KickButt Push Pull Reviews

[Ginger]

Please place your KickButt Push Pull reviews here. :)

[Susiewow]

I went out to my localBorders and Books and found one DVD left. I went home and put my 2 year old down for a nap and did the workout. I know you are supposed to preview them first, but I couldn't help it.
Boy, was I sweating after. I really enjoyed this workout. Heidi Tanner looks so good. The quality is great. I feel sore all over and haven't sweated this much in ages. I am used to doing the BBS 1-3 workouts so this was a treat. I loved the old FIRM workouts and this was like them.
The cardio was mostly kickboxing and the weightlifting varied from legs to upper body. The tall step segment turned my legs into jello. The triceps also got their own workout four seperate times. The hover squats with overhead presses for the arms made me catch my breath. The yoga-pilate-stretch at the end made me feel taller and calmer. Overall I loved this workout. Heidi was wonderful. YOu could tell that she was out of breath on some segments and that made me want to work harder knowing that she was as winded as I was.
Now I wish I would of waited to order the complete set. Oh well,
Susie

[lynneo]

Susie, thanks for the review!

[hiho322]

Is Push Pull like any of the original FitPrimes, or is it a new one? If it's new, how would you rate it in intensity? Is it a really tough one, or more for an intermediate exerciser?

[carolk]

Push Pull was remade from From the Ground Up.

[jeanie]

I just completed Push Pull. Since I'm a big fan of "From the Ground Up", it's no surprise that I loved this workout (even though you DO wear shoes in this onehttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/redface.gif)!

Here's my stats:
51 minute workout
115 average hr
29 minutes in zone
235 calories burned

If you've done FTGU, you'll find these two are very similar, from the music to the moves. This time, however, Heidi pairs up with Kimberly. Kimberly does the cardio (boxing) sections, and she is an awesome instructor! I don't know where she's been hiding, but she's a natural. As someone else mentioned, she looks like a young Gina Davis. My only regret is that after Kimberly does her cardio segments, she "disappears" off camera. I wish they would have kept her as a background exerciser. Narty is one of those background exercisers, and the camera flashes to her often. She looks wonderful -- fit and pretty as ever.

I believe the cardio sections might be a little easier in this version, because some of the impact moves are replaced with kicks and marches. The strength sections seem almost identical.

Again, the production quality is great. The colors are vibrant and the music is clear and motivating.

If you don't have FTGU, you NEED this workout. If you do have FTGU, you'll probably want it anyway.http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/wink.gif

[jeanniem]

Very much like the original FTGU but Heidi'd form is even better! Kimberly leads the kickbox segments and I found her style warm, friendly and energenic (seems crazy to mention it, but she really blended well with Heidi). The beginning stretch was moved more toward the end of the workout, no ankle weights and the pushups were separated from the back work. I love this workout. As tough as the original for me!
Again - fab production quality and cast!

[kepi]

Here's my stats and comments:
Warm-up, Strength, and Cardio only:
41:38 minutes total time
24:4 7minutes in my THRZ
122 average heartrate
225 calories burned
50% fat

poundage used:
Billy balls for cardio
10 lb. dumbbells for compound moves and tall box climbs
12 inch tall box for climbs
14 inch tall box for hover squats and 10 lb. dumbbells for shoulder work
pushups-used 8" tall box, slow set done on my toes and fast set on my knees
triceps dips & triceps pushups-used my pushup bars
triceps overhead extensions-20 lbs.
triceps kickbacks-8 lbs.
tall box climbs with shoulder work-grabbed my 3 lb. genie balls. Next time I'll use my 5 lb. dumbbells
back work-15 lb. dumbbells and I modified the one arm rows
dumbbell chest flyes-10 lb. dumbbells
pullovers-10 lb. dumbbells

contributing factors:
today was my second day of my TOM. I was pretty shaky during some of the strength work. This very rarely happens.

Core Work and Stretch:
13 minutes
zero percent in my THRZ
100 average heartrate
30 calories burned
60% fat

The intensity of the cardio has definitely been watered down, but since I was feeling a bit shaky during the strength work, I actually welcomed the lower intensity. http://forum.videofitness.com/images/smilies/smile.gif This workout felt tough to me. I'm not sure if my TOM is contributing to its toughness, or if this type of strength training is the contributing factor.

I enjoyed this version much more than the first. I never thought that the production quality would make such a difference, but it really does. The music is so crystal clear, and I find myself really engulfed by the music.

[Firm Believer]

I did this workout with the original version playing side by side. I think it is more intense aerobically now and had a hard time keeping my heartrate under 80%. One of the greatest improvements is that the "warmup stretch" has been moved to right between the cardio and floorwork. That way you get into the aerobic zone early and stay there. :D I LOVED this workout!I would classify it as Intense Total Body Cardio Sculpt.

