Firm Check In Week 4

[s&k'smom]

Hey guys in the office really early this am so I hope you don't mind that I started the thread.

Did body sculpt this am, wow I forgot the upper body section was tough but I feel really good that I got through. How is everyone today?

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!
Thanks S&K's mom for starting the thread! Way to go getting through the Upper Body section of Body Sculpt! It is a tough section especially on a Monday morning! Great job! Have a wonderful day today!!!

I'm not sure what today will bring for me exercise wise. DD was up last night with a nasty head cold and although she is still sleeping right now, I'm not sure that she will sleep long enough for me to get Cardio Sculpt in. If I can't fit it in today, then I'll probably do Windsor Pilates later this evening.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day today! THINK SPRING!

Tracy

 

[luvmydogs]

Morning FIRMies!

Thanks for starting the thread s&k'smom and a big CONGRATS to you for getting Body Sculpt in so early! You're right, that's a tough video! You're doing an EXCELLENT JOB!

Hi Tracy! You take good care of your DD--I hope the little sweetie's feeling better. Hugs for her...

I did CAWT this morning, which is one of my favorites along with MCB + Abs--it feels good to have gotten it in already. I'm now off to clean ds8's room and bathroom. I live in fear of what I'll find...

Have a Maaaaaahhhvelous Monday FIRMies, and keep up your AWESOME WORK!

 

[ZerasPride]

Good morning FIRMies!

It's so wonderful to see so many reporting in already. Thanks s&k'smom for starting the thread!

This morning was cardio sculpt for me. I think I'm ready to step it up a bit and add another 10 minutes to my routine so I'll have to get up even earlier in the morning to fit it in. I'll try Wednesday morning, tomorrow is body sculpt.

s&k'smom - I usually do body sculpt (upper body) twice a week. Boy is it hard. Good for you in tackling it first thing on a Monday morning!

Tracy - I hope your DD will be feeling better soon. I also hope you manage to get in a work out. I was watching a pilates infomercial yesterday and it really makes me want to buy the pilates work out videos.

luvmydogs - you're off to an early start this morning too. Good for you. You're getting cleaning done this early too? Wow. I'm impressed. I need to thoroughly clean both our bathrooms and it's always such a pleseant experience with a son and husband in the house !

Have a great day FIRMies!!!

 

[Octoberbride03]

Hi all.

Picked up my BSS 1 last night at Target and turned on the cardio sculpt today. i think i managed 10 minutes of the tape. Then I sat down and watched the rest of it.
How many of you have been able to do the whole workout and how long did it take to get there?

I like the exercise style, even though i haven't tried anything close to it in 13 years. I have vowed not to be intimidated by the tape though. I'll do it again on weds according to the rotation schedule and do what i can. I am going to use a chair to help me balance through some of the lunges though. Can't remeber the last time i did those, and my knees aint crazy about doing them. Even with just the 10 minutes i did, my knees are kinda shaky.

Hope everybody has a great day.

 

[septbride2002]

Good Afternoon! I'll be doing Complete Cardio and Aerobics tape tonight.

~Amanda

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

I got up before 5 this morning and did Body Sculpt before work. I forgot what a workout that is but I managed to finish it.

Walgreens has the BSS2 on sale this week for $39.99 so I splurged and bought it. Is this a good price for this and does anybody have BSS2 and do you like these tapes and how about the sculpting stick? Sorry for all the questions but I'm wondering if I should keep this and any info on it would be great!

Cheryl

 

[toystoryduo]

Good evening FIRMies~
I did manage to squeeze in Cardio Sculpt today. DD is feeling slightly better.... Just hoping she sleeps tonight.

Kim~ Keep up the good work! You are such an inspiration to me!

Lisa~ I know what you mean about the Pilates. I like it because it's a low key workout and you do feel it the next day. I think it's a great compliment to the FIRM videos. Do you know someone that you can borrow it from? Or can you get it from the library? Great job getting your exercise in today!

Octoberbride03~ Welcome to the FIRM! You took a wonderful step towards a healthier you today! Hang in there! You will be able to do the whole video in no time and you will love the results that you get from FIRMing! Stronger muscles are definitely a good thing! Just remember... take your time and work at your own pace. Welcome!!

Amanda~ Way to go! Keep up the good work!

