the Firm check in Week 3

[s&k'smom]

Hi just wanted to start for this week. I did Total body Sculpt. I hope Melanie is doing well and joins us soon.

 

[sueg]

Melanie,
So sorry to hear about your loss. My sense of you, from these threads, is that you are a strong woman. I hope your strength helps to guide you through this difficult time.
Thinking about the loss of a loved one puts things in perspective. Loved ones are what really counts in life. (Did I have a good workout today? No? Oh well, I'll try harder tomorrow.)
Sunday was Tough Tape2. I switched at the last minutes from Standing Legs (Hover squats?) But I made up for this AM by doing the full Super Body Sculpt-Upper, Lower & Abs. I took advantage of the fact that I got up 1/2 hr. earlier, due to a leg cramp, to fit the full tape in before DSs get up.
Thank s&k's mom for starting this 3rd week thread.
Have a happy & healthy day! SGG

 

[TigerBear]

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to this thread and to the Firm. Special thanks to ZerasPride, sueg, & luvmydogs for recommending this program to me on my exercise thread! I bought the original system yesterday and did Cardio Sculpt last night for the first time. It felt good! I still need to get the foot work down and I also need to get some additional weights. I only have 5 pound weights - on some exercises it wasn't enough and on others (triceps/biceps while using the Fanny Lifter) it was too much. I'm excited though, which for me is a great thing!!

I'm tempted to purchase the second system too - but I think I'll see how this goes for a couple of weeks first. I am a little surprised there is no pure cardio in System One. So, what is everyone's favorite pure cardio video?

Oh btw, I'm 5'2" and weigh 124 pounds. About a year and a half ago I lost 30 pounds and then stalled. Nine more pounds until goal - and until I get to wear my new red dress!!
Good luck to everyone this week. I'll be trying Body Sculpt this afternoon after work for the first time!!

 

[luvmydogs]

Good Morning FIRMies, and THANK YOU s&k'smom for starting this thread!

Melanie, I am still thinking of you and your family. Please know that you are an inspiration to us in so many ways. I know your strength of body, soul and spirit will see you through this most difficult of times. We're here always to offer our continued love and support--you're such an important part of our WISH family... God Bless You, sweetie.

I did Complete Aerobics + Weight Training this morning, which is my favorite video. I was able to up my bicep work from 8lbs. to 10, so I'm really happy with that.

S&k'smom--GREAT JOB on doing Total Body Sculpt! You certainly were up early! I always try to exercise in the morning--if I don't I get lazy and don't do it at all. Thank you again for starting this thead, and CONGRATULATIONS on all your AWESOME WORK!

Hi sue! You are so right on the money about putting things in perspective and knowing what truly matters in life. I know I tend to get petty, hold grudges, whine and grumble about things that really don't matter. Thanks for the much-needed reminder this morning. WOW! You've really been working hard these last two days, and I bet you're feeling TERRIFIC about all you're hard work! A big WOO HOO to you!

Hi Tiger Bear! We're so glad you decided to join us! Ah, yes, The Firm Footwork! It can be tricky to get all the moves down (I think we've all posted that at one time or another!), but I just know you won't let that discourage you! Nine pounds from your goal is JUST FABULOUS and we know you can do it! I hit my goal weight (123-125lbs.) in December and started using Firm videos exclusively 6x/week. I went from a size 8 to a 6, just from the muscle mass gain and toning benefits (I'm sure you know the whole 'muscle weighs more than fat, yet takes up less space' thing!). I know some people will have even a slight weight increase because of the weight work (it takes @ 6 weeks to gain one pound of muscle), so you may see yourself shrinking even if the scale doesn't agree! Just know that you'll be sliding your sexy self into that slinky red dress real soon! My favorite cardio is Maximum Cardio Burn + Abs from BSS2. It has some really fun moves, and has a standing leg section near the end. Also some great abwork! It uses light weights just to add intensity to the cardio work, and the Sculpting Stick for some of the other moves. Some people have said that they don't use the SS, just weights instead. I have a 10lb. body bar that I use. The workout's @ 50-55 minutes (give or take), and I love it. There are a few other shorter cardio workouts, too-- Calorie Killer and Cardio Sculpt Blaster come to mind. They're @ 30 minutes. I'm sorry if I'm confusing you! If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask away! We're so glad you're here Tiger Bear!

I hope everyone has a happy, healthy day. Give your loved ones some extra big hugs!

Hugs to you, Melanie...

 

[septbride2002]

I am suppose to do Total Body Scuplt today but I'm not sure if I will get to it. DH and I have to go to the dentist for some tooth pain and probably won't get home until 6:30 or 7pm tonight. I'll need to eat dinner and digest a bit before I can do the tape. I think if I can start it by 8pm I'll be okay but we will have to see.

