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The Firm: Crosstrainer Strength

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Equipment used


	Body Bar
	Dumbbells
	Ankle weights
	Step-bench & Risers
	High step

The Firm: Crosstrainer Strength

Magazine reviews

Fitness March 2000
See 4 other videos they reviewed
	"Includes a great mix of cardio and toning..."

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Detailed specifications • Minute-by-minute graphs • Descriptions by certified instructors

Level:		Advanced

Aerobics impact:		Lower

Aerobics choreography:		Basic

Toning emphasis:		Upper & Lower body

Emphasis details

Toning Emphasis

Upper body:		15 minutes	(39%)
Lower body:		15 minutes	(39%)
Upper/lower:		2 minutes	(6%)
Abs:		6 minutes	(16%)

	(includes toning in aero/tone intervals)

Instructor:		Pam Cauthen Meriwether
		Instructor profile

Customer rating:

(average of 3 customer ratings)


FREE SHIPPING in orders over $25	In-stock: Yes	Item #7335	$19.95

Time graph for The Firm: Crosstrainer Strength

To maximize results, you’ll intermix three workout formats: alternating aero/tone intervals, pure floor toning, and blended aero/tone segments (e.g. raising your heart rate with a fast-paced progression of upper-body dumbbell work and lower body squats). Includes a huge variety of toning moves, from push-ups and lunges to pulsed ab curls and tricep dips. The program emphasizes slow, deliberate moves (while still keeping your heart rate elevated). The aerobics are not-too-choreographed while the toning is intense with long body-sculpting intervals. The video features the Firm’s usual superb photography and jazz-type soundtrack. Requires at least two sets of 3 to 15 lb. dumbbells and 1 to 5 lb. ankle weights. They use a 10-inch and a 14-inch step; a regular step will also work (the aerobics does not use the step; it’s used for the toning). Barbells or a body bar are suggested. ©1995.

Customer Reviews (or write your own review)
The Firm: Crosstrainer Strength

*The star rating system began in April 2007. Reviews posted before then do not have stars.
Great for Strength
To those who don't like this because there is not enough cardio - this is not supposed to be a cardio workout, that is why it is called Strength! This is a great strength workout, you have to do weighted workouts AND cardio workouts not just cardio. - posted by Jenn on 10/26/2005

Great Strength Workout
I do love these 2 crosstrainers. I have been doing The Firm exclusively for about 2 1/2 yrs. and my only complaint is that sometimes the workouts are imbalanced-not enough work for each muscle group. Firm Strength does delivery-I always feel everything got a great workout and my TRICEPS are SORE! I wish there were more Firms with more cardio mixed with the weight work, though... - posted by Marye Eveland on 6/16/2005

I like it....
...but I do prefer Firm Cardio, its counterpart. Pam is a terrific instructor, the pacing of the exercises is good, and it is a challenging workout, particularly if you go heavy on all sections. I agree that there isn't much cardio -- but the cardio that there is is low impact. I would recommend it if you want a good cardio/sculpt workout -- but I'm not going to count it among my top 5 favorites.PS- your triceps get a GREAT workout! - posted by on 9/6/2004

An excellent video if you have time to do it
I liked this video very much because it did not have a lot of funky dance routines. This is a key thing for me. I saw muscle development very rapidly with this (in about 2-3 weeks) and enjoyed doing it very much. - posted by Donna on 8/15/2004

Disappointed
I just wanted to say that I was slightly disappointed with this video. I have become a Firm Believer and was doing this video because it was in one of the rotations but I found it hard to follow at times. The instructor tended to move to quickly at times without proper explaination. Also, I was disappointed to see that she did not give any guidance on how to adapt for more of a beginner. However, overall I think it is a good video workout and I will continue to use it hopefully with practice it will become easier to follow - posted by Becky on 3/13/2004