Cheryl~ Whew! That is early! Great job getting your workout in before work! I saw the BSS2 at Walgreens too and I am thinking about buying it. It seems like a pretty good price to me. If you decide to keep it, please let me know what you think. The sale at Walgreens runs until Saturday.

Have a great day tomorrow everyone!

Tracy

 

[ZerasPride]

I only have a few minutes, I'd thought I'd pop on the DIS and see if it was back up and running. I was having trouble getting on all afternoon. Oh well.

Octoberbride03 - welcome to the FIRM thread! You will love BSS1. I started using it when I was 282.5 pounds (didn't know how heavy I was at the time, I was too afraid to weigh myself). I might not have even attempted the FIRM had I realized just how heavy I was. Anyway, it took me several months to get the hang of things and then add the weights. Now I just concentrate on 30-40 minutes with cardio sculpt and that gives me a good work out - 55 minutes is just too long for me. You will get the hang of the routines and see results in no time!


Hey guys, I have a question. Anyone use Cardio Sculpt Blast? It's the 30 minute cardio routine with Lisa Kay as the instructor. I just bought it tonight at Walmart in VHS form for $8. I thought that was a good price. I watched it through and all I can say is Wow! Who can master those moves? I'll definitely be sticking with Libby in the back for a long time! Tomorrow is body sculpt for me but I want to add this new one on Wednesday morning. Any comments on this one or am I the guinea pig of our group?

Have a nice night FIRMies!

 

[s&k'smom]

Hi, did cardio workout with Nancy this am. ZerasPride I've used the cardio blast with Lisa Kay and like it when I'm short on time. You feel like you've worked out just as much as if you used one of the longer tapes. I'm bummed as I may not be able to work out tomorrow as the contractor is finally here to work on our house!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!
Today is a rest day for me, but I may squeeze in a little Pilates this evening. Of course, my driveway will be full of snow by then, so maybe I will shovel for exercise instead. Please send warmer weather this way!!!!

Lisa~ I have Cardio Sculpt Blaster and I love it! The workout is challenging and it took me some time to get used to it. I really like it because it's only 30 minutes and Lisa is so upbeat! It really makes a difference when I have a time crunch. Hope you like it!

S&K'smom~ Great job getting your workout in! How do you like Nancy as an instructor? I am looking at adding to my FIRM collection and she is the instructor on a couple of the videos I want to buy.

Have a great day everyone! Keep up the good work!!

Tracy

 

[s&k'smom]

toystoryduo, I like Nancy as an instructor she seems to really love what she does. The only thing is she's really skinny like I want to make her eat a burger or something. But I really do like all the instructors.

 

[luvmydogs]

Morning FIRMies!


Hi Octoberbride and welcome! You are not alone! Many, many people take a while to get the Firm videos' moves down! When I first started, I couldn't make it all the way through without stopping to catch my breath or untangle my feet. I modified everything which really helped--I did the leg presses on the blue portion of the FL only, did the step-aerobic portions on the floor, and marched in place a lot when I couldn't keep up. It was frustrating and I felt like I'd never be able to get through a whole video, but slowly my muscle and cardiovascular strength really increased! The best thing you can do for yourself is work within your own fitness level--don't compare yourself to anyone else including the instrucors (I couldn't even keep up with the 'beginner' instructor!). Get the footwork down first, then work on the arm movements. Modify, modify, modify! Celebrate even the tiniest of victories because it means you are getting stronger and more fit! Don't get discouraged--it still takes me a while to get down the moves of the new videos I get--I try to keep a sense of humor about it when I'm on the complete opposite side of the room from where I'm supposed to be! Keep us posted!

Hi Cheryl! Maximum Cardio Burn and Complete Aerobics & Weight Training from BSS2 are my two favorite Firm videos! They've got fun moves (once you get them down!) and I really feel like I've worked out when I'm done. I like Total Sculpt too--I sooooo feel it the next day from that video! I don't use their Sculpting Stick--I use a 10 pound body bar my dh had. When they say to use the twigs from it, I use 3-5lb. weights. I try not to use the SS for the leg presses and lunges, etc. because I like to double up on the weights I put on my shoulders. But it can definitely help with balance and form and going deeper into the move. For me, BSS2 was a step up from BSS1, and I enjoy them the most out of all the videos I have. Let us know how you like them!

Hi Tracy! So glad to hear that DD is feeling better! I'm impressed you got your workout in, too! Having a sick child in the house can keep you busy (I'm crossing my fingers that you stay healthy!). Keep up all your GREAT WORK Tracy! You're doing an awesome job!

