This particular work-out is one of the later work-outs in the FIRM series. It is part of a cross-trainer set and is best used in conjunction with the TORTOISE workout. These are meant to complement each other - the Hare emphasises fast moves with light weights and the Tortoise emphasises slow moves with heavy weights (Women - don't worry, you WON'T bulk up doing any of these, you will just gain beautiful muscle definition and a toned look). The Tortoise and Hare are designed to be done on alternate days to give your body maximal cardio and strength benefits. But they are excellent work-outs on their own as well.
The Hare, being one of the later tapes has great cueing from Tracy long and very safe moves. The work-out is about an hour long and is done to an unusual choice of ball-room music in the background. You will exercise to a tango, cha cha and others. This is NOT a tape for learning these dances. The music is just for different variety from the usual jazzy music found on work-out tapes. If you do not like classic ballroom music, this tape may not be the best for you - although it is still a great work-out. You may want to try the FIRM Cardio and Strength cross trainers instead.
You will need some equipement for this work-out. A set of dumbells (it is good to have at least 2 sets - 3 and 5 pounds for beginning women) and two step boxes (or one with an adjustable height). The heights that work best for the step boxes are 4 inches for the short one and 10-14 inches for the tall box. Once you have the necessary equipment you are ready to go.
Tracy is a great instructor and the moves are not hard to follow. After the first couple of times you will be able to do them effortlessly and have lots of fun. You will work your entire body in the hour and also maintain a good heart rate for cardio.
This work-out can be quite tough and is good enough for intermediate to advanced exercisers. It is however also a GREAT work-out for beginners who want to get more serious about their fitness level and want to advance. Beginners can do this workout without weights and pausing and resting as needed. They will quickly advance to the next level, and the results will be much better than those you will see from typical "beginners" work-outs. This tape is easier to do than the classic FIRMS (volume 1 through 6) and is therefore a better choice for beginners who want to advance to "serious FIRMS".
All in all, I would rate this work-out a perfect ten. Very well researched, brilliantly executed - a classic. But note that you may not like it if you hate ballroom music, if you dislike "serious" instructors who are not enthusiastic balls of energy but rather calm and professional, or if you simply faint at the idea of exercising for a full hour.
For serious results though, this is an excellent choice.