Not Advanced
I was disappointed with this dvd. The cardio component is minimal. I would rate it intermediate, certainly not advanced. The instructor is very good & pleasant to follow. I agree the set is goofy & the clothes outdated, but was hoping for a great workout. I find the first body sculpt with Jen is by far more advanced & strenuous, I really feel that workout. The cardio sculpt with Allie is a close second. For exceptional cardio you can't beat Super Cardio. I was hoping for much more of a challenge from the Crosstrainer series. I won't be purchasing any more of the older variety. - posted by Leslie on 1/7/2004

Not So Great
I know I'm in the minority here, but I really did not enjoy this tape at all. I got it together with Firm Cardio and hate them both! The set is horrid! It's dark and dreary and you can see the microphone bobbing up and down A LOT! The music is unmotivating. I do like the instructor but that's about it. It's just a boring workout. I couldn't even finish it. I would recommend almost all of the other Firm videos, but not this one or it's counterpart. Buy Super Sculpting or Maximum Body Shaping instead. - posted by Jenni S. on 12/4/2003

hear-pumping strength with great warm-up and stretch
I tend to be somewhat critical of the Firm tapes for the stiff instruction, overworking of the quads and inadequate stretches but this one is great. There is a huge variety of challenging moves which passes the time quickly. There are lots of equipment changes (need a barbell) but every muscle is worked thoroughly. Best of all, the instructor isn't annoying (I find Heidi Tanner on Crosstrainer Cardio barely tolerable) and the stretch at the end actually feels like a stretch. The next day, my butt is sore, not my quads. Great shoulder, tricep and ab work on this one, and I kept sweating the whole time. This one's a keeper! - posted by Shazam on 3/24/2003

Great strength tape!
I have had this tape for many years under the name "Variety". Hadn't done it for some time, but after purchasing some of the new, mostly disappointing Firm tapes, I decided to do this one again. I did it this morning and it is back in my regular rotation once again. While the overdone set is a bit much, the workout is really awesome. It is well choreographed and incorporates every major muscle group. Using variable weights, this workout can be adapted to any training level. The Firm should get back to making more tapes of this caliber. - posted by Bonnie on 3/11/2003

Question
I have been considering buying this video, and I've heard it is absolutely fabulous. But there is one problem: my family tends to have large thighs, and I believe that I also have that tendency. Would this build up my thighs This is my only draw back. Would anyone recommend this for people who tend to build up their thighs Thanx! - posted by KS on 2/24/2003

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Reading a Time Graph

Each workout shows a time graph of the workout sequence, from beginning to end. For example, this workout starts with a 10-minute warm-up and ends with a 10-minute stretch. In between, you'll do aerobics, then toning, then a cooldown.

Segments that include both aerobics & toning
Some workouts combine aerobics and toning. If the aerobics and toning are done at the same time, you'll see a "blended" graph. If the aerobics and toning are done in short, alternating intervals, you'll see an "interval" graph.

Level

Beginner: Just starting out, very overweight or haven't exercised in over six months.

Intermediate: Active in sports, dance or any regular exercise (2 to 3 times per week).

Advanced: Very active in sports or consistently work out four or more times per week.

Aerobics impact

Lower Impact: Both feet never leave the ground at the same time. This minimizes stress on your knees.

Higher Impact: Includes movements like jumps, hops and skips. Very high-impact is called plyometrics.

Mixed Impact: This alternates or combines the above styles.

Aerobics choreography

Basic: The easiest to follow. It ranges from simple walking-style marches to sports and athletic movements.

Complex: More intricate combinations and patterns. They're ideal for people who like to dance.

Moderate: More interesting than Basic, less dancy than Complex.

Toning emphasis

Upper body: Arms, chest and back.

Lower Body: Legs, thighs, hips and buttocks.

Abs: Abdominals (stomach), core and sometimes lower back.

Total body: Tones all three of the above muscle groups.

Step aerobics & toning

Definition: Includes two workout activities. The step aerobics segments involve stepping up and down on a platform. The moves range from simple stepping to more choreographed exercises. These segments require a step bench platform. The toning sections are slow, controlled movements working against resistance. These may include Pilates and weight training.

Benefits: The combination of both activities provides a balanced workout. The aerobics burns calories, strengthens your heart and increases stamina. The toning builds lean muscles, increases your metabolism and makes everyday activities easier.