The Firm Transfirmation system has been out for awhile now. I don’t really have any reviews for that stuff yet since I’ve only picked up a couple of the new workouts.
I am hopefully going to review at least one of the new ones I got this week. We’ll see.
But, if you were planning on getting it, it has gone retail and you can pick it up at various online retailers. The cheapest one I’ve seen is at Overstock.com. It retails there for about $30 and their shipping is always really reasonable. The main difference between the retail kit and the one you could get through Collage or the Firm directly is that the retail kit only comes with 8 1 pound weight plates versus 12 pounds with the normal kit. Plus the kit costs about $75(!) at Collage plus shipping.
Personally, I don’t see the point of selling the videos with the weights. I mean, I already have weights. I heard a lot of people with weights already would set the weights up at 4 and 7 pounds since those types of dumbbells are a little rare to come by. I am pretty sure that most of the videos are going to hit regular retail in the next 6 months anyway though.
I am attempted to pick it up through Overstock though - just because the cost per workout for the price is really cheap. Oh yea, Overstock lists it as being out of stock. They had a whole bunch a little while ago, but sold out within a week I think.
Oh yea, if you want to see preview clips of the new videos, you can check out 2 to 3 minute clips of all of the new releases here. These are clips that are available to members of the Firm Believers club, but they didn’t do a very good job of keeping the preview address “secret.”
A lot of people on the video fitness boards I go to all gave Hi Def Sculpt by Annie really poor reviews. Tight Buns and Killer Legs by Kelsie has gotten universally good reviews - but that is part of that add on pack they released shortly after the CardioWeights release. This video looks pretty good from the preview clip I saw. It is also going retail in March 2008.
There also some new Firms set for release next year. This is something I picked up from the Firm boards.
We wanted you to be the first to know about new programs that will be released via retail in 2008. We have tentatively scheduled these for release throughout the year so look for updates and announcements here about when each of these new FIRM programs will be available. A few will be available as early as May 2008 while others will be released later in the year.
· Cardio Dance workout led by Alison Davis
· 60 minute calorie blasting workout led by Kelsie Daniels that is slated to be packaged on one DVD with a 30 minute AWT led by Emily Welsh
· Sculpting workout led by Rebekah Sturkie
· Kickboxing Cardio workout led by Kelsie Daniels
· Balance workout led by Tina Smalley
· Travel / quick workout led by Annie Lee using a jump Rope and other fun compact equipment
· A new Cardio Sculpting Ball Workout led by Rebekah Sturkie
The most amazing news is that some of your fellow FIRM Believers will be in the cast of some of these workouts! They will be able to share the behind the scenes making of The FIRM workouts!
These sound pretty good and they were all filmed this past September. The only drawback to these? Well, I am pretty sure that most of them are going to be released with new gadgets. What the hell!!???!!!! Ugh, it’s so sickening how they are pushing so many gadgets. I think I am pretty much done with the new Firm. I mean, they were so great in the early years because they were different from other videos out at the time and they used weights! The early workouts were a little gadgety to a certain extent too - I am not denying that. But, it’s not like you would have to buy the gadget in order to get the workout.
I also heard somewhere that the Cardio Dance Fusion workout with Allison is going to be released in March 2008. I am really curious to see how that turns out - mostly because she is in the dance workout with Allie in the lead and well, the girl ain’t got no rhythm.
I also don’t know why they are having Annie lead workouts as my understanding is that she doesn’t seem to be a very good lead at all. Then again, the majority of the old school Firm instructors have left the Firm and are now working with Nancy Tucker at BodyFit in Columbia, SC.
One of the sleuths over at one of my fitness boards found this image. It basically looks like a new Fanny Lifter, renamed Body Trainer and it’s pink and purple instead of blue and purple. There was a rumor that a new Fanny Lifter workout was filmed back in 2006, but no details were released about it. If this is the new workout and considering the way Gaiam has been operating, the workout probably is not going to be available without the purchase of this thing. It’s also been speculated that the name of the gadget was changed because fanny means something completely different in the UK than it does in the States.
