The FIRM: Hard Core Fusion

Not my favorite but just starting to exercise again so I will keep in rotation

I'm not really one to write reviews for things, but I feel as though these workouts deserve recognition. My first experience with The Firm was a few years ago when I decided to buy and try the Transfirmer series of workouts. I wasn't necessarily a beginner at that time, but man..those workouts kicked my butt! I then ordered the previous body sculpting series videos to rotate to avoid boredom. I had great success with them but for whatever reason, I ended up joining a local gym and the The Firm videos/step began collecting dust. Fast forward to present, a husband and almost 2 year old daughter later, I decided I needed something that worked for me at home bc trying to coordinate a toddler to your desired gym schedule isn't necessarily the easiest task (not to mention wasting so much gas). It dawned on me to re-order some of The Firm workouts, new and older DVDs; no more driving 30 minutes to the gym for me! Let me tell you, as someone who is by no means a beginner when it comes to fitness, these workouts are no joke. I got a better workout with these DVDs than I did at any class or time on the treadmill/elliptical. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who wants to get in shape and get there FAST. I can tell a change in my body already-they promise results in 10 workouts, but you'll see it before then. Trust me. What's also great is that you can make them as easy or as challenging as you desire-increase or decrease your weight. Either way, you'll get a great workout!

Allie delivers the best workouts and fun! Her cues are perfect, her moves controlled and strong, and she allows time between moves so you get the full benefit of working the muscle groups with good form to get great results and prevent injury. AND her verbal guidance is spot on. Allie is definitely a favorite instructor of mine. I’ve quite a few Firm DVD’s now. Love them!

I'm a little late to the party for this -- I've been doing workout videos for longer than I care to say, beginning with the original Firms. Cathe has been my most consistent one, but I decided to rediscover the Firm by trying a couple of the 'pink' ones. This is my favorite so far -- Allie is the best, she is enthusiastic without being annoying, and her cuing is great. This is an interval style in the Firm tradition, and very fun. The cardio segments are mostly low impact and easy to learn, I'm one of the more choreographically (if there is such a word) challenged people around, and by the second time through I was doing them with no problems. This workout is challenging but doable, you really feel good afterwards. If you like the Firm, and I know there are many of us around who do, I would suggest stocking up on any that you don't have but might want, because they seem to be harder to find these days. I know Gaiam owns the Firm now, so who knows what their future is? This one arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Definitely give it a try.

Just did this video this morning and absolutely loved it! Allie has been around for awhile and is very, very good and cueing (even fast-paced)and mixing up the moves!There are tons of lunges in the video, so you really have to be careful and watch your form, but you will feel them working. There was also plenty of arm work, and also cardio.This will defnitely be a good go-to video form me when I want to get everything done in an hour, since the video is just short - 55 minutes.Allison was the instructor to watch for beginners and I know I also "act" as a beginner when doing a video for the first time. She really modifies the moves well but you can get your heart rate up even following her and without the weights.I have beend doing the firm consistently for 6 months now and this was a new purchase for me to mix things up a little and I bought it based on the awesome reviews. I certianly don't regret it and can't wait to do it again!Thanks for all the great reviews, and thank you to Allie and The Firm for this awesome video that will help me stay in shape while in the comfort of my own home!!

Hard Core Fusion is a fun workout that will make you sweat. This workout is full of squats/lunges, so if you have bad knees, I don't recommend it. You need two sets of weights; light and medium. There is a full workout-55 min & an express workout 35 min.The full workout begins with the warm-up then the segments alternate sculpting(5) & cardio(4). Allie has a good mix of upper body exercises - lat row, curls, french press, medial delt lifts, overhead presses, push ups. Some of these are combined with lower body lunges or squats for total body exercises. The cardio segments are fun and intense. Allie's cardio has more hip movement than I am used to.... there are a couple moves that seemed kind of goofy to me. The last segment for scultpting includes side bends and some good core and tri work. She wraps the workout up with some awesome stretches!I recommend this workout for beginners through intermediate-advanced. The intensity level gets high, but doesn't remain there for long. There are modifications for beginners, plus on the bonus features section on the DVD, you can choose "Learn the Moves". It is one of the more enjoyable workouts I've done in a while, which is why I give it 5 stars =)

Allie Del Rio is a brilliant master instructor - demanding and motivating. This workout alternates exercises with dumbells and choreo sections starting with warm up and finishing with cool down. Exercises are simple but effective and doing choreo you will have a lot of fun. Doing this workout regularly you will tone all your muscles. I would strictly recommend this DVD to those who love fitness. Also I completely agree with the previous viewer about this DVD.Just want to mention - when I bought this DVD it was for "All redions" but now it seems only "Region 1" is avalable.

I'm a non-athletic, older woman and it took me a bit to follow all the moves crisply and cleanly. But I'm glad I persevered. After doing it only a half dozen times my entire body feels different. This combination of cardio and weights has really toned me - especially around my rib cage and shoulders. I don't expect miracles, but this is great for my body and brain - it's fast paced, difficult enough that I'm really sweating, and so much better that going on a walk. Having the choice between the hour workout and the half hour workout is a great bonus. I'd recommend this to anyone.