the FIRM Check-in Week 2

[ZerasPride]

I'm checking in for the day. Today I did body sculpt (upper body) and boy do I feel it in my arms!

Amanda - good for you for getting through the entire body sculpt work out!!!! You deserve a rest day girl!

Tracy - congratulations on earning your 2 months clippie tomororw. That's something to be very proud of. I've seen the FIRM infomercial recently. I know I've seen it on Lifetime and some other channel but I can't remember now. It's always on early Saturday morning when I've seen it. I'm sorry I can't be more specific than that. I hope someone else can give you more detail.

sue - I don't want to buy the sculpting stick either. I'm sure if I had it though, I'd feel like I couldn't live without it but I'm perfectly happy (for now) with my good old fanny lifter and my weights.

Melanie - you are just on fire with your work outs!!! I can't imagine doing more than one per day. I guess I have been bitten by the FIRM work out fever bug. I was actually smiling when I woke up this morning and knew I could work out and didn't have to rest today!

Everyone keep up the great work!!!

 

[luvmydogs]

Hey FIRMies and WELCOME s&k'smom!

Just checking in real quickly as I'm heading out the door to ................BUY SUMMER CLOTHES THAT FIT!!! Shopping for size 6 clothes is a dream come true for me. Never in this world did I ever think I'd be this size, and I have a feeling that today is going to be one of the most fun days I've ever had in my life! Believe me FIRMies and WISHers (it's an old cliche but I have to say it), if I can do this, then YOU CAN TOO! And I know you're well on your way to achieving your goals, whether they be weight loss, toning up, increasing strength or strengthening your heart and lungs--just coming here everyday is proof of that! I'm so grateful that I have you all for motivation and encouragement!!!

Make today your best day yet, FIRMies, and Lots o' Love to everyone!

P.S. I did Maximum Cardio Burn + Abs today!

 

[toystoryduo]

WOW Kim!
What a fun shopping trip for you! Congratulations!! Thank you for the motivation as well. You are such an inspiration to us all! Hope you enjoyed your day today!

Have a great day tomorrow!

Tracy

 

[s&k'smom]

Have a great shopping trip lovemydogs. I didn't get to firm today as DS had been up early but I did get 20 minutes in of a program on FitTV so I feel good. It's funny I was really disappointed I didn't get to use my tape today, that must be a good sign. have a great weekend everyone I'll be able to check in on Monday morning.

 

[sueg]

FIRMIES!
I had a off-FIRM day, because I did WATP 2 mile w/ DH this AM. Sort of a Friday tradition, but it really doesn't make me break a sweat. Back to my longer tapes this weekend: Tough Tape 2, Standing Legs or Cardio Scuplt w/ Allie. We leave for WDW on 3/13, a Saturday night flight. I've been thinking about exercise during vacation. We'll take Ab Sculpt w/ Lisa Kay and hope for a VCR at OKW (We're DVC). The hassock is a poor substitute for a fanny lifter, but no weights are required. Last trip, I travelled 2-3 times to the resort gym & tried to do some weight lifting routines from memory. Again, a poor substitue, but it kept me going & lessened the impact of returning to the FIRM as soon as I get home.
I marvel at my desire to stay healthy on vacation. It's a big change for me. But DH & I will follow a modified SB menu & maintain some exercise thru our week at Disney. We did this in Aug. I didn't gain any weight & I think he lost a lb. Gone are the days of viewing vacation as a "vacation from diet". Healthy eating & exercise are part of our life.
Any suggestions for exercise on vacation are appreciated.
Have a happy & healthy day! SGG

 

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Firm Buddies! I'll be doing Cardio Scuplt w/ Allie this afternoon. The first time I did this tape (on Monday) I didn't get all the way through it. I'm looking forward to finishing it off tonight and working up a good sweat.

Still waiting on the fanny lifter (when will that darn thing get here!)

~Amanda

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!
Today, I did Cardio Sculpt Blaster and Ab Sculpt with Lisa. I also saw the Firm infomercial, but it was for system 2 not system 3. Speaking of System 2... For those of you who have BSS2... how important is it to have the Sculpting Stick? When I first started FIRMing last year, I tried to do it w/out the Fanny Lifter and realized that I wouldn't get the results I wanted without it. So, exactly how important is the Sculpting Stick to BSS2? Also, in your opinion how much harder is BSS2 than BSS1? Thanks!

