Is THE FIRM right for me?

[keenercam]

I am so torn about getting a set of The Firm DVDs with the Box. Can someone tell me if it is right for me? Here is some info about me:
I work out 5-7x/week at our YMCA for about an hour at a time doing some combination of the following-- upper body Nautilus machines, elliptical cross trainer (up to 2 miles in about 30-35 minutes); recumbent bike on fat burn setting for 30-35 minutes (10-13 miles); and/or treadmill (1-3 miles at 16:30-18:00 minutes per mile).
I have lost 18 pounds since joining WISH on 1/17 and doing WW and working out. I still have a LOT to lose (50 to get to the lowest weight I have been since I was 10 [I am 41], and another 20 beyond that to be at a healthy weight for my height). I have already seen a significant change in my body size, having dropped almost 2 pants sizes, though the pounds aren't coming off as quickly as I'd like.
Here's the thing -- I feel compelled to go the gym each night. It is almost a fixation that I think about all day -- very bizarre for me! I'd hate to get out of that habit. However, I also wonder whether I shouldn't be doing a lot more to try to tone and shape and not just the unstructured workouts I have been doing.

One last thing. If I do the Firm, can I continue to do my walking/jogging, etc. on the "rest" days? I don't want to get out of the habit of doing that stuff, since I am doing the WDW 1/2 marathon in January.

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Oops --- one last question -- if you think the firm is a good option, can you suggest where I can buy it for a reasonable price? QVC has a set that has the box and 5 DVDs and a calendar all for about $60 plus s/h. Is that a good price?

[ZerasPride]

I am a tried and true Firmie so my comments might be biased but yes I think you're a great candidate to work out with the Firm. I was working out with it at my heaviest weight of over 280 pounds and hadn't worked out in years prior to starting so I know you'd do just fine.

Which Firm series are you thinking of buying? I assume it's Firm Body Sculpting System 3 if it has 5 DVDs and the box not the fanny lifter. I love Firm 3! I also think the price you are talking about paying is pretty good. I know you can get Series 1 for about $40 bucks at Target and it comes with 3 work out videos and the original fanny lifter (I've got this one too).

I have found the Firm has totally reshaped my body. I weigh in the 170's and am just 5'1" tall and wear a size 10! I almost can't believe it and want to pinch myself. I know the Firm and my way of eating have both contributed to being able to wear this size and be my current weight. My body fat percentage is fairly good too at 32% (my doctor suggests 25% or under) and considering I know my body fat percentage was about 50% when I started, that's pretty good.

We have a Firm thread on WISH where we post everyday what we do and encourage each other. Why don't you post to our weekly thread? The Firm ladies are so helpful and will support you as you get started. Watch out though, Firming is very very addictive. I have 3 ladies at work that have joined me in Firming and they love it too!

[keenercam]

Thanks, Lisa! Having seen how fabulous you look, I am totally sold on the program. I still remember seeing your before picture and having you standing in front of me at the HHI Beach House and you still inspire me.
Have a great day! I will be sure to check out the firm thread. And I will be going by Target tonight to see what they have to offer :)

[norma1223]

I've been doing Firm workouts for nearly a year and I think they're great. I think they could really help you attain your goals. They are easily modifiable for various fitness levels.

If you're looking at Firm Body Sculpting System 3 (BSS3), I wouldn't buy it for a couple of reasons. First, there have been complaints about the box that comes with it. Second, there is a new system coming out very soon with a new box called the Transfirmer. The new box has gotten great reviews. I've also heard that you can use the new box for all the workouts in BSS3.

BSS1 comes with the Fanny Lifter and BSS2 requires the Fanny Lifter and the Sculpting Stick, although you might be able to improvise without the Sculpting Stick. You might want to check out Target or collagevideo.com.

You can definitely continue your walking/jogging while doing the Firm. I was a runner before starting the Firm and continued to run 2 days a week when I started Firming. Now I only run a couple times a month because I like the Firm so much. But I might add more runs now that the weather is improving.

Sorry to be so long-winded. One more thing. Don't get discouraged by slow weight loss. It's more likely to stay off if you lose slowly and develop healthy eating and exercise habits. Good luck with your journey!!!

[keenercam]

Thanks, Norma. Well, I decided to start on a smaller scale and went exploring at Target. I bought the long box that has the stick in it that breaks down into dumbbells and a weight bar and it came with 3 DVDs, including cardioblaster, which I had read on the WW boards is very good. I thought having these 3 DVDs and a piece of equipment is a good start. I really have to target the underside of my upper arms because that area is particularly embarassing. I am also hoping to see some progress on what I view as "saddlebags" -- all of me seems to be reducing very slowly, but in the exact same proportions that I am now, so that the bulges are all still where they were. UGH!! Hoping this will help. I am going to take a look at all of it tonight, but won't really get into it until I get done the 5K I am walking on Saturday -- I don't want to be too sore to do that, especially since I have the world's worst cold right now and already feel wiped out.
Thanks again for all your advice.

[TigerBear]

I have 1 & 2 and definitely think that "Body Sculpt" from BSS1 is the best overall toning video. When I bought BSS1 it was the cheapest at Walmart.

Have fun! :cool1:

Edited: I forgot to add that you will need the fanny lifter to do BSS2.