[kepi]

I did this workout with the original version playing side by side. I think it is more intense aerobically now and had a hard time keeping my heartrate under 80%. One of the greatest improvements is that the "warmup stretch" has been moved to right between the cardio and floorwork. That way you get into the aerobic zone early and stay there. :D I LOVED this workout!I would classify it as Intense Total Body Cardio Sculpt.

Hi Lisa. I really liked the warm-up section before the floorwork, too! Like you, I LOVE this workout. :)

[carolk]

Collage has the Push Pull/Steamin' Cardio DVD on their web site now. I was surprised to see that they classified it as Intermediate. They classify most FIRMs as Inter/Advanced.

[Martha E]

Collage has the Push Pull/Steamin' Cardio DVD on their web site now. I was surprised to see that they classified it as Intermediate. They classify most FIRMs as Inter/Advanced.

At the risk of seeming unkind, I don't think Collage's evaluator(s) has much knowledge about or experience with workouts that incorporate a lot of functional fitness.

[sherry]

I don't think it's unkind. I find that sometimes their classification is a bit off from what we tend to think here. I am just dying here waitng for mine. FTGU is my favourite so I'm really excited for this workout! Thank you for the reviews everyone.

[hill4]

Thanks for the reviews guys. I got my 12-pack in the mail yesterday and did Lean and well, what can I say it is fabulous! Can't wait to do Push Pull. Add me to the list of FTGU fans. One of my all time favs. I am in workout heaven right now. I l am so thrilled and thankful that BBH has "done it again." Hill:D

[dzupko]

I haven't received the FitPrime 6pack yet - I didn't order the KickButt because I didn't really want duplicates. I broke down and ordered the KickButt from Barnes & Noble - and did the Push&Pull the other day. I would have to agree with the Collage review - - this is Intermediate. The box says Push & Pull yet Heidi calls it From the Ground Up. I liked the work-out however, it didn't KickButt. I really like working out with Heidi however, found Kimberly especially annoying - - possibly it is because she "bounces" in and out. I've been working out forever - - - loved the original Firms - - was glad when Fit Prime appeared, and glad these are coming out. I'm in my mid-40s but have yet to find any workout that really kicks my butt.

[tjc]

I just finished PushPull. I have to admit, I've never been a huge fan of Heidi and wasn't thrilled she was leading so many workouts. I didn't dislike her, just didn't love her. Boy, did she change my mind! She is a natural in front of the camera. She looked totally comfortable and just - natural! Now I'm very happy she is leading so many! :D

Kimberly did fine with the cardio sections, her knee smashes were more like knee raises but I just added some intensity to them.

I liked the exercises - the leg press segment was fun and different from anything I've ever done. The tall box climb with the shoulder raises was great - I definitely need to work on my shoulders! :)

I loved the corework at the end and all the stretches. I felt so good afterward.

I'm going to have a hard time doing the rest of the workouts and staying away from this one - it was fun and just the right intensity for me. Loved it!

[Apryl]

I *just* finished Push/Pull! YUM! I really liked FGU, but this.. (Can I say it?) has something FGU doesn't. It has that special old Firm made new--magic. It's great! I like Kimberly real well, and I've always adored Heidi.

What was SO special was "sharing" the workout w/my "old friends" Carol & Narty! It was coming back home to a little reunion. They both, not suprisingly, looked wonderful!

Thank you, WHFN!!! I have MY Firm back!!!

[Maryann28]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Cant wait to do this one... I am so happy that Heidi is basically leading this again! Heidi is From the Ground Up to me! And Kimberly for the Kickboxing--yeaaaaaaa!

I absolutely agree with April-- The Firm is Back :-)

[jeanniem]

I *just* finished Push/Pull! YUM! I really liked FGU, but this.. (Can I say it?) has something FGU doesn't. It has that special old Firm made new--magic. It's great! I like Kimberly real well, and I've always adored Heidi.

What was SO special was "sharing" the workout w/my "old friends" Carol & Narty! It was coming back home to a little reunion. They both, not suprisingly, looked wonderful!

Thank you, WHFN!!! I have MY Firm back!!!

That is exactly how I feel. Now if they would only clock in at 60-65 min I'd be in heaven!

[jaclynmarie]

I was thrilled with this workout. Definitely an improvement (intensity wise) from FTGU. I LOVE it !!!!!

