The Firm TransFIRMer Reviews

• The Firm Transfirmer Series

  
  By A13SQ5CTXEFDMI on 2006-11-21
  I did the Firm workouts for years and always loved them. They were definitely the most effective workout (along with private Pilates) that I've ever done. It's true that working with weights is absolutely essential to a high metabolism and shapely muscles--especially as we get older. Don't think that you have to "lose weight and THEN do strength training." Proper strength training (if you're consistent) will help you lose weight!
  
  That said, a few years back, I did start to stray from my Firm workouts for awhile. When I tried to get back into them a few years later, I found that I wasn't crazy about the newer DVD's that they put out, and some of my older ones, although still GREAT workouts, were a little too dated (talk about the high-cut white leotards and matching leg-warmers!!). AND I had done them all so many times already.
  
  Then I saw the TRansFirmer advertised and thought I'd give it a try. It really is the best piece of equipment! It's light, easily changes from one position to another (unlike the last step/fanny lifter combination they made that was IMPOSSIBLE), and feels very stable and solid while you're working out with it. And the DVD's are great. The instructors are awesome, I never found myself getting annoyed, and I always work up a sweat. It really is the best of the Firm, but totally updated and fun. My favorite so far of the 4 that come with the Transfirmer is the Supercharged Sculpting with Pam. It's fairly short (unlike this review!), but very thorough and fun. Allie's great as well. I remember her as being one of the students in many of the old Firm workouts.
  
  Anyway, I've never written a review before, but I felt compelled because I really have to applaud the Firm. They really nailed it this time. After doing it maybe 6 times, I can already feel (and see) my strength and muscle shape coming back. It's also helping me with my other workouts (Pilates and S-Factor) because of the strength I'm building. I look forward to new DVD's to go with the TransFirmer. I love it!!
  
  
  
  
  
  

• A Wonderful At Home Workout

  
  By A362D1MAUVX1IM on 2007-04-26
  To those who are new to step as I was, don't get frustrated! The footwork may seem very fast and confusing at first. Just keep doing it; the steps WILL come to you eventually. At that point you will really begin to enjoy all that this series has to offer. The longest of the three videos has a 55 minute running time. The other two run for 45 and 35 minutes. I'm amazed at how quickly the time goes!
  
  This is the most enjoyable workout I've ever done. I find that I am not sore the next day because of the adequate warm ups and cool downs. However, watch that non modified "side plank" move! To avoid strain, your body must be perfectly aligned, with the elbow directly beneath the shoulder and the feet perfectly parallel, aligned and on top of one another.
  
  The Transfirmer series features CALM, polished instructors, accurate cueing, good music, correct counts, adequate warmups and cool downs, weights, aerobics, upper/lower body work, abs AND stretching in ONE pleasant session. There is a thoroughness and consistancy that I have found to be missing from many other exercise videos.
  
  My ONLY complaint is the bulkiness of the Transfirmer. There's not much time allotted on the dvd to move it from one position to the next. Because of its size and the rubber stabilizing treads, you must lift it to move it rather than drag it. This could be helped by placing handholds or holes on the sides units to make them easier to lift. Once positioned, it's also critical to make sure that the two units are joined properly so that you don't go flying! I'm getting quicker at this, but I still miss the first few reps sometimes.
  
  Please note that for maximum effectiveness you will also need to purchase a set of 3, 5, and 8 lb dumbells. I prefer weights with longer necks as many exercises require you to place the weights on your shoulders.
  
  I've tried many of the most popular exercise videos. This one is BY FAR the best. The claims are true. Done as directed, you will see and feel a noticeable difference in your muscle tone and definition after the first ten sessions.
  
  

• The TransFirmer changed my life!

  
  By A2T6UN28YN08NK on 2007-06-12
  I purchased the TransFirmer almost one year ago and have been faithfully working out with it ever since. It is by far the best workout I've ever done. The Firm is difficult in the beginning, but by sticking to it I've reaped some awesome results. I lost almost 30 lbs in 6 months. I went from a very tight size 12 to a very loose size 6. Sometimes I even fit in a size 4. You have to be willing to stick with this and set your mind to learning the steps. My clothes were looser within the first 3 workouts and by the 10th workout I'd lost 8 lbs. I've weighed the same as I do now, but could barely squeeze into a size 8. With the Firm I've gained precious muscle and am now smaller than I've ever been my entire adult life, even though I've weighed less than this. I'd been a skinny fat person and now the Firm has made me a truly fit person.
  