It looks like it is going to be very interesting. It also looks like they might still be shooting so I couldn’t find any information about when this might be released.
The new “TransFirmation” system was released a couple of weeks ago and I’ve seen quite a few reviews about the wokrouts on the various boards I frequent.
The verdict? Don’t buy it - at least for now. Why is that Alisha? Do the workouts suck that much?
Well, it’s not so much that the workouts suck, but that there are a ton of problems with the DVD’s that have gone out. I don’t know what gives but basically a lot of the discs will just not play in most DVD players. Random polling from the various boards I go to suggest that at least half of the people who ordered have problems playing some of the discs. Okay, I don’t really know if half of the discs are defective, but a lot of them are. People have contacted the Firm, gotten replacement discs and those have been faulty too. I do believe that they are working on the problem now, but who knows how long it will be before they get discs that actually work.
Others have also reported problems with the weights that come with the system. A lot of the weights that have gone out seem to be stuck together and some even have rust spots on them! Doh!
The workouts themselves have been getting mixed reviews. Some people are annoyed that the Cardio Party DVD basically contains a couple of segments from previous Firm videos - like a cardio segment with Emily is just her redoing a cardio segment from Complete Aerobics and Weight Training. Allie’s segment is her doing the Latin part of her Cardio Dance Slim Down.
Alison’s Cardio Overdrive has gotten positive reviews but her ab workout was considered to be so so.
There are quite a few of these DVD’s that I am interested in, but it is ridiculously expensive with the weights. (The complete set with the deluxe add on and shipping comes out to something like $120!) Oh yea, one thing that I really hate about the Firm’s website is that they never tell you how much shipping is before you order something. There is also no mention of shipping rates in their FAQ.
In case you were wondering, the shipping on the basic kit alone is $29.95. If you get the deluxe add on, there is an additional shipping charge of $9.95.
If you are new to the Firm and were thinking about joining the Firm Believer’s Web Club - DON’T! It’s basically a rip off. They charge you $10 a month for access to their message boards and “chats” with the instructors. They like to say that it is worth it because you get a 10% discount on all purchases in the Firm store, but you can still find their workouts cheaper at other retailers - even with the 10% discount.
Now, I don’t mean to sound like I hate the Firm, I don’t. They have produced a lot of really good workouts over the years, but their customer service sucks.
In other Firm news, they released some more workouts today. The new workouts released are add on’s to the TransFirmation system. The 5 workouts are about $60 and I’ve heard that the shipping on these is $9.95. They are promoting this as a buy 4 workouts get the fifth one free deal. I am really interested in these, but I think I can wait until they go retail. I am sure that Amazon will have them cheaper than the price they are being advertised at right now. Oh yea, and it looks like the new set will be released to regular retail in September. I can wait until then.
Burn & Shape, a workout created by The FIRM Master Instructor Emily Welsh will help you transform your physique. Quick changes from cardio to sculpting and back again boost your energy level and melt fat away fast with this innovative method for losing weight.
Approximately 40 minutes. Cardio+Sculpt.
Total Body Time Crunch is The FIRM’s secret weapon against unwanted flab. This workout, led by The FIRM Master Instructor Rebekah Sturkie, combines high energy cardio moves with targeted body shaping exercises in heart-pumping intensity bursts that increase your motivation as well as your results!
Approximately 45 minutes, with a 25-minute Express option. Cardio+Sculpt.
Total Body Toner, a sculpting workout, will increase your fat-free body mass and rev up your metabolism. Pump some iron with The FIRM Master Instructor Allie Del Rio Pointer in this innovative series of muscle conditioning moves that will give you the shapely, toned body you’ve been seeking.
Approximately 40 minutes. Sculpt.
Cardio Sculpt Fusion — a low impact, low intenstiy workout applying the principles of cross-training — was created by The FIRM Master Instructor Emily Welsh. Add this hybrid of light cardio, flowing body sculpting, and dynamic yoga and pilates to your existing program and both beginners and veterans alike will get better results from all your workouts!
