The Firm Bodysculpting System?

[EmilyZA]

I was watching an infomercial on this this weekend and I'm interested to see if anyone uses it. I actually bought their first version a few years back and used it for a while, but not consistently enough. I wanted to see if anyone uses it, and if it's worth dusting off my VCR (I have the VHS tape version) for! I'd actually love to buy the new one but figured I'd give the first set a try and if I like it and do it enough I'll splurge for the new system. :)

[Hello Kitty]

Overall, I really like the Firm. I've heard that BSS4 (the one they have the infomercial for) is one of the best 'new' systems, and the step that comes with it is really good. Look at www.collagevideo.com for reviews of it - search for The Firm Transfirmer System.

I'm leaning towards purchasing it when it goes on sale in December - if you wait a bit you can find the step w/3 videos for around $30.

The only thing I don't like about the firm is that it commingles cardio and strength training. I like to lift heavy, so I can't really do that while doing aerobics. For this reason, I have a lot of the Cathe videos - they deliniate from cardio and heavy lifting.

[VASLP]

I love the firm! It did a great job getting me in shape for my wedding. The only thing is that I got a system that had 4 DVDs (plus the fanny lifter, and sculpting bar) but I really only use 2 of the discs. I like the 30 min cardio blast when I'm just not up to doing a full hour. :D And I like one of the cardio weight lifting combos. The other two I find either the instructor REALLY annoying (ugh!) or the workout itself I just can't get into. But either way, like I said even just using the 2 tapes it got me in great shape!
In fact I had planned to started using them again this week....I've put all the weight plus some back on since the wedding a year ago! :o

[karilynne_97]

I'm an aerobics instructor and purchased this system while on maternity leave to get back into shape for my classes. The format is exactly like some of the Sculpting classes I teach so I loved it. Great exercises, great format (I don't get bored with it), smooth transitions and unlike Seb's Kitty, I liked the cardio mixed in with strength (everyone has their own style:D ). I think it's totally worth it; I'm still using the DVD's on my off days! Have fun!

[cocoa_femme]

I just got these in the mail, yesterday. I can't wait to start next week. For those of you who've used it...do you really see results in 10 workouts?

TIA!

[Janey]

I have the Transfirmer system. I bought it about 6 weeks before my wedding in order to get into shape. I think I used it... 4 times? :o Part of the problem was that I am on the 4th floor with Crabby Crabberson for a downstairs neighbor. I try not to give him excuses to go running to the apt. manager, so aerobics was sort of out. I did the ab workout (that was hard!) and the body sculpting videos though. The videos I used, I liked a lot though. I go to a gym, but for days I just can't get there, I plan to use The Firm. We're moving into our house on Saturday, and so I'll finally be able to do aerobics whenever I want. :p

[Jill1228]

I love the FIRM! I have FIRM tapes from back in the day and have started using them again (trust me, I need to) :D I plan on getting the transfirmer for myself for my Christmas/my birthday

You can get a great price for the TransFIRMer set on overstock.com

[looch]

I wish we had studios up here! my gym does a good approximation of the class combining cardio and strength training, but the cardio isn't intense enough for me, so on those days, i have to figure in some extra time for a machine.

[EmilyZA]

Bumping! I gave up on the idea of purchasing it for a while, but now I'm back to thinking about it... :)

[EmilyZA]

I ended up purchasing this today! I got the Deluxe Edition through Collage Video.

[Hello Kitty]

Tell me how you like it! I'm really wanting to get it this winter, but I'm not convinced.

[EmilyZA]

I will let you know!

[EmilyZA]

Bumping this up... I was doing pretty well with this but then we started looking for a house, buying a house, moving... etc. I gained a bunch of weight in the process, and am trying to get back in to shape. Hoping there are other people doing this here!

[WestieMomma]

I have been using the Transfirmer system since April in conjunction with two classes I go to at my gym and I love it. I can really tell inch loss when I use it on a regular basis.

[Sue]

I used it consistently for about 2 months along with WW and I lost about 15 pounds and 1 size in my jeans. I was sick for a little bit and I stopped... the Firm and WW! I haven't gained anything back, but I have definitely lost some definition. I hope to get my butt in gear and start again.

