring or repetitive. She builds in intensity so its easy to amp up throughout or keep it lower intensity if you choose. You will see jacks, shuffle, grapevines, front & back V-steps, ham curls, etc. She puts fun spins on some typical hi-lo moves to really keep the w/o moving along and fun.

Her strength moves are all multi muscle and I found myself not able to go quite as heavy as I would have liked, but like I said-I am feeling it today so had I heavied up-I would probably have regretted it today! She combines a lunge with a bicep curl, squats with clean and press, side lunges-setting down the weight and picking it up, etc. What I really loved about her strength segments was that my heartrate really didnt drop at all.

She closes with a standing ab section that is used to cool down before you go down to the floor for more ab work and lying chest and tricep work.

I would rate this a higher intermediate- it is more challenging than most of the newer pinnk Firms. I really enjoyed this w/o and though its 60 minutes-I wasnt clock watching AT ALL! The time flew by and I was drenched with sweat by the end. Kelsie really makes the most of your workout time here.