  I feel I've found my workout for life. I'm 39 years old and have exercised off and on my entire life. I'm in the best shape of my life. The aerobic weight training is so efficient. The Firm is the only exercise I need to stay in great shape.
  
  

• Stylized Workouts

  
  By A281NPSIMI1C2R on 2007-04-17
  The FIRM Supercharged Sculpting workout is a highly stylized workout with electronica, artistically designed sets and a clean, sleek mood. This is a combination of traditional weight training with aerobics using the necessary TransFIRMer. Most of the exercises are recognizable as traditional exercises like plank or sit-ups and squats.
  
  The lunges seem easier to do with the TransFIRMer, although weights are used throughout most of the exercises to give them a little more edge. The workout is followed by a brief stretching segment, but if you want to totally relax, there is a "Bonus: 8-minute Stretch Workout."
  
  This set also includes two additional DVDs: The FIRM Ultimate Calorie Blaster and The FIRM Aerobic Body Shaping. If you have any issues with your knees, you may need to try various workouts to see which ones you can manage. I found the Ultimate Calorie Blaster DVD was hard on the knees.
  
  "The TransFIRMer was designed with multiple uses in mind and has 5 different configurations to take each workout to the next level." ~ pg. 6
  
  The TransFIRMer can be positioned in five different ways to increase the possibilities:
  
  6" TransFIRMer - The green section can be used alone
  8" TransFIRMer - The blue section can be used alone
  14" TransFIRMer - The blue and green sections used together
  Side-by-Side TransFIRMer - The blue and green sections placed next to each other
  Incline TransFIRMer - The green piece fits into the blue piece for a convenient and stable incline.
  
  "You can adjust the intensity of the workout depending on how high you step." ~ pg. 7
  
  The workout booklet has some interesting rotation calendars so you can plan out 21 days. There is also a section on healthy eating tips, an eating plan, 21-day diet plan, list of 100-calorie snacks and list of 200-calorie snacks. A substitution list makes the diet easier to follow especially if you are eating out and want to still keep to the diet plan.
  
  For years I couldn't do the FIRM workouts because I kept forgetting to buy the equipment, but now with the step at home I can try out most of the new workouts and have fun working out. The 2-piece step is also easy to arrange and is very sturdy. The low-impact exercises work well with the step and the incline is used for push-ups, cardio, arms and ab exercises. If you are buying this step to also use with other workouts that use a step, they say that is not recommended.
  
  ~The Rebecca Review
  
  
  

• Beware of the footwork

  
  By A33YFT3NT3TEU3 on 2007-03-28
  I have been using the Transfirmer series for three weeks now and have to say that while it has the potential to be a great product for me, I have wasted my money. I have been exercising regularly with personal trainers for four years and have excellent fitness, so I am not new to rigorous exercise. I thought I could save my money and use these DVDs at home instead. While the weight portions of the videos are great, the step and aerobic portions are difficult to follow. What would make it easier to follow is if the instructors did more repetitions of the same move rather than constantly adding steps and switching back and forth between moves. There is nothing in the DVDs to help you slowly and clearly learn the steps prior to beginning the work out. Also, the camera angles do not do anything to help a beginner learn the moves. They claim the steps are easy to follow, yeah right.
  
  
• I've finally found something that works!
  By A3CAUMFLRYO63I on 2007-12-13
  As someone who has struggled with slow metabolism/throid issues and yo-yo dieting for the majority of my life, I really didn't think I could ever get my pre-motherhood body back. Well, this is starting to prove me wrong. I started using the TransFIRMer system in March 2007. SIX WEEKS later I had lost 3 inches off of EACH thigh, and I went from a size 14/16 to a size 8/10. Note that I was also following a low-cal, low-fat, low-carb diet along with that.
  
  The blurb from the editor really is on the mark -- it WILL work muscles you never even knew you had. Because the workouts alternate between aerobic activity and weight training, I don't get bored and the 55-minute workout DVD that I use just flies by. I also don't get the complete fatigue that I get when I use a "regular" aerobic or other workout DVD that doesn't switch things up.
  