If I did this correctly, my new clippie should be two months of exercise! WOOHOO!

Have a great day everyone!!!!

Tracy

 

[s&k'smom]

I like the sculpting stick but I think as long as you have the fanny lifter and some weights you do ok. They say it gives you a "bigger range of motion" but I can't tell! I found the second set of tapes harder than the first and both are about an hour (I don't have the abs one).

 

[luvmydogs]

Good Friday Morning FIRMies!

Oooooo, my shopping trip was GREAT! So great in fact, that I'll just have to go again next week!


Hi Tracy! And thank you for the kind words! How is your FIRMing (or other exercise) coming along? I bet you're doing just great! You're always so very encouraging and supportive, and I just love to read your posts! Keep up your AWESOME work!

Hi s&k'smom! It's great that you got in your 20 minutes on FitTV, and I'm glad you're feeling so good about it--you're working hard and should be so very proud of yourself! Does Cathe Friedrich have a show on FitTV that you know of (our cable company doesn't carry it)? I've heard that she does, and that her workout videos are some of the toughest you can do. Should you run across her, I'd love to hear any opinions or comments you may have. Isn't it a neat feeling when you begin to actually miss doing your harder workouts?! I'm glad you're so motivated and are really enjoying yourself! Keep up your EXCELLENT work--we're so glad you've decided to join us!

Hi sueg! I think it's great that you exercise with dh! Mine won't workout with me because I can do more pushups than he (he, however, denies this! ). I know you and dh will do just great at WDW--you already know that this is not a temporary diet, but a lifestyle and lifetime change. I believe that's the most important thing to realize when it comes to achieving your goals, and you're already there! Have a great trip and you both ROCK!

Hi Amanda! I Cardio Sculpt-ed with Allie today, too! I hadn't done tht video in a while and had forgotten how much I like it! It was the video that got me hooked on The FIRM, and I understand about not making it all the way through. It took me a loooong time to be able to do it with out having to stop and catch my breath or untangle my feet! I hope you get your FL soon--you've been waiting a while, haven't you? You're doing such a terrific job, Amanda! WAY TO GO GIRL!

Like I said, I did Cardio Sculpt this morning. I HATE HOVER SQUATS!!! Can I get an amen on that, Sisters?!

Have a Fun Friday FIRMies, and KEEP ON TRUCKIN'!

 

[s&k'smom]

AMEN sister. Hover squats are pure h e double hockey sticks.

I'll try to get a list on what's on FitTV. They have Gilad, some Caribean (OK I know I spelt that wrong) and one lady who is mucho high energy but has several different body types on there. I think her name is Kathy but I'll try to get info over the weekend once I leave work I can't Dis again until Monday morning.

 

[ZerasPride]

luvmydogs - you must have read my mind! I was doing the hover squats this morning (it's a Cardio Sculpt day for me) and I was thinking how much I hate them! They must be really good for us then. I try to squeeze my fanny as tight as I can to take the pressure off my knees. The second set are really a killer!

sue - Me and DH are DVC members too! I love OKW and know you're going to have a great time. You are inspiring to me to have such focus on vacation. You are my hero! I feel the exact same way. I'm not using vacation as excuse to go off my plan, either with food or exercise. We're staying at the Grand Floridian in June and I hope to be able to spend some time in the gym or on the walking path in the early mornings. I also plan to pretty much eat the same way I do at home. My goal is to maintain, if not lose just a little on vacation. I peaked in the work out room at OKW on our last trip and it looks pretty nice in there. I'm sure you'll do just fine on vacation.

Tracy - I love your new exercise clippie!! I was able to watch BSS2 (borrowed from a friend) and couldn't believe the moves. I don't think I'll be buying it until I'm well under 200 pounds. It looks pretty difficult and the tapes are fairly long.

Amanda - let us know how you like the complete Cardio sculpt video. Allie is my favorite instructor. I think the second part of the work out is harder than the first part because of all the intense leg work. I hope your fanny lifter comes soon!

