The FIRM Total Body TransFIRMation Kit Reviews

• This is a real keeper

  
  By AFI00QJ0NT26E on 2008-01-25
  I purchased this after wanting it for sometime now since seeing the infomerical. I understand some real hard core firm believers aren't all into this, but let me tell you I'm not an intermediate exerciser. I love this series. I started off with Cardio Party and burned some major calories according to my heart rate monitor. I found this to be very enjoyable and liked that I was introduced to several instructors during this workout. My next workout was Hi Def Sculpt using 8-10# hand weights (I already owned a complete set of weights)and found a great whole body workout that really got my heart pumping and was enjoyable to do. My next workut was cardio overdrive and that's one way to describe it. The instructor uses a series of moves and builds on them per section. You do some weight moves as well that keep you heart rate elevated throughout the workout. I found the moves easy to follow and was able to pick up on the routines rather quickly. The final is the hard core fusion and this one is the longest and my favorite. You get a great workout using handweight throughout with cardio bursts. Overall I give this series two thumbs up and even purchased some more firm workouts. I had been a firm believer back in the mid 90's and saw great results with the instructors at that time. However this is one of the Newer Firms I really enjoyed and found to be a great workout. I tend to do things that make me work up a great sweat and have not been a bit disappointed with this series. I also know I will be doing these workouts over and over again because they take the boredom out of doing the same thing since you have 4 workouts to chose from. I know someone mentioned the music wasn't great, however I've found it to be the right tempo for the moves that you are doing at the time and didn't see an issue. I am already seeing great results from this and know I have more to come.
  
  

• Nice workout mix

  
  By A3EBFBBE9A21IH on 2007-11-07
  I ordered this kit a few weeks ago and am overall pleased with it. I like the fact that you have a choice of 4 DVD's. I mix them up to keep my workouts entertaining. The only problem I had was the cueing and learning some of the steps because the transitions were too quick. It is also apparent that some instructors are more comfortable in front of the camera than others. But getting over that, the workouts were good. And I love the music on each DVD. I really liked the workouts that targeted my abs..as this is a big trouble spot for me. Three of the DVD's offer an express option if you can't devote a lot of time to your workout. For the price, it is a very good deal. Some of you who have other recent Firm videos will recognize some of the moves in the Cardio Party DVD.
  
  

• a let down

  
  By A1TMXQ5E0ABCLM on 2008-02-28
  I really love the Firm. It's changed my body in ways no other workout has
  however, this installation of the Firm is a let down. I barely broke a sweat with these workouts and the instructors are lackluster except for Allie and Sue Mi (sorry). Stick with the transFirmer workouts, and of course the
  classic ones with Susan Harris,Sandel Bergman and Janet Jones and the
  crosstrainers with Tracie Long can't be beat!
  
  

• It works!

  
  By AMI0ITWSD70OW on 2007-12-11
  Guarenteed results in 10 workouts is no lie. The firm delivers exactly what they say they will and your body will continue to burn fat even if your schedule doesn't allow you to do the routines as much as you should or would like to. It may be tough, but as long as you keep trying it will get easier and easier and the results are worth it.
  The only reason why I didn't give 5 stars is because I would rather have the option to buy only the DVD's. The weights are good quality but I don't need them so I feel that it's a waste to have to buy the hole kit when you only want the video's.
  
  

• Love these workouts!

  
  By AGU40J0XW16V6 on 2008-01-27
  I've been using the Firm videos for years now and I love the TransFIRMation DVD's. I like that I don't need to use a step and that there are express options on the workouts. I agree with some other reviewers about the weights, they are OK but I didn't need them since I already have hand weights. I also think these are really not workouts for someone new to exercise. Some of the footwork on some of DVD's were a little tricky at first, but after a few times through I was fine. I like that they are completely different from some other Firm videos like the Transfirmer series. I also like the "salsa" dancing and moves like the "Butt and Back burner" and the "triceps-tummy toner." I would recommend these workouts to anyone who is a little bored with their old workouts and wants something new.
  