  So far I have ONLY used Allie's Aerobic Body Shaping workout with my kit -- the others were a little too hard for me to follow right off the bat. Allie was much easier to follow than the other ones for me, although I am going to get them out again now that I pretty much have this workout memorized. Once you understand the "lingo" of how aerobic instructors call things out and prepare you for the next moves, it'll become old hat to you. Don't be intimidated because you are telling yourself, "I'm not coordinated" or "I've never done aerobics". This IS a great system, and if you stick with it and watch your diet, it WILL work for you -- of that I have no doubt. I hate to sound cliche and all info-mercially on everyone, but I am serious when I say if it works for ME, it will work for anyone.
  
  BTW, I have kept off the 30 pounds that I have lost since March (that's what I lost in the six weeks). I am now working on losing my last 25 pounds. Even my five year old has noticed and has told mommy how good she looks now! I bought a pair of Victoria Secret "butt lifter" jeans, and when I put them on they not only slipped right on, but for once in my life my butt didn't need any lifting! Now my mom has their workout stuff on her Christmas list.
  
  
• For the perfect rear end...
  By A2NWH4TQGCFSMC on 2007-01-19
  The transfirmer does wonders. After having a child I didn't think my body was capable of ever looking how it did before I had my son. But I can honestly say I feel and look better now than before.
  
  I didn't expect to see noticeable results quickly because I started the program without the use of weights and couldn't complete the dvd's but I kid you not, 2-3 weeks later I couldn't keep my hands off my thighs and rear end! My husband couldn't stop either. It totally transformed my body. I couldn't stop touching and looking because it felt completely different than it had ever looked and felt, even before I had my son. I couldn't believe it was me!
  
  But more than that I had more energy so I was able to do more things like jog around the neighborhood with my 8 year old and have him tire out before I am even really started.
  
  Before this workout I was doing Gilad workouts, he's great but I've never in all my years seen results like this ever. The firm does workouts geared toward women and our troubled areas.
  
  
• Firm up! with the Transfirmer
  By A1C0TUHKDW1FOB on 2007-04-18
  I finally caved in and bought the transfirmer system with 4 videos plus I bought jiggle free buns and arms to go with it. I have been doing this program for about three weeks and can say that I feel FIRMER indeed. I don't follow the meal plan that they suggest either and have almost lost one dress size and my clothes are fitting better.
  
  The Transfirmer system is basically a step system. If you have done step workouts in the past then you will have no difficulty becoming acclimated to the system. However, since this is a much higher step, you will experience more muscle burn (especially if adding weights). Interlocking the two "steps" keeps the Transfirmer from sliding around during lunges - like my old step did. As someone else mentioned, this is a very sturdy piece of equipment and I was impressed with the quality of it. You can use it for any step workout.
  
  The videos concentrate on getting the job done and are borderline boring at times. The instructors don't offer the perky motivational conversation or explanations on how muscles are being targeted like Kathy Smith and Denise Austin. This may be a plus though, because after repetitive use, that kind of chatty conversation can become annoying. The exercises are heavy on lunges and squats with and without weights. They also offer modifications to use until you can build up to your maximum level. These workouts were refreshing because they mix and match low-impact floorwork with step training and weight lifting. So you never get that jittery feeling after jumping up and down for 45 minutes like with other step workouts.
  
  One more plus is that these workouts do not take alot of space. I gave this sytem five stars because I think it is offers a great approach for longterm fitness and diet.
  
  
• This is changing my life!
  By A16IQTB2VEUYVT on 2007-05-17
  I LOVE THE TRANSFIRMER!!!!!!!!!
  
  I have been using the TransFirmer and the DVDs that came with it for a little over a month now and I'm addicted!! And let me tell you, that's not normal for me!!! My husband is wondering who I am because exercise and me haven't been good buddies like this!!!
  
  I can't say enough about how great this makes you feel! It's hard and kicks [...]and I couldn't feel better about that! It comes with a 21 day rotation and they incorporate the workouts and rest days. I love the rest day concept....even on a day that I'm not doing a workout, I know that things are happening to help build muscle!!
  
  The first few times doing one of the DVDs can make you feel like you have two left feet, but keep trying and in a few viewings you start to get the routine. I'd rather have that than a beginner intro each time that would drive me crazy once I've gotten the routine down.
  
  The instructors are great and the music fits. I don't find it annoying and it fits the movements really well. Three different instructors lead each DVD so you get a nice rotation of personalities. They all are great!
  
  So, how is it going after this first month, you ask?? GREAT!!! I'm stronger, have more endurance, I feel more coordinated and fit...after a month!!!! Yay!!!!!!! After each workout I'm a sweaty mess and I love it!! Cardio and weight training are a great way to look and feel your best!!!
  
  If you are looking to commit to a good, strong workout that will change your body, I highly recommend the TransFirmer!!!!!
  
  
• NOT FOR BEGINNERS
  By A355XH9TGUPNK6 on 2007-07-24
  I have been a Firm Believers since 1987. While I do like the Transfirmer Kit, it is by any means the old Firm. The choreography can seem a little tricky, to help in this area do all the step work on the floor until you are familiar with the foot work. Don't use weights, especially if you haven't worked out in a while or have never worked out. Trust me you will still see results! After doing each DVD about 4-6 times, then incorporate the weights and Transfirmer. Again, the foot work is fancy for those of you not accustomed to the Firm or Step Aerobics, but with practice you will definitely get it (even my 11 yr old uncoordinated daughter has gotten the steps and my husband has managed (with me laughing in the other room) to get the steps) JUST PRACTICE!
  
  If you feel that it is still too much for you, I would like to suggest that you try the Firm Body Sculpting System 2. Even go to ebay or here at amazon and look for the older Firm Tapes (some of which are on DVD now).
  
  I do caution you, that the old Firm is not for the faint of heart. Especially the first Firm Video Body Sculpting Basics or Volume 1. You will however, see results. Whatever system you have by the Firm. Just work with it. And also look for Videos/DVDs by Tracie Long - a tough but effective instructor.
  
  
• Are you kidding me?
  By A5UKXM6G0XT38 on 2007-06-30
  I'm no beginner to exercise or step aerobics and work out at least 5 days a week.. imagine my horror when I slipped the Calorie Burning dvd portion of this pricey, bulky exercise equipment into my dvd player excepting a great workout. Are you kidding me... the instructor was like Tony Little after 5 double espressos, moving from one complicated set of moves to another with absolutely NO time to familiarize yourself with the steps. About 30 minutes into this completely frustrating exercise frenzy, I turned it off and now I'm too discouraged and disgusted to even try the other two c.d.s that came with the system. So much for feeling good about myself or breaking an exercise plateau. All I did was waste money and become horribly frustrated and angry. Don't buy this unless you're an already experienced dancer or fitness instructor.
  
  
• Not for Beginners
  By A2J19U8H5SSFCJ on 2008-01-05
  I purchased this item based on reviews of other users and because I have always been interested in the "step" system. I have a home gym consisting of a treadmill, exercise bike, nordictrak, climber machine, rowing machine, ab-machine, and an ultra-lift - all of which are constantly used. So I am fairly fit.
  
  What I did not know when I bought this product is that I am apparently not "step" fit. I do not know the terminology, proper form, or the various moves. And I have never felt more like a klutz or totally frustrated by any form of working out in my life. And I went through all 3 DVD's. If you have no prior knowledge of step, than this is definitely not for you - unless you are truly a glutton for punishment.
  
  Oh yes, and the description should also mention that you will need ample work-out space in order to do these routines or else you'll either slam into objects in your home or else be doing really, really modified exercises.
  
  The music is perky and the ladies are all smiles. But if only the camera-operator would actually spend some time focusing on the one instructor who is supposed to guide "beginners", instead of spending most of the time on the lovely blonde woman with the ample mammary glands doing squats - maybe everything would fall into place a little easier. By the way, I have nothing against breasts - I have them, too. But I want to learn step!
  
  These ladies on these DVD's fly through the routines, barely pausing to tell you when the next change is coming. I tried running it in slow motion but I was still confused, angry and frustrated that I was neither enjoying myself or wanting to continue. This is absolutely no way for anyone to begin an exercise program. And I really don't need the little asides of "you're doing great", "nice job" or "we're almost done now" to motivate me. Just show me what to do in a methodical, intelligent manner and I'll do the rest.
  
  So I decided to call the toll free number to speak with someone at the The Firm regarding my concerns. No problem. I was speaking with a lovely woman from the Phillipines who could not help me unless I was a member of The Firm, but offered a P.O. Box that I could write to. Allegedly there is some office somewhere in Colorado but since I am not a member, this poor woman could do nothing for me. I suspect that even as a member, there isn't much anyone could do for someone when they are at a call center and not involved with the actual company - as she indicated.
  