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

 

[Blueeyes101817]

thank you guys sooo much for the motivation!! i was sitting here thinking im gonna fail at this and not lose any weight before florida....im gonna start exercising again and watching what i eat ...thnanks so much guys

 

[sueg]

I hate hover squats!
I hate hover squats!
I hate hover squats!
I particularly hate hover squats when the instructor pipes in with "sit gently" as I thump onto my fanny lifter.
But aside from leg press, they are probably one of the best lower body moves. Something that difficult just has to be good!
Have a happy & healthy day! SGG

 

[septbride2002]

I didn't work out yesterday as planned but.......

Can you believe I have done my Firm tape already this morning! DH had to work so I woke up with him and made myself a 2 egg omelet with salsa, pepperjack cheese, and sour cream (one word - scrumptious!) drank a glass of water and put in my tape. I did the Complete Aerobic and Scuplt with Allie this morning. It is a tough tape - really intense and I won't lie - I had to stop it once to refill my water glass and take a short breather. I also had to quit on some of the ab work. But otherwise I got it done. I've had 3 glasses of water already today and that is 48 oz down the hatch!

My fanny lifter came yesterday so now I have all my tools. It is tough - can I send it back

Sueg - you are cracking me up! Now the next time I do my tape I am going to be thinking

I hate hover squats!

Anyone else not steady doing the leg lifts with the fanny lifter? I keep feeling like I'm going to fall 10 ft!

~Amanda

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!
Today is an off day for me so I thought I would pop in and say hi!

Amanda~ Breakfast sounds yummy! And great job getting your workout in already!

Sueg~ I have a question for you: Do you hate hover squats??? They are so tough!

Jen~ You can do it!!!

Lisa~ Hi neighbor! I think I am going to concentrate on BSS1 until I am well under 200 pounds as well. Maybe BSS2will be on clearance then and we'll save a bundle of money!

s&k's mom~ Thanks for the info! Have a great weekend!

Kim~ Thank you for your kind words! I hope that you had a fabulous shopping trip!

Well, everyone... I am on to journals. Have a great weekend!

Tracy

 

[luvmydogs]

Morning FIRMies!

OK, since the concensus is that WE ALL HATE HOVER SQUATS, I believe that as Lisa (Zeras Pride) and sueg said "they must be good for us!" I still hate them, though!

S&K'smom~~Thank you SO MUCH for checking out Cathe for me (it's spelled that way, but pronounced Kathy), I so appreciate it! Please don't go out of your way, but if you do happen to come across her, I'd love to hear what you think of her workouts--I've heard such good things about her. Thanks again and you keep up your AWESOME WORK!

Hi Lisa (ZP)! You are sooooo motivating and inspirational when you talk of not going off plan when you're on vacation! I think it helps so many people to hear that, and realize that they can do it, too! Three cheers for you! Allie is my favorite FIRM instructor too--my legs look a lot like hers, although most of mine is loose skin, not muscle! You keep jammin' Lisa--you're doing GREAT!

Hi sue! You're too funny! Ahhh, yes..."sit gently..." Sit gently my big butt! I don't sit gently...I PLOP! Thanks for the giggle this morning, and you KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!

Hi Amanda! I think you're doing such a TERRIFIC JOB with your workouts! Getting a handle on the Firm's moves and footwork take a lot of time! When I first started, I had to stop many, many times to catch my breath--I just did what I could. Working within your own fitness level is the smartest and most effective way of increasing it--and with all the FANTASTIC WORK you're doing, you'll be seeing results soon! Celebrate even the smallest of victories because it means you are getting stronger! When I first started doing the leg presses on the FL, I couldn't even do one without the weights, so I used just the blue portion until I got stronger (I now do them with 20lbs. of weight added-- that's my improvement since last May). Don't be afraid to modify those leg presses (or any other moves). They are killer leg work and they still get to me! YOU ARE DOING THIS AMANDA!

Hi Tracy! I hope you're enjoying your day off, and thanks for coming by to give some words of encouragement--so very cool of you to do! Shopping trip was just FAB! I wish I had the ca$h to indulge my addiction! What's that saying--"champagne taste but beer budget"!!! Hee hee. You have a great weekend, Tracy--YOU'RE THE BEST!

I did Total Sculpt + Abs this morning. Those front dips of the FL kill my quads. I try to do them without the stick so I can double up on the weights, and my thighs just shake. Sometimes when I look at the Fanny Lifter I feel it's looking back.....mocking me...

