TODAY'S WORKOUT: The Firm - Complete Aerobics & Weight Training (BSS2)

This is another new workout that I rented from Netflix. I did so without checking the equipment list first. Turns out, it conveniently requires the use of a couple pieces of equipment made exclusively by The Firm, masters of the infomercial. I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on equipment only to discover I don't like the workout, so I was about to send the disc back. I happened to mention this to my mother-in-law earlier this week and, amazingly, she actually owns the equipment I needed. She stopped by today and dropped it off. Behold, The Firm Fanny Lifter and Sculpting Stick.

If you can manage to ignore the ridiculous names, the equipment was pretty useful. When stacked together, the total height of the two step pieces is 14", which made for some rather challenging sections of the workout. The bar, which Mr Moo and I are now amusingly referring to as a Klingon Pain Stick, is weighted (9lbs total) and has removable end pieces that can be used as hand weights. It's used repeatedly throughout the workout as both resistance and as a support for balance when doing high steps. The one thing I disliked about this whole workout was the workout itself. I don't think the instructor cued well enough and she didn't do nearly enough reps of any of the exercises. By the time I saw what she was doing and set up to do it myself, she was already moving on to something else. I'm sure if I did this one a few times, I would be able to keep up better, but I still wouldn't be happy with the lack of repetitions. I'd rather do one of my other weight training workouts that focuses more on working the muscles thoroughly instead of trying to cram so much into the workout. I think I'll try another one or two of The Firm workouts before completely giving up on the series.