Hi, I would love some advice. Here's my prob:

I've been using my pilates tapes, but I do not feel like I am working out at all....plus the no results thing was kind of dissapointing. So, then I bought this bellydancing fitness tape, and I hated it! I thought it was boring, and just not very effective.

Even though I am fairly overweight, I am pretty active, and have a pretty high energy level. I had a motivation problem for awhile, but seem to be past that, and not that I really feel like exercising, I have nothing to do! Go figure...

I have been walking a little, with the dogs, and then some with my sister who has had great luck losing a good amount of weight in a gym. But I am pretty self-conscious, and don't really like the idea of heading into a gym yet.

I was looking at some cardio tapes online, and then one google search brought me to the Firm website, and I was looking at some of those. Any body have them? Like or dislike? I like that they say visible results soon, I think 10 workouts. and I also like the idea of it's harder than I have ever done, so I will have to work hard and can get better.

However, the one 'system' i think it was called body sculpting system 1, was still $40. that's a good hunk of money, so i was wondering if anybody had any ideas about the system, preferences, or alternatives?
Thanks

The Firm is very popular. Another new system along the same lines is Kathy Smith's Project: You (and, there's a thread about it on this board). Both of these combine cardio and strength training as well as other things into a comprehensive program.

One thing to be aware of is having reasonable expectations. How do you define "results?" What made you choose 10 workouts as a deadline? What does "10 workouts" mean to you in terms of weeks?

It's good that you are looking to challenge yourself and develop a well-rounded program. Either The Firm or KS P:Y will do that for you. You could also visit www.collagevideo.com and see a wide variety of tapes with lots of reviews and evaluations, etc. I think Kathy's system is only available through her web site (www.kathysmith.com), but I'm not sure if some of The Firm is available through CollageVideo or not. I know I've seen some editions of The Firm at Target, too. Keep in mind that's a system that's been around a long time, so there are lots of older, different versions. Be sure you are buying the edition you really want, if you decide to go that way.

... and if you are not sure what videos you will like, Netflix has a wide assortment you can try as part of your subscription

I have been doing the Firm system with the box and it comes with three videos: Muscle Shaping, Body Sculpting and Blasting Cardio. It is a very challenging workout. I can't do the cardio yet (not that cooridinated). But, I've been working out doing those tapes 3 times a week faithfully (since March 1 2005) and I was VERY sedantary when I started. They are the hardest tapes I've ever done and I was very frustrated when I started (and I sweat big time), but I'm getting the hang of it. Still haven't mastered it yet, but I like that you only need to do it 3x a week. It gives your muscles a chance to recuperate.

I've lost one inch on my bust, nothing on my waist (looking into a better ab workout for me), but the big thing is 7 inches off my hips since March 1. You have to be very careful with the box, I tweaked a bad knee when I started trying to do too much. So, I just slowed down until I got the hang of it.

Good luck on your quest!!

Thanks so much,
I am glad that there is such good feedback on the tapes, and I was thinking about going with the Firm tapes. I will look around a bit. Here's my only question, does anybody have any idea on the difference between the body sculption system 1, or 2 and the new one that is on the front of the firm website (www.firmdirect.com I believe)
TY

edit:
just checked and the new one is called the transFIRMer system.

I LOVE Gin Miller. I only have one of her workout tapes, but it's a GREAT cardio workout (a strength training section after the cardio), and she really does make it fun. I've found myself laughing a lot through the workout. I think it's called Gin Miller's New Body Workout. I definately recommend it!

One Firm system sells the Box, the other sells, the bodybar, and the new one "Transfirmer" sells the slanty-box thing...... You can make your own "box" with a 10 inch tupper-ware stepstool (I put it on a piece of plywood, cost was $5.00 total) and buy each tape individually from Collagevideo. to try things out.