[EmilyZA]

This is great! Maybe we can start a little group to keep each other on track!

[cocoa_femme]

Wow, I'm so glad this thread was bumped back up! When I last posted in October, I was so excited to start, then I found out I was pregnant. I didn't want to start a new fitness routine then, so I decided to wait. Now that my DS is here, I'll be ready to start exercising again in in a few weeks. I look forward to posting then!


**Subscribing**

[EmilyZA]

Wow, I'm so glad this thread was bumped back up! When I last posted in October, I was so excited to start, then I found out I was pregnant. I didn't want to start a new fitness routine then, so I decided to wait. Now that my DS is here, I'll be ready to start exercising again in in a few weeks. I look forward to posting then!


**Subscribing**

Congrats on your son-- he's a cutie!

[lbs27]

I'm also glad this got bumped up! I love the Firm, though I only do it 2-3x per week. I've been doing it for a couple of years now (I think!), and I still find it challenging. I originally had the first set of DVDs and did the Cardiosculpt, Absculpt and the Cardiosculpt blaster (30 minute quickie!). I bought the Transfirmer last December and I really like it. I've done the three DVDs that come with that, the cardiosculpt, bodysculpt and ultimate calorie blaster. I like the cardio one because it has weights and aerobics, but I feel like because it has both that the cardio is a little boring and repetitive, though I still get a good workout. I've recently started doing the calorie blaster (more fun aerobics with light weights) on Saturdays and then the bodyculpt (heavy weights) on Sunday and I like that combination a little better. I used to do serious aerobics classes at a gym, but stopped about 3 years ago b/c of a new job. The Firm is the closest thing I've found to gym type classes.

[Sue]

This is great! Maybe we can start a little group to keep each other on track!

Sounds good to me! I need a little motivation to get back into the habit... well ok, maybe a lot :D

[EmilyZA]

I hear ya!

I did the workout Monday morning, the first one, first week of rotation... I think it's Supercharged Sculpting? Haven't done one since b/c I was supposed to do it tonight but we've only got one TV right now and my husband and his friend are doing electrical work in the living room right now. :rolleyes: I'm hoping some of this stuff is cleaned up so I can get to work out tomorrow!

[cocoa_femme]

Congrats on your son-- he's a cutie!
Thanks! :D

[Sue]

I went to bed last night with every intention of getting up... didn't happen. So tonight when I get home - NO EXCUSES!

[WestieMomma]

Starting a group thread on here would be a great idea!

I'm going to do Supercharged Sculpting tonight. Some new Firm DVD's came out the other day but they are not like the traditional firm stuff. I think one involves resistance bands and then another is with a ball.

[Sue]

There are 8 new ones...

3 NEW WORKOUTS LEAD BY ALLIE

Cardio Dance Slim Down

This is my all time favorite workout! I loved creating it because I love to move! Cardio Dance Slim Down is 40 minutes of all cardio dancing… totally different from any other workout The FIRM has done in the past.

You'll like this workout because everyone likes to dance! And doing this workout, you don't have to worry about people staring because you can boogie in the comfort of your own living room! There are 3 segments-funk, latin and disco-so you move your body in all different ways. I'll teach you a routine by adding moves slowly so it's fun and easy to learn. You don't have to worry about weights or form or anything! You just need to move your hips and have fun!

Plus, it gets your heart pumping to burn fat; it would be perfect to do on cardio days. You can let loose!!

Slim and Sculpt Stability Ball
This 40-minute workout is for your total body, but emphasizes core movements and core strength by using the big, fun stability ball! You'll do lots of exercises that both keep your heart rate elevated and challenge all your muscle groups while utilizing the ball the ENTIRE workout!

This workout is going to challenge you on a new level. It makes regular exercises just that much tougher by focusing on your core at the same time. You use the ball to stabilize yourself during exercises, but it's not like lying on the floor. You fight not to wobble, and that's when all of those muscles are really working! Doing this workout, I noticed a leanness through my core that I didn't have before.