Hi Lisa! I just used Cardio Sculpt Blaster (the step-aerobic sections) this morning as an add on to Maximum Cardio Burn. It looks confusing at first and sometimes I think Lisa doesn't cue or give the direction as well as she could (it could be me not paying attention tho'!), but I think it's a good 30 minute workout when you're short on time. I use the blue section of the FL during the step sections to pump it up a little. If you are talking about Body Sculpt from BSS1 with Jen Carman (so many of their videos have similar names and I get confused!), then YOWZA! you are in for one TOUGH workout! I feel that one like no other, and I really struggle through some of the lower body work! Let us know how you like it! (If you can lift your arms to type the next day! ) Lisa, you're doing such an AMAZING JOB with your healthy lifestyle committments--I'm soooo proud of you!

Hi s&k'smom! You're having work on your house done? How exciting! Make sure you don't work out in front of all those construction guys, as they'll spend all their time looking at GORGEOUS YOU and not doing their jobs! Keep up all your hard work--YOU'RE JAMMIN'!

I did MCB + ABs and added on the step sections from Cardio Sculpt Blaster for a little extra UMPH! this morning. I must confess that I did not do the extra work for the health benefits--I'm trying to put off cleaning our bathroom as long as possible!

Make today your best yet, FIRMies!

Edited to add: Tracy, my favorite Nancy Tucker video is Calorie Killer--I find the floor/step aerobic sections to be a lot of fun! She uses the SS, FL and light weights. And s&k'smom--Nancy's in her early 40's and is soooo lean--I want her to eat a burger, too (and I'm a vegetarian)!

 

[TigerBear]

Hi Firmies,

Its so great to see everyone moving and firming! I did Total Sculpt Plus Abs last night for the first time. This is the first video that has left me sore and achy. I'm not sure if it is harder or if my form is getting better. Maybe its the 8 pound weights?

I personally don't really enjoy the bar. For some exercises like chest and arms it seems to really fit. But when it is used to help you balance, it just seems awkward to me - weight in one hand, bar in other. Maybe I will get used to it. At any rate, I love the effects on my body!

Good luck to all the newbies! Remember that everytime you do a firm tape you will get stronger, be able to do it for a little bit longer, and the moves will become easier. Just hang in there! It is so worth it!!!

 

[Octoberbride03]

OK. so why can't my knees and thighs be sore at the same time?

Yesterday after I finished with my itty bitty workout my knees were weak and shaky for the rest of the day. No bigie, i sort of expected it and used an aromatherapy cold pad on them b4 dinner.

Today, My front thighs are sore. Which they weren't yesterday. I was hoping to do my Pilates today, but now i'm not sure if i should or not. Today is a Firm rest day for me and I'm definitely taking advantage of it. Tomorrow its back to the Cardio Sculpt with Allie DelRio.

TY Lisa for the welcome. I weigh just a little more than y9ou did when you started and i have vowed not to let my weight intimidate me into quitting the tapes. I am going to get them down.

TY Kim for noting some of the modifications you use in the beginning. I may use some myself. Right now, I know I'm going to use a chair to help me balance while getting the lunges down.

So far i like the style of the tape. I can't keep up for anything, but i'm not gonna worry about it, just concentrate on my form. And I like the girls here. Its a lot easier to concentrate on 5 ppl and find the 1 i want to follow instead of 10-12 ppl in the WATP tape. And these girls are too busy exercising to smile a whole lot. I hate being smiled at all the damn time. I'm too busy trying to breathe during exercising.

I might be back later, but I'll definitely be back tomorrow after my 2nd workout.

 

[ZerasPride]

Good morning FIRMies!

Terrific Tuesday's check in! I did Body Sculpt with Jen this morning (upper body portion). I almost didn't work out at all this morning. I was going to take today as a rest day but I decided I want to see how many consecutive days I can go exercising. It's my own personal little challenge to shake things up a bit. I don't think I'll make the April 1 challenge goal I set for myself and that's a bummer but hopefully this little mini personal challenge will help get me as close to my goal as possible.

TigerBear - thanks for your candid description of the sculpting stick. Sometimes I wonder if I'm missing out on something but none of my routines call for the stick so I'm not worried about it. Your work out sounds great - intense but great!

luvmydogs - Yep, I'm talking about the cardio blaster with Lisa Kaye. I don't think she calls the moves in enough time to get you to change over either. She's too busy telling you how much "fun" the work out is! I'm sure it is fun but she just keeps saying it and it makes me want to laugh. Tomorrow will be my first day trying this new tape and I'm excited!

