The Firm Aerobic Workout with Weights, vol. 3. - video recording reviews

American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 1990

THE FIRM AEROBIC WORKOUT WITH WEIGHTS - VOLUME III, STARRING SANDAHL BERGMAN

The famous legs that outran Conan the Barbarian are featured in "The Firm Aerobic Workout With Weights, Vol. III." Actress and dancer Sandahl Bergman succeeds Janet Jones and Susan Harris as the latest beautiful body, counting her way through challenging and advanced level choreography. Once again, we're back in the Caesar's Palace-look alike set with professionally shot camera angles and gorgeous back-up talent. These facts were gleaned from the press materials sent by Meridian Films. No video was sent this year. Instead, several pages of emotionally-charged press notices were included. Some of the comments:

"The certification agencies are modern `flat earth' societies - refusing to believe obvious proof that we're right. They're hurting the cause of exercise."

On the difference between Jim and Tammy Bakker and Jane Fonda: "But the difference was that the Bakkers were dealing in bogus religion and naughty sex, the public and press were outraged. Fonda, however, was only selling bad science."

"Not only is (Raquel Welch's best selling yoga video) claim fraudulent, yoga may cause slight fat gain!"

"The success of `Callanetics' absurd ad claims validates Adolph Hitler's observation: "The great masses of people will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a small one."

"After receiving proof for our ad claims, Fonda's next release took a very different turn - in our direction."

"...the style of workout these agencies endorse (Kathy Smith and Richard Simmons) is utterly generic - which usually means intensely boring."

Definitely not for beginners, "Firm" productions are total body workouts featuring rigorous weight training coupled with cardiorespiratory conditioning. They are filmed like small movies, with production budgets exceeding $300,000. The tapes retail for $49.95, more than twice the price of competing tapes. According to the producers, 5,000 loyal Firm followers paid for the second Firm Workout months in advance just to ensure its production.

Mark Henriksen, Anna Benson and Cynthia Benson of Meridian Films, Inc. are producers of the Firm series, and can be reached at (800) THE FIRM. The editorial staff encourages you to direct your inquiries directly to the producers.