I am going to write down a plan for the week:
MON - Total Body Scuplt
TUE- Total Body Scuplt if I don't do it on Monday (otherwise Rest)
WED - Complete Aerobics and Scuplt
Thur - Rest
Fri - Rest
SAT - Total Body Scuplt
Sun - Complete Aerobics and Scuplt

~Amanda

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!
Ever have one of those mornings where you lie in bed and make excuses for not working out? Well, that would be me this morning. Let's see... some of my excuses were.... I have to color my hair, DH and I had an argument last night, There's snow on the ground, Gas prices are too high, It's Monday, e.t.c.

I realized that I was wasting more energy creating excuses then I would if I worked out. So, I popped the Cardio Sculpt video in and FIRMed away. Woohoo! I got through it and am glad that I did.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day today!

Melanie~ You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you, Mel!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

ive been horrible with trying to exercise..its excuses after excuses...but i just got 3 new dvds so gonna start up again...i lost 3 lbs...have 12 more to go..wanna get down to 130 before florida in may...

quick question--i want to get a fanny lifter and sculpting stick..everywhere in the stores is selling them with the tapes, but i just need the 2 things...any ideas?

 

[sueg]

I think firmdirect.com sells equipment w/o tapes. I know that 2 of my tapes start w/ an "plug" for buying a fannylifter. I would start there, but I don't think that firmdirect has the best prices. How about an athletic store, like Sports Authority or Modell's? I'd run some interest searches, rather than running from store to store.
SGG

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi FIRMies!

I don't know how I managed to miss this thread all day.

Melanie - When you are ready, I hope to see you posting again. Losing a loved one is difficult and please know we are thinking of you and miss you. Please take care.



Today was cardio sculpt for me. I use the 3, 5 and 8 pound weights and it feels so good. Except for the hover squats. We just hate the hover squats!

Welcome TigerBear, glad you found us. Everyone sounds like they are doing so well. Let's keep up the great work ladies!

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Melanie, I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time .

OK all you FIRMies I did it, you motivated me to get out of bed at 5am and do the FIRM Super Body Sculpt, all 3 sections Upper, Lower and Abs! Now I just need to stick with it. In some parts I didn't use any weights and in others I used light weights. I want to ease back into these tapes so that I don't get too sore and discouraged as I sometimes have in the past when I've been to gung ho and over done it.

I like septbride2002's idea of having a plan for the week and I'm going to try that too and maybe that will help me to stay on track. I am planning on alternating the FIRM in with my treadmill (and whenever the weather improves here my outdoor training) for the WDW 1/2 marathon.

This weeks plan:

MON Super Body Sculpt
TUES Rest (in case I'm sore from MON)
WED Walk/jog
THUR Super Body Sculpt
FRI Walk/jog
SAT Super Body Sculpt
SUN Walk/jog

I'll have to look through all my FIRM tapes and might try a longer one on Sat.

Thanks everyone for motivating me to give these tapes another try!!

Cheryl

 

[s&k'smom]

Good morning, did a cardio blast 30 minute tape today. I checked out FitTV this am too and they are finally doing updated shows for the Bodies in Motion show I like. There is one instructor who has a show and her name is Sharon Mann. Holy smokes that woman has energy! Have a great day everyone.

 

[sueg]

FIRMIES!
It was Lisa Kay & Cardio Scuplt Blaster this AM. Still a difficult 30 minutes for me, but at least I did not fall of my fanny lifter. I used a tip from these threads, to learn some of the move "by name" so that your brain is helping your feet, just by hearing the move-prompt.
No off day for me this week. I'm on warp-speed in preparation for WDW. I'll even exercise on Sat. AM, because we're flying out at night.
Have a happy & healthy day! SGG

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning FIRMies!
Today is a rest day for me, but I think I will do Ab Sculpt later on today.

s&k'smom~ Way to go! Keep up the good work!

Cheryl~ Woo hoo! You're one of us now! Welcome fellow FIRMie!

Lisa~ Howdy! You are doing a great job! Keep up the good work!

Go Jen! Go Jen ! You can do it! Go Jen!

Amanda~ That's a great idea writing down your exercise plan! It's also good to plan for rest days too. Keep up the good work!

Kim~ Thanks for encouraging everyone! You are such a wonderful example for all of us! We really appreciate you! Keep up the good work!

Tiger Bear~ Welcome! Using the FIRM will help you get into that new red dress in no time at all! As for your question on total cardio videos... I love Cardio Sculpt Blaster with Lisa Kay. It's a 30 minute workout that is fast and fun. I got my copy at Walmart for around $8. Hope that helps!

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

You are doing an awesome job! Have a gr8 day everyone!

 

[luvmydogs]

Good Morning FIRMies!