Tracy - Can you do something for us about this weather? I'm glad you like Cardio blaster. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow. I'm sure I'll stumble through for a while but it's okay, I'll get the moves down sooner or later. Like you guys say, I'm approaching this with a humorous attitude.

s&k'smom - thanks for the review of cardio blaster. I was looking for something that was shorter than the 55 minute cardio tape I have but that will give me a little push since I've been using cardio sculpt off and on for a year. I'm sure this will make a great addition to my collection!

Everyone have a great day and make it a great work out!

 

[MelanieC]

Hi everyone,
Boy it's Tuesday already and I didn't even check in. I missed WISH chat last night too. I have been extremely busy at work, then I had WI last night and came home and passed out. Didn't take a lunch yesterday, so today I am going to post while eating my lunch at my desk.

Yesterday I got up at 5am and did Maximum Cardio Burn plus abs. Boy do I love the BSS2 tapes! This morning I got up at 5 am and did Cardio Sculpt. I forgot that tape has some inner thigh floor work. I like when they change things around so you are working new muscles in different workouts. Really helps your body keep fit ALL OVER!

Zeraspride- Cardio Sculpt blaster is really good. It's actually when I had my Ahaah moment. I got it with my BSS2 system and never did it. Once I tried it, alot of the moves in the 3 BSS2 tapes seemed easier. She does go fast, but it was fairly easy to pick this one up. Just make sure you don't do too much sculpting in a row if your not going to take a rest day. I know that the FIRM really preaches taking a rest day. I too get the huge urge to not take them. Just make sure you listen to your body and if you get too tired, fatigued, grumpy etc that you take a rest day. Those are signs of overtraining.

Maureen- Welcome to the Thread! They are hard huh! Don't worry, you will get it eventually. Just keep at it. Kim had some great ideas on the modifications. There is a thread out there that lists ways to learn the moves. I posted it from the Firmdirect web site. Really watch your form on the lunges, dips and leg presses. Keep your knees over your ankles to avoid hurting your knees.

TigerBear- 8lbs! You go girl! I know when I went up to 8lbs I really felt it. I am already considering 10lbs. Make sure you take it nice and slow. Those 8lbs can be heavy when you just start using them. I agree the bar sometimes feels awkward, but It is great for balance. I know my form really improves when I use it. Keeps me from tipping over, lol!

Kim- you are too funny! So now we know the reason you like to FIRM. Not because you want to be healthy, but because you want to put off cleaning the bathroom. We are on to you now!

Tracy-Sending you pixie dust for warmer weather. Of course maybe I shouldn't, by the looks outside it looks like you sent me the SNOW! DH better have shoveled by the time I get home!!
Body sculpt is definately tough. My legs tremble by the time I am doing with the one set of leg presses.

Amanda- Keep up the great work- I love the Complete Aerobics and Weight Training! Its my favorite. I really love Emily!

Cheryl- OMG, keep the BSS2. It's my favorite. I love them. The music is fun, the video's are awesome! Honestly Keep them! Plus it's good to have variety.

Have a good Tuesday everyone. Tomorrow will probably be a cardio day, unless I choose to do a sculpt. I am dying to try my new Maximum body Shaping tape.

 

[danicaw]

Finally back at it after a yucky cold.
Last Monday I did Total Sculpt with Jen then Tues was hit with a cold. Between that and a crazy week I didn't get any other workouts in.
Ugh.

Today I started in again with Total Sculpt. I am suprised at how much better I did at the moves this time. I am planning on working out with the videos three days a week and biking or walking on the off days. I will most likely take saturdays off.
I am excited about getting this extra weight off.

 

[s&k'smom]

Good morning, didn't firm this am as our tv room is a bit of a mess so I did my tv show workout but I noticed that I do some of the moves like I would on a firm tape. I felt like I got a workout but I really missed that endorphan (OK I know I spelt that wrong) rush you get after really working extra hard. I know I'm getting addicted. Plan to do CS in the am with Allie.

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!
I barely got through Body Sculpt w/ Jen this morning. I don't do that video too often and I forget how challenging it is. Whew~

Have a great day everyone! Keep up the good work! THINK SPRING!

Tracy