Tomorrow is my day off, so if I don't check in, you guys just KEEP ON TRUCKIN'! I hope you realize how many WARM FUZZIES I get when I read all the support and encouragement you all give to each other! I'm so happy to be a part of such a wonderful group of people!

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[sueg]

FIRMIES!
I did Cardio Sculpt w/ Allie this AM. I have come to the realization that my heavy reliance on 30 minute workouts was putting me in a rut. Half way thru this 55 min. tape, I started watching the VCR counter & wanting the workout to be over. Not that it was too hard, just that I think 30 min. when I think workout. I want to thank all of you for teaching me, by example. It's only long tapes on the weekend; I think tomorrow will be Standing Legs (Hover squats?). During the week, I'm getting up 10 minutes earlier, at least once, to fit in Super Body Scuplt w/ Stephanie Corley.
Thanks FIRMIES!
Have a happy & healthy day! SGG

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi FIRMies!

I'm checking in for the day. I did BSS1 body sculpt (upper body). I don't know when it will get easier but I'm hoping soon. Boy this is one tough work out!!!!! I hate some of those upper body moves (like the one where you put the small weights behind your head and squeeze them up and down - ouch!!!. I hate them almost as much as I hate hover squats!

Sue - You did my favorite work out today! I do 30 minute work outs during the week and try to make it 40 minutes or more on the weekends. I think "I hate hover squats" should be the unofficial theme for this thread (ha!). Have a great work out tomorrow!

luvmydogs - I just love the support from this thread too! You all are so inspiring to me. It's so encouraging to come here everyday and see so many who have done their workouts. Just outstanding work being done and I am so happy to be a part of this! I think I sound like a broken record sometimes about staying on plan, even on "special" occasions. I can't help but think that I've lived/wasted 36 years of my life being overweight. I've even got the chubby baby picture to prove it's been my whole life that I've been fat, and I'm just sick and tired of it. No more excuse for me! As they say on the lowcarfriends site, how bad do I want it? I WANT IT BAD!!!!

Tracy - Hi back at ya' neighbor! Enjoy your rest day. I won't have one until Tuesday or Thursday.

Amanda - you are doing so well. Keep it up! Now that you have your fanny lifter, there will be no stopping you! Just for the record, you are not allowed to return a fanny lifter once it has been purchased (tongue in cheek comment of course ). On a serious note, are you using the full 14 inch step or just the blue section? I've been working with the FIRM over a year and I'm still not comfortable using the full 2 step together box when I do the leg lifts. You may want to try just the blue portion first. In any case, you are doing great and I just wanted to encourage you.

Blueeyes - Welcome to the thread! This is a great place for motivation. If you are looking to be inspired to get into a regular work out routine, you have picked the right place!

Everyone have a nice night and make it a great work out!

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

WOW FIRM WISHers you are inspiring me to dust off my fanny lifter and FIRM tapes and give them a try again! I used to do the FIRM tapes pretty regularly a few years ago and liked the results but then I got in a "no time for exercise rut" and haven't gone consistently back to them but you are really making me think I should. I actually have quite a few tapes including BSS1 but I just haven't gotten into the habit of using them again. I used to think I didn't have enough time to do a 50 or 60 min. exercise tape but now I take the time to get on my treadmill for 60 min. or more some days so I should be able to make the time for these tapes too. Part of what has kept me from going back to these or giving BSS1 more of a chance is I know they are tough (but I know they give good results). Do you think I could alternate these and do these every other day and treadmill on the other days? I really want to keep up with my treadmill training for the 1/2 marathon too.

Cheryl

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!

Hi Cheryl! I say dust off that fanny lifter and come join us! I think it's a great idea to alternate days using the FIRM videos and your treadmill. The FIRM tapes are tough, but they do give results! Please make sure though that you give your body some rest time too. You don't want to overload on exercise and stop all together. Let us know what you decide. We will be here for support and motivation! Welcome!!

Okay.. today I did Cardio Sculpt Blaster with Lisa. I just love this workout! However, I did realize that I need to invest in a pair of new shoes that provide support because the outside of my left foot is throbbing! My shoes are about a year old so it's time for me to splurge. I'll be cheking the Sunday paper later today and see if Kohls or some place else is having a sale on athletic shoes.

Well, off to journals... Hope you have a wonderful day! Keep up the good work!!!

Tracy