  
• Dynamic Workout
  By AD63T0N6F2Z5F on 2007-11-12
  I have tried the firm before and didn't like t because of the step. This one is much better.The kit comes with four 1 lb handles and four one pound weights. This is a little misleading because the women doing the workout clearly have extra weights on their handles. Also the fact that you only get four weights means the most you can get to lift is 3 lbs in each hand(a one lb handle with two weights) and a one lb handle that's kind of useless. I wish they had made the kit with at least eight weights. I'm not sure if you can get just extra weights somewhere. I hope so. Anyway the DVDs are great and three of them provide an express option for when you're in a hurry. One of the women in Cardio Party (I think the third one up) has confusing move, but it doable with repitition. I'm liking it.
  
  
• good value, ok kit
  By ACJ9N7ED37HXS on 2008-01-07
  I feel I got a good value on this kit. However, it is challenging footwork in a couple of the DVD's, but overall intermediate. The weight set is bare minimum, and in the DVD's there are more weights. An additional set of weights will cost what I paid for the kit itself. I am doubling up on weights, and am thinking of getting some hand weights at the sports store. With heavier weights, this will be a good kit.
  
  
• Lots of fun
  By A3HZ17VHNRRC4R on 2007-11-26
  I brought this product and it was great, I have a lot of the firm videos and they are all great. The one thing that's good about these videos is that you don't need any equipment. I have a new born and I'm trying to find ways to workout without a lot of equipment I can easily stop what I'm doing and get right back into my workout. You get a good workout, I just wished that I wasn't the only one sweating, I'd like to see some of the women out of breath or have a bead of sweat on their faces.
  
  
• Be careful when ordering
  By ACMW7WUAYS8P1 on 2008-03-29
  Be careful when ordering this product from Amazon. I purchased this product because I liked the idea of not having to drag weights into the living room every time I did a work out. This new Transfirmation system promises that you will be able to easily change the weights. O nthe FIRM's website they promise you 12 one-pound weights. When I ordered this from amazon, I only recieved FOUR, FOUR weights. I am so mad. I dont even know if this is the same one the FIRM sells. I also thin the Transfirmer is much more effective and fun. So you may want to think of ordering this directly from the FIRMS website. Now I know why the price on Amazon was cheaper- because they dont send you ALL the weights.
  
  
• Good Workout
  By A14JU749U4B0J4 on 2008-01-24
  I have been a Firm fan for sometime now, and really like the fact that they have come up with a series that does not need fanny lifters and sculpting sticks.
  
  Pros:
  
  Great workouts with express option for those short on time days, now you really have no excuse not to work out.
  
  You don't waste 5 minutes of a 30 minute workout assembling steps. Although I love the fanny lifter, sometimes I just want to workout without having to move things around a million times.
  
  
  The work outs get you moving, and sweating and maybe tough for beginners, but are ok for intermediate levels.
  
  Good explanations about proper form. I like the fact that they have a Bonus feature on the menu that explains some moves. This way you can really practice the move, before you start the workout.
  
  Hi-Def Sculpt and hard core fusion (Allie is great, as always) are the best videos. The cardio party gets a little too "dancy" for me, but I am beginning to enjoy it. Cardio overdrive is fine; I like Ultimate Fat Burning by the same instructor more than the Cardio Overdrive (you have to purchase this DVD separately).
  
  The instructors do quite a bit of "Waist work". This is a problem area for me and I especially enjoy the workout because of the streches and wood chop moves. Other firm tapes I have do not address this area as much.
  
  The Sets are good, so it's visually pleasing.
  
  Cons:
  Sometimes the Cueing is off, and that can get irritating.
  
  Music could be better.
  
  WEIGHTS!!! They add up to just 3 pounds per dumbbell, I just use the 5 and 8 pounds dumb bells I had at home.
  
  I think the pros out weigh the Cons and the 4 stars( I would like to give it a 4 and 1/2 rating) are just because I thought I would be getting a better set of weights.
  