Approximately 45 minutes, with a 25-minute Express option. Cardio+Sculpt.
FREE Bonus Workout!
Cardio Inferno turns up the heat on your weight loss. Designed by The FIRM Master Instructor Sue Mi Powell, this blend of highly effective cardio and light sculpting moves deliver a super charged workout experience. Melt away calories with this hot new cardio workout.
The new Firm infomercial is scheduled to start this weekend. I am still a bit on the fence with these. I figured out that I could order directly from their website and the kit would be about $80 with free shipping. That isn’t too bad actually since it would come out to about $13 workout, with free weights. The list price for the basic kit is going to be $59.95 plus $19.95 s/h and the deluxe add on is an additional $29.95 plus an extra $9.95 s/h. So in total I would be saving about $40 - unless they tried to screw the Hawaii people over and charge us extra for shipping. I really don’t need the weights, but who knows if and when these will be released to regular retail. I am pretty sure the deluxe add on’s are going retail in December. I checked my finances and I could swing it right now, but I am still pretty wishy washy about it.
Anyways, here’s the schedule that I’ve been able to find so far.
FIRST AIRING! Will you be awake for this one?!
Lifetime Movie Network (LMN)
6/16/2007
Saturday
5:00 AM (ET and PT)
Court TV
6/16/2007
Saturday
10:30 AM (ET and PT)
Game Show Network (GSN)
6/16/2007
Saturday
8:30 AM ET
LIFETIME
6/16/2007
Saturday
9:00 AM (ET and PT)
LIFETIME
6/17/2007
Sunday
3:00 AM (ET and PT)
The Learning Channel (TLC)
6/17/2007
Sunday
7:30 AM (ET and PT)
Travel Channel
6/19/2007
Tuesday
7:30 AM ET
Discovery Channel
6/21/2007
Thursday
8:30 AM (ET and PT)
Note: Lifetime, Court TV, Discovery Channel, LMN and TLC are dual feed, which means air times are for both ET and PT. All others are ET.
The new Firm workouts are available now - if you are a member of the Firm Believers Club. They do have a free 30 day trial, so if you really, really wanted to get these, you could sign up for that and cancel the membership within 30 days. It just seems so ridiculous to charge people about $10/month for access to their “club.” I used to be a member and the best thing was that when I canceled I could still access the “club.” They have since corrected that, but it was fun while it lasted.
I am assuming this is from the Firm Believers Club that someone copied and pasted on another board. Again, it is long, but I think this is the most information that has been released about these so far.
Personally, I am a little tempted, but I really should curb my spending. I really should get a job soon.
All New FIRM CardioWeights System
Get the Details from the Instructors
We know you’ve been dying for details about the all new FIRM CardioWeights System. Here, The FIRM Master Instructors leading the workouts spill it all!
The new system components are as follows. Click on the title for more details.
Main Package:
• Hi Def Sculpt
• Cardio Overdrive
• Hard Core Fusion
• BONUS: Cardio Party
Deluxe Package:
• Core Solutions
• Tight Buns & Killer Legs
EXTRA! EXTRA! We have a fantastic offer for FIRM BELIEVERS ONLY! Not only can you be the FIRST to get the all new FIRM CardioWeights System with 4 new DVDs and 16 pounds of resistance, but you save $30 when you upgrade to the
Deluxe kit — an additional 2 DVDs and 6 more pounds of resistance.
The all new FIRM CardioWeights System is $59.95 plus $19.95 S&H.
The Deluxe upgrade is an additional $29.95 plus $9.95 S&H.
If you order now, you get FREE shipping! That’s a savings of $30.
Plus, you get your FIRM Believers Club discount of 10% off the ENTIRE order. So, FREE S&H and 10% off the base price. You get 6 brand new FIRM workouts and 22 pounds of resistance. Order now!! Here’s the link:
ALL NEW FIRM CardioWeight System!
Take advantage of this special offer; it’s available for a limited time only — OFFER EXPIRES JUNE 15th. Be the first to own the all new FIRM
CardioWeights System!
Hi Def Sculpt
Sculpt
45 minutes with a 25 minute “Express” option
What I had in mind was, “What do I want?” Because I, like everyone else, have the desire to create lean, sexy, sculpted muscle with a clean silhouette. I want to feel good about the shape of my body and how I look in clothes or in a bathing suit.
The goal of this workout was to keep all of The FIRM basic movements but put them together in a special format to work the body to its fullest potential while still having fun. I really enjoyed putting together and leading Hi-Def Sculpt because this workout is my forte; it sticks to the basics of resistance training. The exercises in the workout are tried-and-true, however, each one has a unique spin making it new, fun, and challenging to your muscles. You are really able to focus on each movement with proper form and intensity allowing you to get the maximum benefit of the workout.
Unlike other sculpting workouts, Hi-Def Sculpt is special because it incorporates traditional resistance exercises with a focus on core work. Core exercises are those that primarily focus on abdominal muscles and the other muscles that support your spine — your posterior chain. So not only are you working out your entire body — back, chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, gluts, hamstrings, and quads — you are working your abs the entire time as well. I too get tired of doing core exercises on the floor so these exercises really make you utilize your abs, gluts, and legs to hold your balance and stability.
You are essentially getting more out of your time with this workout because we challenge your body in a different way: isometrically — as in holding the contraction for a period of time. For example: holding a side lunge position with a series of anterior delt raises; this works the lower body isometrically while moving the upper body. Plus, because you are holding the lower body while doing another exercise at the same time you’re doubly challenging your core muscles to work and hold you stable.
Hi Def Sculpt is organized into tunes that focus on different areas of the body. We start out with a warm-up. Then we do:
1. legs, back and biceps
2. legs, chest and triceps
3. legs and shoulders
4. core work
And then we go through the sequence of muscle conditioning again, but with different exercises and different techniques. This workout has everything you need and is a lot of fun, too. I look forward to everyone trying it!
Cardio Overdrive led by Alison Davis
Cardio
45 minutes with a 25 minute “Express” option
What I liked best about leading Cardio Overdrive was the fact that it’s CARDIO!! I love to do cardio personally, and it was fun to come up with cool new moves that would really get your heart rate up and let you throw down at the same time!
The Believers are going to get the ultimate cardio workout with Cardio Overdrive. The time is going to fly by because the moves are so much fun. We took some favorite cardio and light 4-limb moves and really gave them an innovative look, which makes them interesting AND effective. The flow of the workout is designed differently as well. The intensity steadily increases and is at it’s highest at one point (that’s when we kick it into overdrive)! This workout is designed to make those cardio days ones that are anticipated and worth while!
When creating Cardio Overdrive I was challenged to come up with almost an hour of new moves never seen before. I wanted choreography that wasn’t easy, or repetitive to challenge the mind, and intense at the same time to challenge the body. I used a lot of old-school FIRM moves (like the tri-star), but added or changed one more component like direction to make it feel different to your body.
Cardio is such an important component of fitness. If Cardio Overdrive is to be used for a cardio day in a rotation, I want it to be worth it! So my goal: Burn off the fat that lies on top of the new lean muscle you sculpted in the other workouts. Oh yeah-AND it should be fun while you do it!
Hard Core Fusion led by Allie Del Rio Pointer
Cardio+Sculpt
55 minutes with a 35-minute “Express” option
With Hard Core Fusion, I wanted to bring you the type of Cardio+Sculpt workout that you love but make it more fun than ever before.
There are lots of great combinations of exercises in this one. Some I’ve never tried before now. They involve multiple muscle groups, including your core, to really bump up your heart rate while you add shape and definition to your body.
But the part I really love best about this workout are the cardio intervals. I wanted to combine some funky dance-type moves with some heavy duty athletic or kickboxing type drills. It was tons of fun for me to come up with the moves so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I want everybody to really cut loose and get into it – you’ll burn even more calories that way!
I think The FIRM Believers will really love this workout because it is our classic combination of cardio and weight training, but with lots of new moves – both cardio and sculpting. I included a lot of standing ab moves, too!!
This will be a great addition to your C+S library, especially with the 35 minute Express option – it’s like getting 2 new C+S workouts in one!
Cardio Party led by Alison, Emily, Rebekah, Annie and Allie
Cardio
40 minutes
Emily: Cardio Party was so much fun to make! We had a great time being able to talk with each other during the workout, and being more “free” during production made the workout seem more like a live class back in SC. I can’t wait to hear everyone thinks about it!
Annie: Wanna spice up your cardio workouts-you’ll love Cardio Party! It is a mix of salsa dancing, kickboxing, high and low aerobics, and plyometrics training all packed into one workout. Not only does it give you a variety of cardio styles but it is led by a great group of FIRM Master Instructors! We all have our own style and flavor…just like you! You will never get bored with this workout, so enjoy sweatin’ our party!
Alison: The name says it all!! Leading Cardio Party was like hanging out with my good friends. We had such a fun time teaching and learning each others’ cool moves that we didn’t even realize what a great workout we were getting!
Core Solutions led by Alison Davis
Ab Sculpting
3 10-minute Workouts
What I liked best about leading Core Solutions was that I knew this workout would be important and motivating for many people. Who doesn’t want a 6-pack?
The Believers will all agree that Core Solutions IS the solution for the hard belly and strong core they need. This is a completely different Ab workout than most because it works muscles you didn’t know you had in some very fascinating ways. Some of the moves are straight-up belly blasters. I’m surprised you can’t see the steam coming from your belly because you sure can FEEL it!! Other moves are very functional and are a wonderful challenge of your stabilizers. Unlike other workouts, Core Solutions gives you the feel for both HARD work for that 6-pack, and core strengthening so that you can stand up tall and reveal your new lean-sculpted body!
When choreographing Core Solutions I wanted the combination of a tough abdominal workout, with a challenging core and stabilization workout. Balance is so important for performing every other exercise we do. I wanted to tap into that area as well. Plus, I wanted to moves to be appealing to the eye!
EVERYONE wants flat abs. Although we can’t “spot reduce”, or do crunches until the cows come home, I wanted this workout to be key in your fitness rotation and goals towards the balanced body you deserve. I wanted the moves to be effective and functional and fun!
Tight Buns & Killer Legs led by Kelsie Daniels
Sculpt
30 minutes
From the beginning, I wanted to do a workout that I and The FIRM Believers would want to do on a regular basis. It was my goal to target every major muscle of the lower body in less than 30 minutes AND have fun doing it!!! It was my goal to create the “Go To” workout — the one that women could go to for all they are looking for in a lower body workout in as little time as possible.
Now that I am a mother, I find that I have less and less time to workout. When I was choreographing my workout, I thought about all the mothers out there that are trying to get a great workout in a limited amount of time. Because I have such a limited amount of time to dedicate to my workouts, I wanted to make this workout as efficient as possible. I chose a lot of compound moves in order to target as many muscle groups as possible. I wanted to feel like, and I wanted the Believers to feel like, they were getting a full lower body workout even though it was only 30 minutes.
I love this new workout! I love how tough it is, how efficient it is…targeting all the major muscles of the lower body in only 30 minutes! Most of all I love how much fun it is!!!
Because this new workout is so thorough and efficient, I think The FIRM Believers are going to get amazing results. Every second of my workout is intense. I think the legs and glutes that they have been dreaming of, are now attainable…in a shorter period of time.
One of the sleuths over at one of my fitness boards found this image. It basically looks like a new Fanny Lifter, renamed Body Trainer and it’s pink and purple instead of blue and purple. There was a rumor that a new Fanny Lifter workout was filmed back in 2006, but no details were released about it. If this is the new workout and considering the way Gaiam has been operating, the workout probably is not going to be available without the purchase of this thing. It’s also been speculated that the name of the gadget was changed because fanny means something completely different in the UK than it does in the States.
