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.
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.
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.
Video Tapes for serious burning...