  My goal now (after having returned the product) is to warn off any other potential buyers who are looking to start off in a new direction with the "step" system. Do the research. I'm sorry I didn't.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Awesome Workout!!
  By A24RW4DYZMSDXS on 2007-04-26
  I've been using the TransFIRMer for two weeks now and I am really impressed and excited about the results. I had been doing Taebo about three times a week but wasn't receiving the results that I wanted (toned abs, hamstrings, hips, and thighs). I have to say that with TransFIRMer, so far I have lost 5.5 lbs. and problem areas are becoming really toned. My belly fat is not hanging over my jeans as much as it used to and this is only the beginning!
  
  The workouts are very challenging but they will definitely pay off. If you closely follow the three week meal plan and the workout rotation calendar, you WILL SEE RESULTS. I've purchased other FIRM workouts since then because I love their body shaping approach with the use of weights and and cardio. You cannot go wrong with the FIRM!
  
  
• TransFIRMer
  By A2EN2Q3OYTSN3A on 2007-12-07
  The positive things about this vs the fanny lifter is the range of exercises and positions that can be obtained, it does make the firm videos seem much more intensive and they are able to work target areas that the fanny lifter couldn't, such as the inner thighs.
  The only negative thing, I found, about the TransFirmer is how bulky it is, the fanny lifter was a lot more easy to maneuver while you are doing the videos, this seems so much bulkier and heavier, storage for it is slightly more considerable too than the fanny lifter.
  Over all it does totally fulfill the claims it makes about being wider, able to handle more pressure, the work out routines are more varied because of this new model too but the clumsiness of the size makes it a little bit of a challenge to switch positions while doing the video.
  That aside it does help you get the results you are after!
  
  
• The Firm: Transfirmer
  By A3TKJALXDJT6O5 on 2007-04-10
  I liked the "fanny lifter", I liked the concept of the incline box, but the new "Transfirmer" gives me the best of what The Firm has to offer. It's very sturdy and I anticipate having it around for a very long time. I have not yet tried all three workouts, but the Supercharged Sculpting Workout was certainly what I expected. The Transfirmer also works great with all of the DVDs I've purchased since the "fanny lifter" series. As a result, I'm going to keep all of my DVDs, but will be getting rid of the "fanny lifter" and I will be throwing away the incline box since it broke shortly after I purchased it. By the way, always order from Amazon.com when possible--the price is better, the service is superior, and product is the same wherever you go. The Firm TransFIRMer
  
  
• excellent workout, very challenging
  By AHA0Q5L7CVVF0 on 2007-06-11
  The firm is the best workouts I have tried, I have been using the firm for 25 years and are the best tapes.
  
  
• Slow down
  By A1RU9CXBPGLASM on 2007-09-14
  I enjoy the videos that come with the Transfirmer and you do get a great workout. The videos themselves are ran similar to doing circuits between, cardio, weights, and stair stepping. The downside to this product is the transitions between the sets and moves. The instructors should have provided more time between changing the equipment and broke down the individual moves prior to starting them full speed into the workout. I have been working out pretty regularly for a year now and would not recommend this to anyone who may have knee problems or is just starting to work out. However, if you exercise between 3 - 5 days a week and are looking for a great workout I would highly recommend this product.
  
  
• I'm A FIRM believer!
  By A1M1VV6FWF6COV on 2007-09-17
  I successfully used The FIRM to trim up for my wedding 10 years ago and got into a size 4 dress. Now that I'm a size 6 (on a good day!), I decided my regular routine of hiking and walking weren't doing what THE FIRM can do. I recently ordered the new Transirmer set (along with 3 included DVD's) and it's fantastic! The DVD's are all challenging (I'm an intermediate level fitness freak) and the exercises work the areas women cringe most. All the DVD's are fairly high energy, so if you are looking for something more along the lines of yoga or pilates, this is definitley not for you. If you need a "super charged" workout, this is the best I have found. Every FIRM instructor I've used over the years is excellent and never get booring.
  
  
• Transfirmer
  By A26W0IV72FNPMY on 2007-02-13
  I am a 64 year old woman and I needed to work out my legs and this is a great product, gives you so many different levels to work up to. Glad I got it and recommend it.
  