  
  
  
• Still on the Fence....
  By A2JWLM26FCXZEA on 2008-02-06
  I've been a FIRM user for many years now and I was a little bit disappointed with this latest set. I find that there isn't as much weight training involved as there was in the past. This most recent set uses lighter weights with more interval cardio training (or stretching in some cases). The weights included in this set aren't even enough for you to complete the workout. You need more dumbbells (which I think are offered in a more expensive set). I just feel I'm not working out as hard with this set as I was with the others (not sweating or out of breath as often). The stepper I think really added an extra kick to the workout along with the use of heavier weights which this latest system is lacking. I do appreciate the new moves but enjoy these workouts mainly for the added benefit of incorporating weight training which is missing from a lot of other fitness DVDs. For women, it's really important to do some weight bearing exercises and I like that the FIRM does that. I've done these DVDs a few times now but will continue to rotate them into my workout.
  
  
• Great "intro" to the "new" FIRM!
  By A3U65E6V7X83XX on 2008-02-11
  I love this product. Period.
  
  My mother got into the FIRM back in the mid-90s, and I saw how it changed her body. However, I was never (and still am not) a fan of the fanny lifter/TransFIRMer for a myriad of reasons. So, when recently shopping around for a new workout system, and remembering my mother singing the praises of the FIRM workouts, I went on their website looking for workouts with just weights and cardio, and found this product.
  
  I understand that the Amazon.com version only comes with 2 sets of 3 lb weights, rather than 3lbs and 5lbs (which my set came with). I would recommend getting an extra 3lb set and "doubling" the weights to make one 5lb set. The exercises that use "heavy" weights (and only Allie uses these in her Hard Core Fusion) are so that you can easily double 2 weights in one hand (i.e., 1 3lb and 1 5lb to make 8lb).
  
  As for the workouts, I personally like Hi-Def Sculpt the best, with Hard Core Fusion being a very close second. For those saying these aren't for beginners, I suggest trying the abbreviated versions first, and once you've learned those then going to the long versions. This is what I did, and I found it an effective way to learn the workouts and build up my strength.
  
  I liked these so much, that I recently bought a package of additional workouts with these girls! What a fun, effective way to get in shape, and the best part, I can do it in my own home, on my own time.
  
  
• Fresh, Fun & Effective
  By AX0SMWK0TAUDK on 2008-06-10
  I had very good success with previous Firm workouts; in particular the older ones & the BSS2 (Total Sculpt plus Abs, Maximum Cardio Burn, & Complete Aerobics & Weight Training). The reason I strayed--as much as the fanny lifter did great things for my posterior, it wreaked havoc on my knees. I was so delighted to see these new videos without the step! They have helped me build up my strength & endurance again, where I'm able to throw in some of my Firm's with the step back into the mix. They've updated the workouts, with new moves, good music & an overall fun factor. The lunges without a box makes you feel muscles you haven't in awhile & that's great, because not everyone can do or wants to do step aerobics; or if you just can't master that 14 inch platform like myself. I have a problem with the cuing at times--especially in Hi-Def Sculpt. Annie doesn't do a very good job. In a live class a miscue is understandable; but when something is taped--it should be re-done to present a professional & polished product.
  
  Hard Core Fusion will make you sweat as will Cardio Party. Cardio Overdrive is a nice cardio with light weights and all these are cued well. There are some different moves & twists on old standards. Tweaking tried & true exercises never hurts & will only help you see continued results.
  
  While in most cases new weights aren't needed by most, the neoprene grip on the cardio weights is a much welcome design. (I sweat alot & sometimes am worried about slippage). There isn't enough weight for itermediate/advanced exercisers to use for sculpting; but for a cardio/sculpt workout, you shouldn't use much more than 5-6 lbs anyway. It is enough weight to start for a novice.
  
  The retail kit available here is quite different than the infomercial kit. There are far less weights--thus the cheaper price. I would rather have seen four extra weight plates so you could make a pair of 5 pound dumbbells rather than the extra set of 1 pound handles. I ordered the retail kit & will say the case that comes with that is much nicer. Why? The center of the retail case is big enough to hold a DVD case. The infomercial purple case IS NOT. This makes the other case great for travel. The Transfirmation DVD's (all four discs) are in one DVD case, which means I can put any four exercise DVD's in that case & have a pair of 3lb weights (which is fine for cardio intensification when on the road) all together.
  
  I'm glad they've gone back to the basics. The first two Firm volumes there was no step in sight. This new series provides some great variety & will give you results.
  