[belle411]

I finally did this w/o!! I've had the retail DVD for over a week already. :rolleyes: I really enjoyed it very much. Heidi looked great, and Kimberly looked great. It's too bad that they didn't have the instructors go back into the class as background exercisers like Vol. 4 - I would have liked to see Kimberly do those crouch leg presses! LOL Both of the them were wonderful leads, and I like their coordinating outfits.:D

I'm not sure why, but the cardio segments felt much easier than FTGU (granted, I haven't done FTGU in a LONG time, so this is based on just impressions). I didn't really mind though b/c my quads were hurting from the presses & lunges. I liked the core work at the end too. It felt like a well-rounded w/o, with both lower and upper body work.

Does it even need to be said that the production is awesome? And Narty looks great in her yellow top - you can recognize her immediately! Heidi is so cute, b/c you get the sense that she wanted to be barefoot again.:)

[gitupnmove]

Who knew kickboxing could be so cute! You go Kimberly!

Heidi, what more can I say..(bowing on bended knees with palms flat on ground). Awesome as usual!

This one's a keeper.

[Redeye]

I just finished Push Pull and I really, really, really loved it. I wasn't sure I'd like it because I don't like change and I was crazy about FTGU, but this was a nice surprise.

The intensity was just right for me (high intermediate/low advanced) -- like everyone says, I felt worked out not wiped out. Also, my neck and back feel especially good right now (Yoga!).

I have to admit I can see lightening bolts shooting off my glutes right now, but I was already pretty lit up from Crunch Time's phoenix, and Floor Burns floor work.

I'm sooo happy with these workouts! I don't want to do anything else.:D

[windyh]

I just did this one today and I loved it. I kept thinking about it all day and I'm eager to do it again. I think it can get even better when I get the moves and form down. Those tall box pushups were brutal for me. There were so many new, original moves that made this workout so much fun. Can't wait to try Steaming tomorrow.

Windy

[ShowBeagles]

I'm in my mid-40s but have yet to find any workout that really kicks my butt.

You're kidding me!? Have you done "Weight's First" using 10LB wieghtS for the lunge segments????:eek:

[ShowBeagles]

I REALLY liked this workout!!!!!!!!!! I LOVED the vibrant colors of the workout clothes!! I loved the music and the tempo's! I have not been a huge Heidi fan but she really was great in this production! I will definitly do this workout often. My only complaint was that the floor work was a little boring/routine compared to the high energy of the first 3/4 of the workout.

Anna and crew you have listened to what we want and delivered! THANKYOU!:D

BTW, Narty looks too darn good!!! She looks better than she did five years ago. I want to know her secrets!

[gnivol]

I guess I'm the odd person out here. I did not care for this video. The actual workout was fine, I just found Heidi's non-stop talking to be very annoying. The one thing I had always loved about the Firm tapes was there was very little talking. I have already given this video to a friend, and I don't care if she gives it back.

[sgnoemi]

I have all 12 new dvds and have done all of FitPrime. This one was my first Kickbutt workout and I got to say this is my favorite so far. I loved the kickboxing and the pushups/leg lifts combos. The moves are so creative.

[Tarheels]

I have to say, From the Ground Up is one of my all-time favorite workouts, and that's saying A LOT because I have a huge collection. That said, this workout was wonderful, amazing, and perfect.

FTGU will always be absolute perfection to me, but this is pretty darn close (there are just a couple segments/moves that I miss from the first one).

Also, I started out with no shoes on for nostalgia's sake, but I put them on about 15 minutes in because I felt I would get more out of the cardio that way.

Are folks still doing this one barefoot?

[TinaT.]

I'm not doing it barefoot. Though, I didn't do FTGU barefoot either. :p My arches won't take the pressure. I love this revised version so much better. Not sure why. Kimberly is absolutely wonderful. Though, I'm waiting for my replacement copy as the sound is all messed up. :(

[Bernie2]

I actually did not like this workout. I didn't care for the way Heidi and Kimberly kept switching off - found it distracting - and I didn't like the last aerobic segment, though I think Kimberly and Heidi on their own are great. I also thought the CW music during the back segment was pretty dorky and the faux jazz during some of the floor work just irritated me. Too bad, because the actual exercises were great with the exception of the constant switch of instructors. I'll probably do it again because it's a good tough workout, but I really prefer just about every other workout I've done so far.

[snora]

I did this yesterday for the first time. I am not sure which I prefer, the old FTGU or the new PP. I will have to do them both over again. FTGU was my favorite of the old FPs, so of course I love PP, too. I can say that I missed going barefoot! I did not wear wgts for floor and core work like I did on the old tape. Ironically, I found my floor MORE effective as I could really nail my form w/o the wgts.

[tinab]

I have been working out with Anna since 1988 and I just had to say...again, that she truly is a genius.

