FitPrime Lower Body Burn reviews [Archive]

LoriInND

March 21st, 2005, 10:37 AM

There is a lot of familiar music in this workout. It begins with a warmup with squats and arm raises with a dowel. Next is abs, (same music as abs from Weights First), bridge, and more abs. There are hover squats, one legged squats, pelvic tilts and spinal rotations set to the Spanish-sounding (leg press) music from Weights First. Next is a series of static lunges, duck squats, and leg extensions for D and ND legs (I believe the music is from Core First in this sequence), with easy cardio in between. There is a 4-limbed aerobic segment. I can't remember what was next, but at the end is a wonderful pilates and yoga segment. Tamela and Carol are so graceful. Melissa gives clear cueing. My average heart rate was not terribly high at 109, but did read out 21 minutes in my "zone."

Tarheels

March 21st, 2005, 12:15 PM

Lori, thanks so much for reviewing this one. I was very interested in hearing about it!

TinaT.

March 21st, 2005, 12:18 PM

How intense is this workout for the lower body? Did you feel well worked by the end?

LoriInND

March 21st, 2005, 04:27 PM

The intensity seemed pretty low. That said, I am already feeling DOMs setting in to my buns, but also need to consider that I did do Lean right before it. I felt worked out and energized, but not wiped out.

beospenser

March 22nd, 2005, 03:34 AM

I would rank this as an intermediate workout. Lots of slow burn type moves (slow box climbs, etc). I would have liked some regular old tall box climbs....I just never feel a workout is complete with those! The lunges are very nontraditional, and again, done very slowly.

Melissa is a natural instructor. She has a great conversational speaking style with you throughout the workout. Very likeable and explains the purpose or correct posture for the moves well throughout.

I liked this workout and for those looking for an easier substitution for the classic Standing Legs, this might fit the bill.

snora

March 22nd, 2005, 04:12 AM

I am doing this one today. Can't wait!

Firm Believer

March 22nd, 2005, 05:51 AM

I wonder if this would be a good one do before a short cardio workout. :confused:

jennsteele

March 22nd, 2005, 06:38 AM

I thought Melissa was an amazing instructor--her cueing was crystal clear, and even mostly asleep with menstrual cramps I only missed one cue (and I'm notoriously clumsy!!).

This workout was a weird mix for me. I'm coming back after an illness by doing the FitPrime rotation, so keeping it low-key was, well, key, but the pilates-inspired parts DESTROYED me and I actually had to skip a few reps. My average HR was 105 and I spent 13 minutes in my aerobic zone.

My favorite part was when she said something like, "you have my leave to get sassy". I burst out laughing.

I can't say how much I've missed workouts like this--high quality and enjoyable even during the "easy" parts!!!! I can't wait until tomorrow's...

:)
jenns

hill4

March 23rd, 2005, 02:09 AM

I can't wait to try this one. I liked standing legs, but whoa! one tough workout. In fact, I have not done it in over 6 months. Thrilled to hear this is like that but less grueling and intense. :) I don't remember the last time that I woke up excited to work out. This is so great. I'v been working out since 1982 (the original firm), and like so many of you guys have said, this is just what I needed. :D Hill

snora

March 23rd, 2005, 05:28 AM

Melissa is superb! Usually, it takes me a while to warm up to new instructors. Not Melissa - she is just great. Anna - you must use her again.

The workout itself was also quite good. I followed her exactly - only using wgts when Melissa did. However, I did do the towel cardio on my rebounder. Next time I will use wgts during hovers and plies to increase intensity (she didn't). Also, it took a while to reach my target HR, so next time I plan to do one of the cardio segments right after the warmup.

The workout is intermediate, but it would be easy to make it more advanced with heavier wgts. I will be doing this workout a lot.

carolk

March 23rd, 2005, 05:35 AM

Do the instructors say what weights they are using, or do they just say heavy, medium or light?

kepi

March 23rd, 2005, 05:44 AM

They mainly say, medium, light or heavy, which is my preference.