  
• Not the FIRM I know and love
  By AM28BGYQI3G2B on 2008-01-04
  I've been working out with The FIRM for 7 years. I have all their "kits" - Body Sculpting System 1, Body Sculpting System 2, The TransFIRMer and many other individual tapes/DVDs. This TransFIRMation is a disappointment. It lost its own FIRM identity. The layout of the studio where the workouts were taped at looks so much like that of Prevention's. The instructors have added some "light talking" (which they never did before), very similar to Chris Freytag's style (who's one of the best Prevention's fitness experts). The moves and sequences are almost identical to those of the Tracie Long Training DVDs. (Tracie Long and Jen Carmen, former FIRM instructors started the TLT business together.) Although you can still get results from the workouts in this kit, as a long-time FIRM user, I'm disappointed. Also, I don't care much about the new crew. I still enjoy Allie Del Rio and Emily Welsh, but other great trainers such as Stephanie Huckabee, Nancy Tucker, Lisa Kay and Libby Heath who helped put The FIRM on the map are no longer there. They were fantastic trainers!
  
  
• fun
  By A15QZRT8H0200Z on 2008-01-08
  I am about 20 and had no problem doing all of the workouts on the tape because I have had previous experience with a lot of the workouts, but I can see where the one reviewer said it might not be right for beginners or older people. A lot of the moves require a good amount of flexibility and high energy movement and are based on a lot of dance moves. The DVDs are pretty well structured and usually give me a pretty good workout. It is also cool that it comes with an express option in case you don't have an hour to spend in front of the TV. I would buy it again. I did see results in 10 days. If you do the workouts correctly, and faithfully, it works!
  
  
• The Firm
  By A3NR2MJ3QH5S38 on 2008-01-28
  I really like the workouts and they are enjoyable and effective. The only thing that was a bit irritating is that the weight system that they give you is one set of weights short. I just bought another set of 5 lb weights to use with the ones that they give you. That solved the problem but they make it seem like you won't need anything but what they send you.
  
  
• THIS REALLY WORKS
  By A364JM8XR1AQ2V on 2008-03-22
  I have spent years and thousands of dollars investing in workout equipment, videos, and personal training sessions. It all resulted in building muscle on top of fat, and unflattering results. The Firm has honestly changed all of that within 4 months of using it and has helped me create my summer look and it is only March! I am currently at my lowest weight I have ever been and I look long, lean, and toned. This is a great combination of light weight, high repetition, and cardio. I have struggled with my weight since I was young and I never thought I could look the way I do now. It is unlike any video because instead of being so challenging that you get frustrated, annoyed, and bored, it is realistic, to the point, and pushes you just the right amount. This entire program combined with a healthy and balanced diet is sure to give you results. If I can have as much success as I have had, you can too! :)
  
  
• Love it!
  By A3ANEX1RNIJSL on 2008-06-19
  As the proud owner of a whole library of unused workout DVD's, let me start by saying I'm no expert on workouts. I'm a novice, to say the least, and more often than not I quit my fitness plan before it's even started. But not this time.
  
  I bought this set for myself for my birthday, and I have been using it for about a month now. I absolutely love this set, almost 100% -- with the exception of Cardio Party. I usually skip that one, mainly because my feet get tangled up trying to do some of those moves. On the other DVD's, though, the workouts are varied and always changing, and just when I think I might pass out, the instructor moves on to something else. Using the weights has really done a lot for my muscle tone, and it gets my heart rate up while making me feel strong. I love that!
  
  Using this system -- and Crunch Pilates on the days Cardio Party is scheduled -- I have already lost several inches over most of my body, all except my arms, which are getting toned and defined like never before. I love that I feel successful when I do these DVD's, and even if they're not challenging enough for some, they certainly do the trick for someone like me. :)
  
  
• I really got results!
  By A2ABYOESJM8LZU on 2007-12-12
  I bought the Firm videos a month ago and I already saw results. My body is more toned and I weigh 20 pounds less. I also combined it with 6 small portion meals a day. I love the Cardio Party, it's my favorite of all!
  
  
• A Great Workout
  By A36UARI52E94F on 2008-01-13
  I have been using this product now for a week. I felt results after one workout. I wasn't someone who worked out previously, so that would be why I saw results so quickly. I lost a few pounds in one week just through exercise. I would recommend this product to any one who has on on again off again exercise routine, like me.
  
