The Firm Wave DVD3 – Rock it off! (40 mins)
Where, oh where do they get these titles? I had to send Bob out of the room for sniggering!
This is a cardio-based workout, with some weights exercises to add to the calorie burn and toning. After reviewing the T-Bow DVD and finding that the cardio bit was just taken from the main workout, I was braced for disappointment with The Firm Wave cardio presentation.
It was different. Woo-Hoo! And not just a bit different – completely different. Again, an instructor with four pals, a different one being Beginner Girl this time, and a routine to blow your socks off!
The warmup combines Aerobics and Step, and is rather faster and more challenging than DVD2, but it will definitely teach you loads of moves. Many people I know are wary of going to Step or Aerobics classes because they feel self-conscious about getting all the moves wrong – and in my experience, even so-called “Basic” classes are way too complex and are more about what the instructor can choreograph and perform, rather than what the class are capable of. So half the class never come back again, because they feel they were rubbish at it, their self-confidence is down in their boots, and they are put off class exercising for ever. Which is a shame, because exercise classes are a wonderful way to lose weight and tone up.
By the time you’ve done this Wave cardio routine a few times, you’ll have all the confidence you need to go to a gym class. It’s clearly and slickly presented and great fun, while not being too complicated.
One thing you never see them do is take a drink of water – make sure you keep sipping throughout or you’ll get dehydrated.
Hand weights come next, with some toning moves for arms, legs, and back. There’s some really good, innovative stuff here; I’m going to borrow some ideas to use in our classes – that’s how well-thought out and original this is.
Next comes more cardio, and another Step routine (beginners may get a bit left behind here, but don’t give up. Just shuffle and hop like I do; 2 moves behind and using the wrong leg. It all counts as exercise!)
Now we’re into rocking – with weights. This engages your core and challenges your balance; the floor exercises will work muscles you were unaware of! Quite a lot of getting up and down here, so get up safely. More aerobics over and around the Wave – even Miss Perky the instructor was sweating. Lots of Boxercise-type kicks front and back to work legs and buns.
More weights work – this time balancing on the Wave curve-down. I was panting like an old dog by this point. Again, all muscle groups are worked, until I felt my legs were going to leave home and live in Hawaii. Another aerobics routine followed, for those of you still alive!
Ab exercises followed – Miss Perky the Torture Queen still wasn’t done with us. Crunches, Reverse Curls and Leg Extensions target the mid-section from all angles – Feel The Burn!
Finally comes the cooldown, followed by a full body stretch; feels so good. That was one hell of a workout! In a good way, I mean – do this one regularly, and results are guaranteed.
This Firm Wave DVD includes a 20 minute workout, taken from the above, which is perfect if you are short of time. Be safe, pick the level you are ready for, and enjoy!
All the best,
Carol J Bartram
(Personal Trainer & Pilates Instructor)
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