In either Lean or Pump, the instructor did say to grab 3 or 5 lb. dumbbells for standing shoulder work.

kkallus1

March 23rd, 2005, 01:45 PM

I got my set today and started with this one. It was a really good, fun workout. I worked up a sweat by using heavier weights and cracked up at some of Melissa's comments. I have to say that her cueing is excellent. I didn't miss a step because she does such a great job of " lead ins" I also thought the stretch at the end was well choreographed. Each move really flowed into the next. I am off until Tues, so I will have a chance to enjoy an new workout each day before I go back to work.

stephanie932

March 23rd, 2005, 04:44 PM

Well........I previewed and did Lower Body Burn. I have to say...... the music and quality of these are much, much better than another instructor who just had a big release!!! And I loveeeeeeeeee this other instructor......but, when I saw this on other threads on other boards......I thought, no way......but they really, really are. The music just seems to pump right out of the television at you. And the set........and the quality........and just everything!!!!

I'll do the best that I can with a review.......But just know.....lower body work is NOT my favorite...in fact......I hate it! The only reason I did this one was because 1.) The dvd was lose in the case when I got it and I wanted to make sure it was okay. And 2.) It was the 1st workout on the FitPrime rotation and I'd like to try that for 4 weeks.

I really liked the workout!!! Melissa Grill does an awesome job of cuing and explaining why you do the moves as she directs you. I have to say......I wasn't nearly as graceful as she and the others are when I did this, but I'm sure I'll get better. It does involve alot of core work, and I know I have to work on this.

For this one you needed light dumbells (I used 3 lbs.), 2 yoga blocks, high step, towel (I used cathe's stretchie band), and a dowel (I used my barbell unloaded). Can I just tell you........I thought these were to be easier than the KickButts......and OMG.......I couldn't do everything!!!! So, now I'm really, really worried about the KickButts.....lol I'm hoping it is because I'm coming off 6 days w/o exercise because of the flu......but my legs are seriously sore!!!

She started you off with a ton of squats......slow and up to tempo, using the dowel and twisting.....then she goes into these bridge thingies for your glutes/abs.......my working leg was literally shaking.....and this was still the first song!!! lol I'm wimpy!!! Then somewhere in the mix you do leg presses but you graduate from just pushing on your heel that is on the step, to getting some air under the leg you lift and just keeping a bend in the leg that is on the high step.....then finally you do these leg presses but super slow......ay yiiiiiiiiiiiiiii yiiiiiiiiiiiiii.......I'll say it again......I'm wimpy!!! I think you get the picture. She finished you off with some yoga and I really liked that (I've done pilates but not yoga).

It was a solid, solid workout.........I was impressed and sort of sad that I couldn't do everything because I really thought I could. And then, on the other hand, I'm happy I can't do everything because then it's something for me to work up to. I really enjoyed this workout and would give it an "A"!!!

http://www.boomspeed.com/stephanie932/vidiots/stephanie.gif

stefs

March 25th, 2005, 03:51 AM

I just finished doing this workout.

I agree with everything everyone said about the instructor, Melissa. She has excellent cuing, has awesome form and is just cute! The set is quite nice after seeing the "new" FIRM backgrounds and the "old" FitPrime backgrounds. It is just so refreshing.

I liked the workout, but did not feel 'worked out' when it was done. I used 5 and 12 pound weights. I followed what she did exactly - no modifications.

The best section (for me) was the 'leg press' section. The one where you push into the box, 'pop up' you standing leg and finish with slow crouces. I used 12's and will probably use 15's next time. The stretch at the end was SUPERB! I LOVED IT! :)

I did not find it as difficult as the other lower body workouts from Anna. Lower Body Split comes to mind. The cardio, for me, is not really cardio.

I agree with whoever used the comparison of Prime Power Lower Body Shaping with Kim Bartlett. In it, she used the dowel and lighter weights. However, I do use this one in a rotation and use heavier weights.

I am going to try this workout again using heavier weights and not using the dowel in some places.

I can see me using this on my light workout week. You do feel worked out and that stretch at the end makes you feel very tall and refreshed ( did I mention I LOVED IT?)

stephanie932

March 25th, 2005, 05:26 AM

Oh, now I truly feel whimpy if you are using it during your light weeks, stefs!!!

What in the world would I have done wrong that I hurt this bad from doing it? Seriously, I couldn't walk right yesterday (Thursday)......my quads and thighs were hurting soooooooo bad and I did this workout on Wednesday!!!

Today they are stilllllllllll sore!!! Sheesh, you'd think after working out w/ Cathe this wouldn't have snuck up on me like it did!

I'm in total awwwwwwww, stefs that you are feeling no pain! *bows*

stefs

March 25th, 2005, 06:42 AM

Please don't feel wimpy! OH MY!

I can only think of three things -

1. I am doing something SERIOUSLY wrong. Although, I felt that the pace was not fast ( a VERY good thing! ) so I think my form was correct. But, one NEVER knows. That is why I am going to do it again - soon!

2. I have really been working my legs this month. I go on a 4 - 6 week rotation. I have been using 15 lbs. for my leg presses and hover squats - anything leg press/squat related. I do 2 separate leg workouts a week. The other days are Low Max, IMAX 3, Cardio & Weights, Core Cardio 2 and Super Cardio.

3. I didn't have a yoga block and used a book. It wasn't very high. Their yoga blocks looked bigger.

Don't get me wrong - I could feel my legs working (especially during that one sequence you described - the press, the little hop, then the crouch squat - felt that!) My feeling was like the other poster who said she felt worked out, but may have to modify. AND, who knows, maybe I didn't feel it during the workout, but will later. That happened to me on Firm It UP (Slim Series) I got done the workout and thought - okay, a good workout, but....then BAM, the next day I was sore!

I don't know your exercise level. I do know that all workouts effect people differently. So, please, don't feel like a wimp. I bet there are Cathe's you are doing that I could not do as well.

atwin

March 28th, 2005, 03:20 AM

Love Melissa. Excellent workout. I was a wimp as well.

Anita

Bernie2

March 28th, 2005, 05:26 AM

Admittedly I used very light weights (3 lbs.) for this workout because I'm still recovering from a broken wrist (broken during a FIRM step DVD where I fell off the 8" portion of the FL). I haven't been able to exercise for months on a regular basis but I found this workout barely got my heart rate up at all. I don't think there is enough of anything here. I thought the aerobics with the towel was just silly - what is that supposed to do? It's too short to accomplish anything. I felt nothing from the duck squats. I'm hoping the others are a bit harder, as the original FIRMs were. Otherwise, I have to say Karen Voight, Cathe and even Joyce Vedral give a much better workout and even the newer FIRMs are tougher. Sorry, I don't mean to be grumpy. I just felt that it was way too slow and easy and am rather disappointed since I bought the 12 pack.:p

tjc

March 28th, 2005, 10:56 AM

I just got finished with Lower Body Burn. I have to say that I thought it would be better. I liked the bridge work - that was tough, but the heel presses onto the yoga block? What was that? :confused: I used my tall step topper so it was 4 inches but I didn't feel a thing. Plus the segment was so LOOOOOONG.

I also didn't like the duck squats. They felt uncomfortable and silly. I really liked the tall box segment - that I know I'll feel tomorrow.

The "cardio" between the leg work was very easy and I'm sorry - I couldn't get sassy with my towel - I just felt goofy swinging it around and hitting the walls. :o Also, it didn't get my heartrate up at all. I tried making my movements really big but it really didn't do much for me.

I could easily modify this workout to work for me but I just didn't warm up to Melissa at all. I'm really sorry - I hate to post things like that but feel I have to tell the truth. I see she has a ton of fans on this thread already so I don't feel too bad, lol.

Considering the fact that this is the 6th workout I've tried and so far, the only one I haven't liked, I think WHFN has done a magnificent job. :D

Edited to add - I just wanted to add a few more thoughts (Can you tell I feel uncomfortable not raving about a workout!?) I think the reason I'm so disappointed is because during the heel presses on the block, my heartrate dropped so much I couldn't call it AWT like I had hoped and I had such high hopes for this workout.

Another thing, the workout was 52 minutes long and I was just thought there should have been more content. I felt like I had wasted most of those minutes on uneffective moves with really tough ones mixed in.