  
• Did not care for at all!
  By A2VOS0QU40O0QS on 2008-01-13
  The weights are just terrible. Metal shavings everywhere. Luckily, I have my own weights. I did not like the workouts either though. What happened to the Firm? It was so much better back in the 90s. I did also like the Transfirmer set but I only liked 2 of the workouts. Then they moved on to this set and did not make any more videos for the Transfirmer (which they should have). The cardio segments are just plain cheesy as are some of the instructors in this Transfirmation set. Unless you are a true Firm junky do not buy these. Note: I did get Total Body Toner with Allie Del Rio and it is not sold in this set..it is separate. That one is good but more for beginner/intermediate. For more intermediate/advanced exercisers I recommend Jari Love Get Ripped dvds any day over the Firm. Great price and results fast!
  
  
  
• Bargain and It Works!
  By ARY7AI4QCEI39 on 2008-01-17
  I had wanted to get a FIRM DVD and this was such a bargain that I couldn't pass it up. The kit includes 4 DVDs: three long workouts plus three express workouts for the days where you don't have time to do the long ones; the cardio party fat burning DVD where all the instructors take turns leading the workout; and a booklet on how to do the moves correctly, healthful eating, weight loss success stories, gives you a workout calendar to help you get the most out of the workouts. I've already lost an inch off my waist after just a few workouts!
  
  I had tried weight loss self hypnosis, healthful eating, other exercises, but this is the first thing I've tried that actually works! The exercises are best for people who are used to working out and are looking for variety and results.
  
  The overall package is very high quality. I didn't need the weights, but I like the soft grips and the kit they came in.
  
  
• The Total Body TransFIRMation is the BEST!!!
  By A6IUQ0K8K418S on 2008-02-23
  Iam here to say that despite all the negative reviews this product had recieved I LOVED IT!!! Even though I purchased my own kit directly from the firm's website, I did however do some research on the product at amazon. There were alot of naysayers as to how you do not an effective workout or that it was too hard and alot of people felt discouraged by this. Well, I haven't been in the best shape in the past couple of years and I made it my mission to be able to do at least 10 mins, then 20, them 30 and so on and pretty soon I completed my 10 workouts. Now I am on my second month.
  
  I did agree that if you haven't been physically active in the past then this isn't the exercise program for you. And I guess poeple getting the kit from other sources than the firm don't get the full set of 4 dumbells, but that shouldn't deter you from wanting to get the kit.
  
  My daughter and I love to do the dancing segments from Hard Core Fusion and Cardio Party even when I'm not working out. My son is learning some weight training form Annie and myself. Most importantly they are learning that you can achieve something you set your mind to and that exercising CAN be fun (lots of kids don't realize that, and therefore our children become more and more obese at younger ages). The money I spent on the firm is well worth every penny invested.
  
  
• Love It!
  By A3B79SQRQQKVJX on 2008-02-29
  I LOVE the Firm. I love how you can see so much progress so quickly with endurance levels and muscle definition. It's the coolest! I've been using the different videos for awhile and my favorites have been the Transfirmer series, until now. These new videos are awesome. I'm kind of addicted to Cardio Overdrive, it's way fun and there's such a great feeling of accomplishment when you can stop following the beginner modifications, which happens much quicker then I thought it would the first time I did it! I would totally recommend it, and actually, I have!!
  
  
• very practical, old school exercises!
  By A28SSV8YKX9UVL on 2008-03-06
  It is not very often I obtain excerise materials and actually use them for any length of time--I often become bored or it is just too over my head. This system is what I call "old school" because it is basic, to the point, and is without hype or fluff. It is practical for me because it has options to complete a full workout in a shortened amount of time. I have been using this system 4-5 times a week since I ordered it and miss it when I don't make the time to do it--that is what will make an exercise routine successful for me. I am already thinking about my next "Firm" purchase.
  