At first I was skeptical about the stability ball. I thought that swinging a big ball around would be a cake-walk, but then I realized it was kicking my butt! You really have to tighten your abs and glutes and be aware of your posture to perform these exercises properly. And that was just the warm-up!

Choose from 3 different size balls, depending on your height, and then inflate it to be nice and firm. You pick the perfect size for you! With it, you can take a lot of those typical exercises that you do day in and day out to a new level of difficulty.

This workout helps to strengthen your lower and mid back as well as your buttocks and it really zaps your abs. It will pull you out of your rut because it's new and fresh!

Slim Solutions Yoga for Beginners
This 30 minute workout is for your total body and for relaxation of the mind and spirit. This beginner's yoga adds to the FIRM's workout library by contributing to one of the very important components of fitness: flexibility. It's different from our usual kick butt routines. It's tough, but in a way that stretches and relaxes you. It helps you to be aware of your posture, breathing, flexibility, and core strength. It would go perfectly after a tough lifting workout or at the end of the stressful day!

It's unique because I'm learning to perfect my yoga poses right along with you! Unlike other FIRM videos, where we are the "masters" and we're passing along our knowledge to you, I learned these basic yoga poses as a beginner just for this video! I really felt connected with everyone at home because I asked questions that a true novice would ask. Through this, I became a stronger Instructor, predicting what may happen or what y'all may be questioning when doing the video at home.

I use 2 tools. One is a "brick"; it's lightweight and slightly cushion like, so it gives some when your body weight was pressing on it, making the pressure more comfortable. It helped me achieve poses that required more flexibility or strength. The other tool is a strap used to increase resistance for stretching. It helped me to reach a higher level of flexibility by pulling on it. I found them both to be very, very useful! You'll love them too, especially if you are new to yoga. The brick gives you support and the strap aids in resistance.

2 NEW WORKOUTS LED BY TINA

Fat Burning Sculpting Workout
Fat Burning Sculpting Workout is 30 minutes of fun and challenging exercises using a toning ball. We warm-up with the ball, do some sculpting and cardio, and then end with a cool down and floor work.

The toning ball is small and ranges from 4-8lbs. It fits right in your hands so it feels natural to workout with it. There are so many things you can do with it! You can use it to sculpt upper and lower body, to add some variety to cardio, you can use it to add resistance while you work your abdominals, even incorporate it in a long stretch at the end of a workout… rolling the ball away allows you to deepen your stretch.

The weight of the toning ball allowed me to work slowly, with controlled movement, instead of rushing through an exercise. I found that by using both the bands and the ball that my muscles were a bit leaner. Adding it to my abdominal routine made the moves more interesting. And, using the toning ball during the cardio segment was pretty tough! It really got my heart pumping!!


Fat Burning Cardio Sculpt
Fat Burning Cardio Sculpt is a 30 minute workout using a resistance cord to blast fat and tone your entire body! We use the cords to do upper and lower body exercises, table work, abdominals and the cool down/ stretch.

The cords are color coded for different resistance: the smaller the diameter, the less the resistance. I had never worked out with a cord before because I thought, "what can this tiny piece of rubber actually do for me?" Then I used them and that tiny piece of rubber made me sore in places that I normally don't get sore… but in a good way! We are so used to using dumbbells to tone… by using the resistance from the cord you have to go slow and really focus on your form. You feel it working immediately. Once you get the hang of it it's a fun yet tough workout!

They can really fool you; because there are so many ways to use them! From simply standing on the cord to wrapping them around an ankle for table work… the variety is endless! Plus, they also fit nicely in a suitcase! No more excuses not to workout while on vacation!

I think what makes both of these workouts unique is that you only need one piece of equipment to get an effective total body workout! You'll like these workouts because they are perfect to incorporate into your normal routine to spice things up a bit! And because they are also only 30 minutes each, they're quick enough to squeeze into the busiest of schedules.

I had a lot of fun w/ both of these workouts in that it was DIFFERENT! I know change is hard for a lot of people but incorporating something new into your workout is so good for your body. We're using the same methodology but we just tweaked it a little and introduced some new ways of doing some of our signature exercises using a toning ball or a cord. Changing things up and switching between the 3 tools-dumbbells, the cords and the toning ball-will stimulate your muscles in different ways, which in turn will allow you to see changes in muscle tone and strength!