My last thought is this - I know Anna is thinking of making "parts" workouts and IMHO, the final stretch on this DVD is fantastic. Definitely the best one I've tried so far. I hate parts DVDs but just a thought...

Apryl

March 28th, 2005, 03:54 PM

I appreciate your honesty, TJC. I don't have this one, but am so curious!

vciera

March 28th, 2005, 07:58 PM

Admittedly I used very light weights (3 lbs.) for this workout because I'm still recovering from a broken wrist (broken during a FIRM step DVD where I fell off the 8" portion of the FL). ...:p

Three pounds is really very light for lower body work, is it possible that the workout is not meant to get your heart rate up as much as to tone your lower body? (I'm previewing it just now - to see the moves). All that said I just did Beachbody's Power Half Hour Thigh Trimmer, uses no weights at all and it kicked my butt.

Reading the calendars "Believe it or not, you need both easy and hard workouts.. Science proves you get better results when you vary the intesity of workouts..." This tape may be the 'easier' workout, mainly toning without the cardio intesity you were looking for

vciera

March 28th, 2005, 08:06 PM

Form issues...anyone notice that Melissa's knees go past her toes when she squats without the balance stick. My knees hurt just looking at that no-no.

I can see the benefit of this workout by previewing it though, I'll be following the calendars in a few weeks, I can't wait to share my results

Apryl

March 29th, 2005, 02:03 AM

Hi Vennitta!
I can't wait to hear of your results!

I totally agree we need different intensities from day to day~ ABB proved that, for myself, I can maintain my fitness level and even increase it with lighter workouts. Working out smarter is key. Having said that, I still enjoy a kickbutt workout... pun intended! :)

Bernie, I hope you're soon able to heavy up on those weights.

sidneygirl

March 29th, 2005, 07:49 AM

I'm kinda like tjc in that I thought this would be better. Maybe it's because I've been doing Cathe's Legs and Glutes, but this was super easy for me, and I don't think of myself as "advanced". That is not to say that I don't think it should be a part of the group of workouts. A while back, before I started working legs, it would have been an okay starter workout for me. I used to hate squats and (plee-a's) :p (can't spell either).....and this workout doesn't go overboard on them. But for me now, there aren't enuf of them. I also couldn't get into the heel press on the block. I started out that way, but then switched to my high step AND used 10 pound weights. I just didn't really end up feeling like I had a good lower body workout....I feel I need to do something else because there wasn't enuf cardio to call it my cardio workout either. Just kinda disappointed.

I'm loving my other FitPrimes, and looking forward to getting the KickButts, but this one I'll probably give away to someone getting started.....and get Them hooked on FitPrimes too ;)

~~tracy

Bernie2

March 29th, 2005, 11:07 AM

I'm going to get my yoga blocks tonight. I used a broom (like the lady in the class) instead of the FIRM stick which is too heavy for me right now.:rolleyes: I hope to up my weights as my wrist gets stronger. I used to do 8, 10 and 15s. Yikes.

materialsgirl

March 30th, 2005, 06:31 AM

I did Lower Body Burn for the first time this morning. I really enjoyed Melissa - I thought she was a great instructor, fabulous cueing, upbeat and fun. But I really thought the workout was a bit too easy. With that said, however, I will say that I used fairly light weights - it looked like they were using 3's and 5's in the DVD, so that's what I used. I could have easily bumped up my weights and made it more challenging. Next time, I intend to do just that.

For sure, there are lower body workouts out there that are much tougher. But not every workout we do needs to be uber-difficult. If you're left crying from "the burn" after every single workout, exercising loses its appeal and then you never want to do it. And let's face it, we all have times when we just don't feel 100%, or we're recovering from injury or illness. It's because of these things that we need to have workouts like this one handy.

And who knows - maybe tomorrow my legs will be sore. :)

jeanniem

March 30th, 2005, 07:06 AM

I did it this morning with a few modifications:
1) 2 hand held weights with every leg segment.
2) My 6 lb medicine ball for the cardio segments and warm up
3) Short lunges instead of “on the block” moves
It was great!

