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9/8/12 2:47 P

Agree...

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9/7/12 5:54 P

@ Amanda,

I can personally say from the classics that I have tried, they have amazing form and technique. I used to workout to Cathe Friedrich DVDs and lift semi-professionally (Body Building) and from what I've seen, it's the current Firm selection (Firm Express) that has poor technique and form. To the point the exerciser is using momentum.

As for the original question,

The Classics tend to use heavier weights than the non-classics. However there are plenty that focus on light weights with faster movements for cardio endurance more so than strength. Workouts like The Tortoise, Tough Tape, and Cross Trainers Strength are workouts were heavier weights are used. You get the best of heavier lifting, cardio, and some 4 limb work with lighter weights for a higher calorie burn. It's like packing 2-3 workout sessions into one.

Posts: 13,909
7/15/12 9:17 A

BTW ~ All are DVD's...

Posts: 13,909
7/15/12 9:16 A

People connected with the original FIRM company have a website where things can be purchased at a fair price - and all guaranteed by Fitness Favorites.


www.fitnessfavorites.com/Anna_Benson_Worko
uts.php

There is also a group on Facebook for the Original Firms...

www.facebook.com/groups/64275440882/

If the link doesn't take you to the group.....just search for "The Firm" Original Workout Series on FB.

Just looking at the shapes of the women in the old workouts is VERY motivating.
They are muscular - yet extremely feminine.

I have all the FIRM workouts up to the pink sets. I have some of them - but felt that they were moving too fast for the amount of weight that I prefer to use ---
High risk for injury....no longer interested in the newer workouts.
I have other instructors / trainers that I like better.

Hope the links help.

Edited by: SMILES4383 at: 7/15/2012 (09:19)

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7/12/12 2:33 P

After some google searching, I couldn't find any that were cheaper than Amazon. Ebay might be a cheaper option. After a quick search, some were cheaper than Amazon, some were the same price. Good luck!

current weight: 172.4

210 192.5 175 157.5

140

Posts: 1,474
7/12/12 1:28 A

I've been looking for older Firm videos with the leg warmers. I started doing them when I was a teenager. They are expensive on Amazon.

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7/9/12 9:05 A

Love the older Firm workouts. I just drug them back out. Those are some of the first released back in the 80's. You'll see 80's workout gear and hair. I was dripping sweat this morning and the hour flew by.

current weight: 123.0

141 135.75 130.5 125.25

120

Posts: 260
6/27/12 3:23 P

I also mix it up between some of the new and the older - my oldest one though has the fanny lifter and Allie leads the cardio and I can't remember who leads the sculpting. They are longer so I would recommend you work your way up to that (build your stamina). I also keep watch on my form to make sure I am doing it correctly. And I have to say that they are some of the best workouts especially if you stagger them right.

Pounds lost: 33.4

0 22.5 45 67.5

90

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6/24/12 11:54 A

I think THE FIRM has always been about circut training, so they were cutting edge, even back in the leotard days.

current weight: 164.5

198 181.75 165.5 149.25

133

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6/22/12 5:32 P

I still do...just because I usually find many of my FIRM workouts via thrift stores or Ebay. As some of the people have said, some are longer and tougher than the new ones, but are still very effective. If you know how to do the exercises correctly now, it doesn't matter if they were doing them wrong in these older workouts, since you would be doing it the right way. I do have to say, the older ones do make me sweat and are worth the effort. But I do change up my workouts all the time between new, old, cardio, sculpt, etc. to make sure I don't get bored with the workouts. If you don't already have it, I would invest in the Fanny Lifter step. It really brings the workouts up a notch, that require this piece of equipment. Good Luck!

current weight: 148.6

211 192 173 154

135

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6/22/12 9:38 A

Hi,
I don't have those workouts, but I've only good things about them. The only real comparison that I hear compared to newer workouts is that the "older" ones are usually longer (at least 50 minutes compared to newer workouts that average 30 minutes) and that the older ones are really "tough". They're from the 80's, so be prepared for the hair/make-up/style/music. Although the movements/choreography may be "simpler /less complex" (again, not my words, based on others' reviews) than current workouts (like FIRM Express), that doesn't mean that they aren't effective. Only word of caution I read about them is based on their age, some of their advice/exercise form is incorrect. We've learned better know, so be aware and watch out of that. Here's a link to one of the dvds you mentioned on Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com/Classic-Impact-Aerobics-Ben
son-Janet/dp/B001HWBAW2
You can check out their reviews and reviews for the other workouts you mentioned.

current weight: 172.4

210 192.5 175 157.5

140

Posts: 10,906
6/22/12 8:43 A

Wish I could help you doll. I don't use the older versions, some of those are long for me and 20 minutes of the more intense Firm Express works better for me.

Good Luck.
Maria

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6/22/12 12:01 A

Hi everyone, I am new to the team, . I was wondering if anyone uses the older Firm workouts. I have 3 on DVD that are older, one is with Janet Jones, and one is with Sandahl bergman. I was wondering your thoughts on these workouts, and how they compared with the newer workouts?