3 NEW WORKOUTS LED BY ALISON

Ultimate Fat Burning Workout
This is a 45-minute cardio workout with light-medium dumbbell sculpting moves. Its cardio with a kick!

We used some really neat combinations of upper and lower body moves for sculpting in between segments of heart pumping cardio combinations. Although we used 3 and 5 pound dumbbells in the workout, advanced exercisers may use as heavy as 8 or 10. Don't use your heaviest, but try your heavy 4-limb weight for the ultimate calorie burn while sculpting.

You will have a lot of fun with this workout. It's a true FIRM, in that it delivers maximum results, with a unique twist that's lots of fun. You'll challenge your body without you really realizing it! I know I got a great workout every time I did it.


Sculpt and Tone Pilates
This is a 30-minute toning workout that will lengthen and strengthen the entire body creating a long lean appearance.

We use bands for resistance in some of the lower body and all of the upper body moves. There are 3 levels of resistance, depending on the elasticity of the rubber. The tighter it is, the more resistance it creates. Plus, you can make the moves easier or harder as you go along; you can adjust the intensity by shortening or lengthening the band. The shorter it is, the more resistance it creates. This is a handy tool because it's not heavy, or tough to store. It's also easy to manipulate because it's "body friendly"; you can perform very functional moves. The moves feel natural!

This workout adds another way to sculpt your body, FIRM style! Your body will feel toned, but also yet taller and more poised! I felt so long and lean after each workout. You will crave your Pilates days!



Express Yoga
This 15-minute yoga workout is good for express STRETCHING and RELAXING that fits into every busy lifestyle! It provides the extra stretching needed to round out your fitness success. It's a quick way to stretch out and relax after a tough workout! You'll feel great afterwards!

[Sue]

Well, I'm biting the bullet and getting back into it... Today was UCB, couldn't get through the whole thing, but it's a start :!

[EmilyZA]

Well, I'm biting the bullet and getting back into it... Today was UCB, couldn't get through the whole thing, but it's a start :!

So am I! I'm starting today!

[Sue]

I always forget how HARD it is to get through a whole video when just starting. I'm a little sore this morning, not too bad though - I can walk normally :)

[Reenie]

BUMPing

Anyone still interested in starting a Firm Believers group thread? I would be willing to maintain it/be threadmistress if you all are up for it.

We could list the videos we're doing, any tweaks (adding ankle weights, upping the weights, etc), share reviews, share calories burned (if you have a heart rate monitor), and generally just have a place to be accountable for doing the exercises (because it can be so easy to blow it off when it's just you...).

Any takers?

[Sue]

I'm all for it :)

[cocoa_femme]

I'm in :). I was going to do TaeBo, but I think I'll try this instead.

[Katy]

There's a new Firm Group - check it out (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1137646#post1137646)

[amtaylor]

Since I'm not yet a "firm believer," I didn't feel I should post in that thread.

I'm very interested in trying The Firm to get rid of my post baby belly. I've been looking for the complete system, but have been having trouble. Which one should I get and where can I order?

Thanks for any and all your help!

[Hello Kitty]

I had a horrible horrible experience with buy.com and trying to order the transfirmer - I would run far away. :p

If you look online, Dick's Sporting Goods has a printable in store coupon for $10 off - and they sell the Transfirmer (the one most people have now) for about $50, so it's a good deal.

[meggers]

I don't know how the price compares but I have always had good luck when ordering stuff from collagevideo.com. They have excellent customer service.

[amtaylor]

Thanks for the help! I couldn't find the online coupon for Dick's, so I think I'll just pick it up at Target this afternoon. After you factor in shipping, the price online is about the same.

[lbs27]

Hi amtaylor!

I got both of my systems (the original and transfirmer) at Target. I've gotten videos through amazon.com.

I'm part of the Firm Believers group thread--feel free to come join! There are people of all levels, those that do it every day and people like myself who use it a couple of days a week along with other exercise. It's a great resource for video recs, gripes, etc. Don't worry if you're not a "believer"! :p :D