Martha E

March 30th, 2005, 01:50 PM

I did Lower Body Burn for the first time this afternoon. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I loved it. I did it as designed, using my own version of light and medium weights and using the stick when it was called for. I prefer keeping the stick for the leg work and using a single dumbbell, because I think doing this challenges the muscles in a different way than holding a dumbbell in each hand.

I think the heel press, etc. on the block mimics stepping onto a curb or another uneven surface (walking on unlevel ground, for example)--an everyday move that requires balance, knee and ankle strength and stability, etc. You may feel it more if you substitute tall box work, but you won't get the same benefit (IMHO). If the block seems too easy, try it on an inflatable balance disc/cushion. I also think the tall box work is designed to improve balance and knee and ankle strength and stability by hitting the muscles differently and putting different demands on them.

I love using the blocks for ab work and may start incorporating them into some of my other workouts.

One thing I may do differently next time is to use a medicine ball in place of the stick in the warmup and the hover balance segment. Another is to add a dumbbell in one hand in the lunge kiss segment.

Melissa is great, as have been all the instructors so far. The cuing and form pointers are excellent.

Oh, and I really, really loved the music, especially for the stretches (which were superb). The jazzy Beethoven in particular put a big smile on my face!

fionaangel

April 3rd, 2005, 08:15 AM

Yikes!!! Maybe I've been doing too much cardio lately...but, ooooh, this one really hurt!! :eek: I found the duck squats to be effective because I really felt them in my outer thighs, not just the quads, like regular squats. My yoga block (from Target) seems to be thinner than the one Melissa uses, and I think that made the moves even harder. Have done Lean, Pump, UBB, and now this one. I'm looking foward to doing this one again just to see if I've become a little stronger. I'm such a wimp!!:p Claire

TinaT.

April 7th, 2005, 02:00 PM

I viewed this one before trying it and was able to make changes the first time through. I chose to use my purple section of the Firm Fanny Lifter instead of the yoga block for the heal presses. I turned that into a lung/glute squeeze combo and instead of the dowel I held 2 - 5 lb weighs and did up right rows while preforming the lunge part. I held them on the front part of my thighs during the duck squats to add more weight. (not like my thighs need more weight). :rolleyes:

Other than that, I appreciated the slow moves in order to get the good form in. Slow and controlled is always best for me. I'm already feeling muscle soreness setting in.....YEAH!!! :D

gnivol

April 9th, 2005, 03:12 AM

I did not feel very worked-out - next time I do this workout I'm not going to hold the stick and I am going to hold weights (10lbs or more) on my shoulders. That ought to crank it up a notch or two.

Maryann28

April 11th, 2005, 04:00 AM

Loved this one too! It was a perfect compliment to upper body.

No it isnt like Standing Legs or Tough tape--its unique quick and

fun!

Melissa is flawless.

Redeye

April 12th, 2005, 08:52 AM

This was different than my other lower body workouts. I did some moves I haven't done before, but I can say that about every WHFN workout.

It was fun and felt quite easy so why do I have DOMS in my legs and glutes today? :D

I loved the stretch at the end...very relaxing.

tazcatmeow

April 13th, 2005, 09:29 AM

Love Melissa, great instructor. So happy and great cueing. Here I go again, broken record, loved this workout!! I upped the intensity on the squats by using the weighted firm stick and rested it on my shoulders and did overhead lifts instead of frontal lifts. My low back was sorely tested on some of the yoga stretches but 8 hours later and it feels fine. I like the yoga moves. I think it can only improved my flexibility.

susanjm60

April 14th, 2005, 06:28 AM

I did this workout on Tuesday and was a bit disappointed with the low intensity. I did a Firm cardio right after and that made for a good workout. However, yesterday I felt my quads from it. I am going to order the Kick Butt DVD's for hopefully higher intensity. Can anyone suggest a good Fitprime, Kikk Butt combined rotation?