Hi Cheryl! WOW! Up at 5am and exercising already--good for you!!! Sounds like you got a great all-over workout! I think you're really smart by easing back into things--you don't need extra-sore muscles and maybe even an injury from working them so hard. I think your cardio/strength training rotation looks great, and it's good you're allowing yourself a rest day if you need it--it's so important to rest to keep yourself strong, healthy and motivated! Have fun looking through all your old tapes, and let us know what workouts you like--I'm always looking for opinions and suggestions on what to try next! So glad you've joined us Cheryl--keep up your awesome work!

Hi s&k'smom! Great job doing your workout this morning! Sharon Mann--I know I've heard that name before...Let us know if you find any workouts on FitTV that you really enjoy! Where do those instructors get their energy and how do they keep smiling?! Ugh--I make weird faces when I exercise. Keep up all the terrific work you're doing!

Melanie--I'm thinking of you...

***Edited to add a BIG HELLO to toystory! Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by on your day off! You're THE BEST, GIRL!

I was up early this morning and did Maximum Cardio Burn + Abs. After that, I did a DVD called Cool It Off (by Debbie Siebers of the Slim In 6 fame) for the first time. It's an hour of full-body stretching, and since I had the time I thought I'd give it a try. It felt incredible! My body was like liquid afterwards. It has no cardio or strength training, just pure muscle stretching. Since I'm trying to increase my flexibility and keep my very weak lower back stretched out and strong, I think I'll add this video (or parts of it--DVD is chaptered) once or twice during the week when time permits. I felt like I just had a massage after I was done.

Well, FIRMies, I am off to clean our bathroom! Have a GREAT DAY everyone, and make today your best!

 

[septbride2002]

I didn't get to The Firm yesterday because my dentist appointment was beyond painful. I am still feeling it today and I hope the asprin kicks in soon.

I will be doing Total Scuplt with Jen this afternoon, tomorrow will be Cardio Scuplt with Emily (I think that is her name). Next week I start adding Complete Aerobic Scuplt and Abs with Allie. I'm nervous about this one.

~Amanda

 

[ZerasPride]

Today is a rest day for me. Thank goodness too. I feel like I'm doing hover squats and I'm just sitting down! Boy are my gluts sore! Did I mention how I hate hover squats?

Cheryl - good for you in getting back with the program! Taking things nice and slow is just the way to go with these work outs.

s&k'smom - glad you were able to get your work out in! Keep up the great work!

sueg - you are on fire! Do you plan to work out at Disney? I am trying to figure out if I'll be able to schedule an early morning quick work out before hitting the parks. I could try to convince myself that walking around the parks is exercise but I've been to Disney so many times that I should be thin if that's all it takes! Have a great trip!

toystory - I am thinking about doing abs later this evening or even the upper body portion of body sculpt even though it's my rest day. It depends, we'll see how the evening goes.

luvmydogs - that additional work out you did sounds great! I've seen the Slim in 6 infomercials and it looks like a good plan. I would love to feel like I had a massage after a stretch routine. I've never done one before. I may have to look into it. Thanks!

Amanda - it sounds like you are doing good. I hope the pain meds kick in soon. I think I hate dental visits more than hover squats and that's really saying something!

 

[TigerBear]

I did Body Sculpt last night for the first time. All I will say is WOW! I really felt it. There were a couple times when I didn't know if I would be able to complete the set, but I am proud of myself for hanging in there. I'll be doing Ab Sculpt today for the first time.

I think I have decided to buy the second system too. I have only done two workout so far and I already feel firmer in my thighs and triceps!! I'm just so hopeful that this time I will be able to achieve the results I want!

Is there any video that particular targets the butt?

 

[Blueeyes101817]

after the chat last night, i am gonna start exercising again! today im going to do..maximum cardio burn i think....
gonna do that later today..and maybe the abs video too..

 

[MelanieC]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the kind words. Getting back into the swing of things is turning out to be difficult, but hopefully it will happen.
I did manage to do Complete Aerobics and Weight Training.

TigerBear- BSS2 is really fun, you will like it!

 

[sueg]

Welcome back Melanie! Getting back into the swing after such a loss is much tougher than anyone imagines. I think it's great that you managed to exercise, because I think all us FIRMIES have come to realize that exercise is good-for-us emotionally, as well as physically. Feel free to emote with us.
Continuing on my "no off day 'til WDW" quest, I returned to my original favorite Upper Body, from the FIRM Parts 4 Pack. It's 40 min. long and will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first FIRM tape that I mastered. No fancy footwork, just a serious weight-based work out & Janet Jones-Gretzsky has an inspirational body. Upper Body is also great before WDW because I now wear sleeveless tops WOOHOO!
Have a happy & healthy day! SGG