  
• Good home workout
  By A8F50QXIAYPFX on 2007-08-27
  I am a huge fan of the Firm. I find their workouts challenging but doable. They are not too "dancey" and I always feel like I have accomplished something. They also do not bore me as most home workouts do. The TransFirmer is great because its provides a lot of useful variations for a reasonable price and doesn't take up too much space.
  
  
• Gymrat turned Mom...
  By A15QVEIT84J0OW on 2007-12-29
  Before I became a mom and when I had an abundance of free time, I spent a lot of time in the gym. I developed a desire for learning about every bike, treadmill, elliptical, cybex machines, free weights and form that I could and spent at least 2hours 4-5 times a week at the gym. I LOVED the gym. It was my place to work out stress and really find myself in a way I couldnt do anyplace else. It was really the key to me becoming a woman ready for the next chapter in my life...which included my now husband and our daughter who is almost 4!
  
  All of us moms know, when you become a mom, you are never the same. And for all the joys children bring, one thing remains - you have no time :) For the first 3 years I struggled to fit back into the person who went to the gym as much as I used to and get back into building strength. But reality is, I cant get to the gym. My treadmill just wasnt enough. I had a bowflex and gosh, its just not the same. I even had a total gym which is a total waste! I got rid of all my equipment and basically gave up. But then I saw the TransFirmer at a sports store...
  
  Ive done so many different things - yoga, weight training, cardio machines, classes....and the TransFirmer really combines it all. There are a lot of videos and equipment you can bring into your home, but you really have to be able to find some bit of enjoyment out of it or you just wont stick to it. Everyone has days they dont want to get up, but if some part of you likes how you feel doing it and how you feel afterwards, you will get up and you will stick to it. The TransFirmer is the best thing I have ever bought for myself. Its the most comparable at home workout to a full fledged in gym total body workout. I love it and I will never go to the gym again!
  
  
• I love the FIRM
  By A2G5VGWVLST6M9 on 2007-01-03
  I love my TransFIRMer. I really enjoy doing the FIRM workouts, and bought many DVDs to add variety. (Probably more than I need. Warning, the FIRM can be habit forming.) Although I am currently pregnant and too sick to do them, I am anxiously awaiting getting back up on the TransFIRMer.
  I can say the design of the TransFIRMer is great, allowing you to use it in so many different ways. The workouts are fun, and some of them quite challenging. I do recommend not overloading yourself with the workouts. When I first started I felt so good and enjoyed it so much I over-did it, adding extra workouts, and ended up exhausted soon enough. Also, there is alot of leg work with the FIRM. Adjust your weights and TransFIRMer height accordingly, and give yourself rest days, to avoid fatigue. I have come close to falling off my TransFIRMer when I didn't get to my workout untill I was already fatigued. I think it should make sense to everyone to skip a day if you are tired. It isn't worth injury.
  I have never been much of an aerobics fan, too dull. I enjoy Pilates mostly for the non-impact yet effective workout. However, when I added the FIRM I got my cardio and weight training all in an enjoyable form and it really made a difference. Pace yourself and listen to your body, you will get stronger and leaner.
  Again, I love the FIRM.
  
  
• Get in shape with the TransFirmer!
  By A2Y0R8WYGUNOBR on 2007-09-26
  I've been using the TransFirmer series for over a year now & have lost almost 20 pounds doing the DVD's & following a healthy diet! You will not be disappointed. If the DVD's seem hard to follow at first - don't give up - you will catch on after a few times. The workouts are so much fun that you forget you are working out. I highly recommend this series.
  
  
• Love it!
  By A344N7ISB0S4TT on 2007-12-13
  The Firm TransFirmer is a great workout series. If you are a fan of any of Firm workouts, you should love this one. It is more challenging than the fanny blaster/sculpting stick series, but that's what I like about it. Based on some of the negative reviews here, I was afraid that I'd have a difficult time following the steps. However, I found the instructors' style very similar to the Firm workouts I already own. It took me a few times, but I definitely caught on quickly. I definitely recommend this product to those who want to sweat and have a good time.
  
  
• Love it Love it Love it..... but.....
  By A295OFQ9MZ8DQX on 2008-03-06
  I've had the Transfirmer for about two months now so I figure I'll give my input. First of all, I actually look forward to working out. The Supercharged Sculpting and the Aerobic Body Shaping DVDs are awesome. I tried the Ultimate Calorie Blaster, but did not like it and found it hard to follow. I am going to give it another try though, just in case.
  