Susan

chatnoir

April 14th, 2005, 10:04 AM

dzupko

April 16th, 2005, 05:03 AM

Seems to be quite a range of responses on this one. Must say I will have to go to the side that finds this way too easy. Actually when I finished I thought it was so slow and boring I was almost asleep. I actually found all 6 Fit Primes quite "easy" - - I really liked the Upper Body and was suprised at how much I liked the Flex Posture. Lower Body Burn - - did not "burn". I wouldn't even classify this as Intermediate - - but Beginner/Intermediate. Actually I found the "style" of all the Fit Primes on par with the GoodTimes Firms (which I bought a few and promptly sold). Must say Lower Body Burn will also go on my "sell" pile. Will try some of the others a second time before I resign them to the "sell" pile too. I really wanted to like these - - however, aside from Upper Body and Flex Posture - - I found them all pretty boring.

vciera

April 16th, 2005, 09:03 AM

hey dzupko,

Sorry to hear that you find the FitPrime workouts too easy. Even though they felt too easy or boring, have you noticed any improvements in your strength, flexibility or definition?

I'll be able to double up if I find these too easy which is great, I've found I get great results with BBH workouts that people call too easy (go figure :D ).

Have you tried the KickButt workouts? Maybe WHFN and Firms just don't click with you

dzupko

April 16th, 2005, 12:44 PM

vciera

April 17th, 2005, 12:04 AM

Venitta -
Actually I have been doing Firm workouts since 1988 - - had all the original Firms, have replaced them as they came out on DVD. It is the comparing the Fit Prime to the original Firm that I find these too easy. My strength, endurance is consistent as I have been working out forever - - I like "tough" workouts - - like to feel like I did something. I shared Strong Bear (Fit Prime not Kick Butt) with a 8 year younger sister and she said she could only get 26 minutes and was I trying to kill her!! I'm just disappointed that most of the Fit Prime just don't "do" anything for me.

I started with Firm workouts about the same time. Actually I had Volume 1 for awhile before I had the guts to try it again :D . For whatever reason my best results came when using the Boomers Workout (in my 20s), Volume 3, Volume 4, Tri-Trainers (which many complained were too easy), Prime Powers (also got complaints about being too easy) I expect the FitPrimes to work well for me also. Now, I'll be doubling up while using the new FitPrimes, not because they may be easy but for other reasons, so it will be a while before I can see how I feel about them as stand alone workouts.

The KickButt Strong Bear is almost identical, just no ball work. I don't like the ball work but I do like both versions.

The workouts that didn't do much for me were Core Cardio1, Core Cardio 2 and Bust Butt (?) the high impact workouts.

Oh well everyone is so different, if you bought all twelve workouts hopefully the KickButts fit the bill for you

vciera

April 18th, 2005, 08:58 PM

I've finally done this workout and in a word EXCELLENT. Now I didn't break a sweat or run out of breath but I definitely felt my small balance muscles working and noticed how my muscles were working more like I was in a dance class. Think about the balance stick and how it was held out, then in and out etc, what do ballet dancers do? Hold their arms in position, creating those non bulky muscles.

If I've pegged this one right, it is to strengthen and elongate. By the time I got to the yoga stretches I was actually feeling lengthened, standing taller and breathing deeper. Now, I don't care for yoga and was a little concerned that the yoga would be a negative for me but no. I'm still breathing deeper, standing taller and feeling, well, good.

Melissa's cueing is wonderful and instruction is terrific, she explains the moves very, very well. I hope she leads future workouts.

A few modifications I made, my knees can't handle hip lifts on the box so I'll try using my six inch box next time, also, the presses into the yoga block again I prefer using my six inch box or the purple section of my fanny lifter

I'm following the FitPrime calendar and am disappointed that LBB :D is not scheduled again until week after next

Tammy

April 23rd, 2005, 01:57 PM

Did this on Thursday, thought it was good, nothing too tough.... HA!! :eek: Friday I could've sworn someone had lowered my toilet seat, because I had doms SO bad it seemed like a LONG ways down!! My quads are still sore today. It was wonderful to have a lower body workout that didn't do an overkill of leg presses!!!!!!! GREAT workout!

vciera

April 23rd, 2005, 04:28 PM

LOL Tammy!

