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The Firm: Crosstrainer Strength

Backcover description: A total-body workout that alternates effective upper and lower body weight training exercises. Designed as a pair, Firm Strength and Firm Cardio cross train by varying the sequencing of exercises. Firm Strength shapes muscles by first wo

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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 3 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 19 customer ratings)

Time graph for The Firm: Crosstrainer Strength

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Certified instructor description: 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.

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52 Customer Reviews Or, Write your own review
The Firm: Crosstrainer Strength
Love this!1
I own over 20 FIRM dvds but this one has been the best for me. It has been extremely helpful in my weightloss endeavors. I have not been using them for years and have since gained tons of weight from having babies and stress. I have just ordered this again with hopes of having the same results. As I can remember, the results were amazing. I began to see results from this workout after a week. I can't forget how it made my arms more defined as well as my waist. I am older now, and hope I can still accomplish that look again. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking to loose weight and tone their bodies. - posted by Being a size 12!!! on 4/7/2012

Must Have
The best Firm workout in my opinion easy to follow you will feel this one. - posted by Toni on 2/23/2012

Classic Firm routine fits the bill
I've been doing exercise videos by The Firm for eighteen years. I was getting tired of my old tapes and tried a couple of recently produced dvds by the Firm but they had a lot of high impact moves which I can't do now. This older Firm dvd starring Pam Cauthen (was made to pair with the Heidi Tanner tape), is perfect for me. It uses a short and tall step up box and dumbbells (you really don't need a barbell). There are some impact moves, but they can easily be modified. There is one choreographed section that I haven't mastered yet, but you can simplify it and keep your heart rate up pretty well. I thought this DVD had a lot of emphasis on toning the arms but did a fair job on the other areas. Overall, it was exactly what I was looking for. - posted by Sue on 2/19/2012

great workout
I started strength training with this video and it's companion, Crosstrainer Cardio years ago. I saw a tremendous change in my body, but gradually got away from these videos and started doing more cardio/strength workouts. Looking for something different, I did this video today. I forgot what a great, tough workout it is. I plan to do Crosstrainer Cardio for my next workout and get back into these. I totally agree that the older Firm videos are far better than the new ones, but I wish they would update this one. - posted by nancy on 2/16/2012

Love This Workout ...Thank You For Making it Available on DVD!!!
This is one of my all time favorite workouts. Pam Cauthen is an excellent instructor and takes you through very effective moves that work your entire body. The moves are straight-forward and easy to follow. It is NOT filled with those quick, difficult-to-follow, tricky, dance-y moves that involve a learning curve and seem to take away from the effectiveness of the workout because you're not sure if you're doing it right. I bought Strength on VHS when it first came out and am so thankful that it is available on DVD now. The old Firm workouts are far superior to the newer ones. I am working on getting all of my old Firm faves on DVD, and this one is definitely a must--as well as the rest of the Crosstrainers series! - posted by Lois on 2/9/2012

another golden oldie .. but
You have to laugh a little when you see the crew in their incredibly 80-ish workout wear!! This is an old Firm and they are doing this workout in an elaborate oriental carpeted room! A trip back in time.. however, the workout still has much value. Pam Cauthen Merriweather works your abs, arms and legs very effectively. I am an intermediate execiser and I did feel this one. The aerobic bits are not so challenging, but over all, you will feel like you've gotten a good workout when you get to the end of this DVD. - posted by sandra on 2/2/2012

Still one of the best workouts around!
I started working out at home in 1996 using this, then video, and its companion, Firm Cardio. Together they kept me in super shape. I'm a "Cathlete" these days but sometimes I like something different so I use Firm Strength. It is surprisingly athletic and delivers a great total body strength workout. I still sample it from time to time all these years later. - posted by Amanda on 12/2/2011

A classic from The Firm
I'm not a fan of the Firm since the company was sold back in the 90's. That said, their early workouts, when they were owned by the Benson sisters, are exercise classics and Firm Strength is no exception. Pam Cauthen leads a weights interspersed with cardio workout. I won't break down the exercises as others already have. Suffice to say that this workout, in tandem with Firm Cardio with Heidi Tanner, will definitely give you quick results. Don't be afraid to go heavier - you'll actually lean out. Pam has a low-key engaging presence and cuing is exceptional. Highly recommended. - posted by Pamela on 5/12/2011

Great Video
This is the first Firm tape I purchased back in 99. I had it in VHS and finally got the DVD. This workout is excellent. It is much better than the new Firm tapes. I am not sure why Firm went to shorter versions, these old tapes give you a much better workout. In addition to the workouts being effective, the women in the video are in great shape and motivate you to try to look like them -- maybe after 10 workouts...right? Anyway, I am a runner (30 miles/week) and find this tape as an effective total body strength training workout. It if is getting too easy, I add more weights. One of my favorites. Highly recommend you try it. - posted by Elizabeth on 4/26/2011

love it
I love this video. I had it on VCR tape but updated to a DVD when we updated our equipment in the exercise room. It is a tough tape but the moves are easy to follow and don't require a lot of coordination of which I have none. I use it twice a week with other routines for variety. - posted by flo on 3/3/2011

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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.