  Okay, a few minor cons:
  After a couple of weeks, my knees started to ache. I was confused since I was very careful to make sure my knees stayed behind my "toebox". Well, this month's issue of Shape magazine pinpointed my problem. I am only 5'1" and the Firm's "signature moves" used the Transfirmer at the full 14" step, which put a tremendous amount of strain on my knees. The past week and a half I just removed the 6" step and use the 8" step. I think my knees have recovered and for some reason I now work up a better sweat.
  
  I think the only other issue is that the instructors are extremely quick in changing positions and going into the next segment. I have two of the DVDs practically memorized and I am still not able to keep up with setting up between segments. Not that big of a deal, though, since I either just pause or rewind when they get ahead of me. Also, it would be nice if they had used DVD technology to make chapters, but again, not that big of a deal.
  
  Most of the reviews on exercise videos never really say how tall a person is, how much they weigh or how much they've lost, which to me is important to get an accurate review of the product. I am 5'1". Six weeks ago I started at 149 lbs and today I am six lbs lighter. I have been using the Transfirmer DVDs (minus the Ultimate Calorie Blaster) and using the Weight Watchers program for the last six weeks as well. I've only lost 1/2" in my waist, but it seems that this week (after six weeks) I am finally starting to notice the results. I'm not sure about the Firm's "Visible Results in 10 Workouts Guarantee", since I more than doubled that before seeing results, but at least I know it is working! Oh, and it comes with a three week meal plan. I am not following it, since I am on WW, but I'm sure it would speed up the losing weight/getting fit process!
  
  
• Good Workout but takes pratice to figure out the footwork
  By A3566Q4ADMNXQP on 2008-03-27
  I've had it for a few months now and I gotta say it gives you a pretty good workout (website says you burn 300-400 calories per workout) but learning the steps and the up and down and the "change tranfirmer from this to that" is quite annoying. I see the women in the tapes and my 7 year old and I joke that we won't want me to end up looking THAT muscular but all in all I'd say its not a bad investment. Prevention 3-2-1 is also another good workout, it lets you customize your work out to the specific part you wanna work. Both are worth a try. Please note that when using them stacked it will put considerable pressure on your knees (especially if you are not at your "ideal weight"). I still don't know if it will truely give me the results it claims (haven't gotten to the 10 workouts yet).
  
  
• If you really want a work-out...
  By A20CNHSOELXKEI on 2007-01-12
  Believe me, you don't have a problem area this work-out doesn't address. Nothing is as effective as The Firm. Do it for two weeks and you (and everyone else) will definitely see a difference.
  
  
• Great addition to inventory, good for any step workout
  By A1RX0ZNCG2COZY on 2007-01-15
  I bought the Transfirmer about a year ago and really enjoy using it. I started the Firm series w/ VHS tapes that use the box step but they dont work as well and now I use the Transfirmer w/ those workouts as well. They are very stable, fit together well and dont allow slippage- very important.
  
  Their unique uses (high, low, side-by-side, and incline) work a variety of muscles and keep boredom from stepping in.
  
  I wish there were more videos to go with it but its worth the buy. I use it as my main step platform for all my DVD's.
  
  
  
  
• WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!
  By A6VJ4J43DLM5J on 2007-03-05
  The Firm just keeps getting better and better! They're products are WONDERFUL! I've been using The Firm videos for a looooong time and I LOVE them!! The cardio-weight training does wonders for your body! Now with the TransFirmer system, this is definitely a challenging workout - even for me and I've been an advanced exerciser for over 20 years. I love the incline step...you can really feel the difference. You can also increase the intensity or you can do it less intense as well. It gives you great variety with the height of the step, weights, incline, etc. THIS IS AN AWESOME WORKOUT...I LOVE EVERY DVD!! Very challenging and I'm am very happy I bought this. The step is wonderful and very sturdy! This is the only step you'll ever need...for all your Firm workouts!
  
  
• Almost perfect
  By A1MCVW1D9S7K23 on 2007-03-28
  I'm a lover of FIRM videos for a reason: They are the best out there. This series is no exception. The moves are good, and the music is great. The only reason I didn't give this five stars is because the new TransFIRMer is large and somewhat difficult to move into new positions. That said, it's by no means a reason to not buy the system. The new box allows for new moves that stretch and tone parts that the other boxes weren't able to get to. Overall, it's a good purchase.
  
  

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