That on sneaks up on you or should I say it sneaks up on your buns and all parts lower body :D . I'm following the calendar and it's not scheduled until after next week (boo :confused: :( )

Hope that toilet seat rises soon ;)

Firm Believer

April 26th, 2005, 04:23 PM

This workout crosstrains beautifully with Lean. Lean has heavy upper body and high rep/low weight lower body work. LBB works the lower body slow and heavy (mostly using body weight) and high rep/low weight upper body work. :cool:

crafter1255

May 10th, 2005, 04:13 AM

Did FP Lower Body Burn for the second time today. I can really feel the tightness in my "cheeks". Everyone has been telling me how thin I look & I really have not been eating "clean". I'm attributing it to the FP rotation I've been doing. Love these workouts!!!:D

Tarheels

May 10th, 2005, 06:10 AM

Crafter, congrats on the results! :D

teacher100

July 3rd, 2005, 02:02 PM

Returning to a more fitprime rotation, after completing the kickbutt rotation that was included in the workouts. I so remember how I loved this workout! There is no "dread-factor" and I feel lean, but worked.

kittygirl

July 6th, 2005, 01:25 PM

I tried this for the first time last night after previewing it about 7 times (lower body workouts make me nervous) and I am glad to say I LOVED it! This was the first time I have felt my hamstrings work during any workout I have ever done. One modification I made was the heel presses to the purple portion of the GT fannylifter b/c my foot print kept sinking in the block (this annoyed me), & I figure as my legs get stronger, I can up that to an 8-10 inch step for that segment.
The ab portion killed my abs, so when she added challenges, for now I opted to keep it out and use good form doing what we initally were doing.
I really liked using the yoga block underneath me when doing bridge work. I felt like I was able to maintain form and really work my muscles better than without the block.
My lower body is very weak, I have done Standing Legs, lowerbody scult 1, and Lower Body Split all from The Firm and gave them to others b/c I hated the 100 lunge/dip/leg press/plie stuff. They were too intense for me and my knees killed me and I expected the same from this workout, but I am happy to say I was wrong.
The leg press segement was great, not too many, but I had to use the blue portion of the GT FL since th 14 is too much for me to do right now.
The only question I did have concerning this workout was the plie postion. I noticed that unlike the old Firms where your legs are pulled to either side with toes pointed outwards, everybody took a squat postion with their legs further than hip width apart. Is this a newer/safer way of doing plies?
I also felt Melissa was great for this workout, the expalations, attitude etc were great and I thinki for a beginner to excersise she made the 48 minutes very nonintimidating and encouraging.

fredcate

July 9th, 2005, 09:43 AM

I just love Melissa as an instructor! She's so clear and concise with her instructions.I also missed the regular high box leg ;) presses and didn't think I would really be affected by the s........l............o...........w ones BUT have DOMS of both legs today.These workouts are so inspiring!This forum also really helps to keep me motivated.

whiterose1

September 3rd, 2005, 02:18 PM

Beadaddict

November 14th, 2005, 03:57 AM

I've done this DVD and at first I thought it wasn't intense enought but, the next day I felt it and I liked it! The only thing I wasn't happy about in this workout and one of Kelly's is that the camera stayed on Tamela Hastie. Don't get me wrong I don't dislike Tamela I truly enjoyed her in the "Cores" from the Firm but,you couldn't hardly get into this one because the camera stayed on Tamela and she was moving a bit faster and threw me off because you couldn't hardly follow and concentrate on Melissa's cuing. My opinon but, you'd think the workout was Tamela's, that's what I didn't like about this one but, it is a keeper. ;)

Beadaddicthttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/cool.gif

crm549

November 14th, 2005, 06:11 PM

This is my least favorite workout. What I like with the Fitprimes is that I can consentrate on using my heaviest weights and still get a great workout. But I did not get a good workout with this one. If I do this one again I will have to add another video with this one like Firm Hips, Thighs and Abs or Core Secret Bun Battle.

This is my least favorite workout as well. I probably should do it again because it has been a long time since I have done. It is not one I add into my rotations and because I have so many lower body workouts - it is hard to see where to put it.

Saundra