These are the best workouts on the market anywhere. I ordered the 12pack set and have cycled through all of them. I'm 45 years old and in better shape than most young people that I know because of Anna.
Push Pull is an improvement on FTGU with an old FIRM feel. I always feel like I'm working out with a bunch of people that I know and never feel like I need the health club experience.
Thank you Anna, and please keep the workouts coming!
Tina

[PhyllisG]

I really like all the KB workouts and just finished PushPull which I thought was great. Question--does anyone know what song (it has vocals) is playing during Heidi's lunge segment towards the beginning of the workout? Once again I think the Bensons are ahead of their time. These workouts make others look dated. Remember they were the ones who really introduced aerobic weight training for which they were criticized and also the tall box step ups. I always feel great after these workouts.

[hill4]

I did this workout yesterday morning (3rd time)...loved it, then last night I had extra time and energy so I did SC (4th time) and loved it again as well. These workouts are fabulous. I just can't say enough good about them. BTW, I have already seen results. One of which being I am sleeping better than I have in long time. Gotta love the fusion thing!

[TinaT.]

I'm doing this one tomorrow and ADORE what I see. I had FTGU and liked it, but I really prefer this version better. Heidi and Kimberly work well together. Don't have to go into feelings over music and set.....I'm already a broken record. :D

[LauraGG]

I just did this workout for the first time tonight. It is virtually impossible for me to preview, no matter how hard I try to just sit there and watch, I have to get up and do the workout. I don't use full weight during the first run through, and sometimes even no weight, though, so I haven't done it yet while giving it my all. ;) As an experienced old school Firmie, I could tell that I can easily make this workout as difficult (or not) as I need to.

I loved this workout! It's so graceful. I loved all the balance challenges, the smooth transitions from one sequence or prop to the next, the instructors, the cuing, everything. Well done!

Laura :)

[stacy4ft9]

I did this workout for the second time and just love it. I always did like the original version (FTGU), but this was great too! I miss the lunge jumps, but the new choreography in its place is just fine. The first time I did it I burned 268 cals and yesterday I burned 307! Not too shabby!

[triciajenn]

This workout will definately get plenty of play in my house. I really like Kimberly kickboxing style workouts. Very fun. Heidi's weight segments were varied and fun also. In particular, I did enjoy all the plank and core work at the end. This was new for me and something I've wanted to try more of without wasting my time sorting through all the pilates DVD's flooding the market now.

[blemum]

Ok, did this one for the first time tonight and I LOVE IT as well. It was tough and challenging with the weight work. I liked the balance challenges and I felt relaxed and energized when finished. I thought it was hard but when I was finished it didn't seem like it was that hard. I think it's cause these take more time to cool down and strech out good at the end.

Anyway, another winner and now I want them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Diane :D

[LittleAngel]

I have finally found the perfect series for me! I love the music, the set and the instructors. The cuing is excellent. I went ahead and purchased the entire KickButt series based on having done Push Pull and Steamin' Cardio.

This workout pumped me up, kept me involved and was over all too quickly!

[whiterose1]

I love this workout. Heidi and Kimberly work great together. I loved the kickboxing cardio that is in it. It worked me hard and I was glad that even Heidi looked out of breath in parts on the workout.



I liked Kimberly so much that I bought her Kick Box Boot Camp DVD.

[candysugar]

Hi, I am new to this site. I received Push/Pull about 2 weeks ago. Loved it. Been doing Firm videos for years. Heidi was great in this video. Kimberly was good too. I recognized 2 of the exercisers from Firms videos a few years ago in this one. Never paid attention to Anna Benson doing other videos since selling the Firm a few years ago, so these are all new to me.

[jodi1kenobe]

Hi! I'm an old Firmie too; a 'mansion dweller' from the 0ld days

I basicially ignored The Firm after their first infomercial; I continued to buy Anna's tapes though!

To me, the Benson split was bigger than the break-up of AT&T as far as I was concerned! http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/smile.gif

I'm so glad the collaboration is back. Everything is right in the Universe now. I ordered the Fitprimes yesterday and will get the Kick Butts shortly there after.

I'm soo excited!

mY current workout schedule is:
Sun: Rest
Mon: Tort
Tues: SC
Wed: NSTA/UBS
Thurs: SCM
Fri: Rest or light workout ( FLEX POSTURE!)
Sat: Hare

I need something new! I can't wait!

Any substitution ideas?

Based on the reviews, the Fitprimes look like intermediate workouts, which I love and use. The Kick Butts look harder; I will get to them eventually!

[dbmsewer]

I did this for the first time in ages yesterday and my glutes and arms are really sore today. I only wish the cardio sections were a little longer, but it's a great workout otherwise.