  
• Disappointing!
  By A3PCXQ6WEJSA74 on 2008-05-08
  I ordered the set with great expectations, and was disappointed. The videos don't look professional, and although you go in knowing that these are "real women" as your instructors, they are not great in front of the camera. There are times where they mess up and didn't bother to edit it out or just look and sound totally uncomfortable. I also don't think they give nearly enough time for stretching, and the risk of injury could be pretty high in my opinion. Also, unless you have time to devote to the nearly 1 hour videos, they are hardly worth it. I found them to be either way too easy or too hard, with no in between. I ended up going back to Denise Austin or just doing exercise on my own because I DREADED putting these videos in every morning. Also, since I ordered this off of an informercial, I was enrolled in the online support program automatically and didn't realize I had to cancel it and was charged for the past 2 months, which are non refundable. Mistake on my part, but just wanted to make others aware if it applies to the online purchase also.
  Also, the snap together weights that come with it are totally worthless and CHEAP. I was always scared that the end was going to come off while I was lying on the floor doing things over my head. You can get a lot better set at a discount store like Wal-Mart or Target. A lot of this is just a preference in style, but I really don't think this was worth the money I paid for it and I plan on selling the set.
  
  
• fun
  By A2M5JXCPRP9JTS on 2008-06-19
  i have most other firm workouts, and i love them. but the step for the last year or so has been a major deterrent in my wanting to work out, as that my knees are not great. when i saw that the firm had a new set without using the step, i was super excited as that i love these ladies even though they may sometimes make mistakes and workout to pretty terrible music.
  
  i learned a long time ago not to purchase anything through the firm website directly or from any infomercial as that they automatically sign you up for stuff you dont want or in my case, cant afford (im just a student!). i happened to find this set in walmart for $35 dollars which is even cheaper than you can buy it on amazon. i already had all the weights, it was really just the four dvds that i bought the case for. i ended up giving my mom the small weights with the handles on them for when she jumps on her treadmill or goes walking.
  
  all in all, i love the firm. i love these workouts. if you already have a set of weights, id recommend checking out target or walmart. youll save yourself around ten dollars. and even if you dont have weights, you can always use the beginner weights the set provides and then buy some more weights cheaper at dicks or something.
  
  
• So far so good
  By A1DVPLO0CX40YR on 2008-07-03
  I just got this the other day and am thrilled with the convenient carrying case. I've only had a chance to do one video - the Body sculpting one - but I really liked that video. I can feel it in my muscles today that I had a good workout. I can't wait to do the Cardio Dance Party tonight!
  My only disappointment with it would be with the weights. I like the weights and how they're designed, but they are a bit misleading when they say they can fit up to 8 lbs. That's only for ONE weight. In my workout last night for body sculpting, I wanted to use 5 lb weights. I found I couldn't do it because it doesn't come with enough weight disks. Had to go with only 3 pounds - the max you can put on there for 2 weights that comes with the kit. Bummer.
  
  
• Buyer Beware
  By A28NRAB7B566FR on 2008-08-08
  This is only an alert for other purchasers. I love The Firm but was very glad that I skimmed the comments on the website because this is NOT the kit The Firm sells on their website. It has the same DVDs but less actual weights, one less book and no vitamins. I just wanted to let the buyers know as I almost purchased this and it would have not been the complete kit. The maximum weight you can make is 1-5 lb weight, or as someone else already pointed out 2- 3 lb weights. The other kit you can make two 7 lb weights and it comes with four handles. Once again, love The Firm, would recommend it to anyone, really like the Hi-Def Sculpt DVD that comes with this kit and Annie Lee. Just it is not the larger kit that The Firm sells.
  
  
• Absolutely love it !!!
  By A3W25S6MSGUCYK on 2008-02-02
  This is awesome. Great way to organize the sculpting and cardio and making it fun ! PLus it is true, I only worked out 4 times so far and I the results are visible. I had people comment on the way I looked... I love it! I think I'll get some more tapes too to mix it up even more.
  
  

• The Firm TransFIRMer
• The Firm Stability Ball 65cm
• The Firm 3-in-1 Sculpting Stick Pro
• The Firm Pilates Bands Medium
• The Firm Resistance Cord Kit Heavy

• The Firm - Total Body Toner
• The Firm - Tight Buns & Killer Legs
• The Firm - Core Solutions
• The Firm: Total Body Time-Crunch
• Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred