Re: The FIRM and other questions

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group!!!! I do FIRM videos twice a week and will eventually do

them three to four times a week as I use them for my strength training.

As for the junk food...my best advice is stop buying it and start buying more

healthy alternatives. I have chocolate rice cakes, sugar free popsicles and

cocoa on hand. If I had cookies etc. in the house they would be gone in sixty

seconds. I do buy them on rare occasion, but I've learned to wage my battles

at the grocery store so that my battle at home is alot easier.

<< Hi! I am kind of coming out of lurkdom - I'd like to just say how

inspiring it is for me every day to read all of your posts! Anyhow, I'm

trying to really commit to this fitness thing (I have been off the wagon and

out of shape for about 5 months and have about 15-20 lbs to lose) and I have

some questions. Does anyone incorporate the FIRM Classic workouts into

their

Tae-Bo rotations? Because I would love the sculpted, but still slender look

of the instructors of both of my favorite types of videos! So right now I'm

on a program with a Tae-Bo and FIRM on alternating days, and twice a week,

I'll do a shorter workout and squeeze in a power yoga or pilates video.

I broke down last night and ordered the Get Ripped Series last night. I

also own the original four pack, the Live! four pack, Abs and Glutes, and

the

original 3 advanced Live! volumes, which, I am ashamed to say, I am too out

of shape to do right now. But they are great goals! Anyway, I was just

wondering if anyone could give me their opinions on any of these videos and

how to work up gradually. Also, I know they've been posted many a time, but

I would greatly appreciate reviews of Abs and Glute's (which I have yet to

do) and the Get Ripped Series which I am anxiously awaiting.

My other big downfall is diet. I LOVE my candy, fatty foods, etc. I'll

eat really healthy and clean, and then just go out of control! I usually

try

to eat about 1500 healthy calories a day, but I find myself continuously in

a

pattern of starting well, and gradually eating more junk food, reasoning

with

myself that I will eat lower calorie foods for my meals, but I never do. I

also know that my diet is having a HUGE negative influence on my weight, but

I am such a sugar addict I can't stop (in particular marshmallows - I could

go through a pack of mini ones in 5 days, easy!). HELP! Thank you guys in

advance!

-Monic >>

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group!!!! I do FIRM videos twice a week and will eventually do

them three to four times a week as I use them for my strength training.

As for the junk food...my best advice is stop buying it and start buying more

healthy alternatives. I have chocolate rice cakes, sugar free popsicles and

cocoa on hand. If I had cookies etc. in the house they would be gone in sixty

seconds. I do buy them on rare occasion, but I've learned to wage my battles

at the grocery store so that my battle at home is alot easier.

<< Hi! I am kind of coming out of lurkdom - I'd like to just say how

inspiring it is for me every day to read all of your posts! Anyhow, I'm

trying to really commit to this fitness thing (I have been off the wagon and

out of shape for about 5 months and have about 15-20 lbs to lose) and I have

some questions. Does anyone incorporate the FIRM Classic workouts into

their

Tae-Bo rotations? Because I would love the sculpted, but still slender look

of the instructors of both of my favorite types of videos! So right now I'm

on a program with a Tae-Bo and FIRM on alternating days, and twice a week,

I'll do a shorter workout and squeeze in a power yoga or pilates video.

I broke down last night and ordered the Get Ripped Series last night. I

also own the original four pack, the Live! four pack, Abs and Glutes, and

the

original 3 advanced Live! volumes, which, I am ashamed to say, I am too out

of shape to do right now. But they are great goals! Anyway, I was just

wondering if anyone could give me their opinions on any of these videos and

how to work up gradually. Also, I know they've been posted many a time, but

I would greatly appreciate reviews of Abs and Glute's (which I have yet to

do) and the Get Ripped Series which I am anxiously awaiting.

My other big downfall is diet. I LOVE my candy, fatty foods, etc. I'll

eat really healthy and clean, and then just go out of control! I usually

try

to eat about 1500 healthy calories a day, but I find myself continuously in

a

pattern of starting well, and gradually eating more junk food, reasoning

with

myself that I will eat lower calorie foods for my meals, but I never do. I

also know that my diet is having a HUGE negative influence on my weight, but

I am such a sugar addict I can't stop (in particular marshmallows - I could

go through a pack of mini ones in 5 days, easy!). HELP! Thank you guys in

advance!

-Monic >>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/13/01 7:11:25 PM Eastern Standard Time,

mascaramon@... writes:

> Also, I know they've been posted many a time, but

> I would greatly appreciate reviews of Abs and Glute's (which I have yet to

>

Welcome !

You may want to check out AmyN's fan page. It has reviews of the tapes that

you are looking for. Try this link: <A

HREF= " http://www.geocities.com/taebofans/ " >Tae Bo Fan's Page</A>

I don't know anything about the FIRM tapes, but we have a few people here

that do them As for the diet, maybe 1500 calories isn't enough for you in

a day? Maybe you could raise it to 1700 to allow for a treat once a day,

while you try to slowly wean yourself off the treats. Like other people have

said, maybe it would be easier to not buy the stuff (that is always hard for

me because I claim I buy it for the kids, LOL). Switching to lower calorie

treats is a good idea too. Try things like sugar free frozen yogurt, sugar

free pudding and jello, fruit with cool whip, angel food cake, sugar free

popsicles, juice bars, hard candies or buy a bag of Hershey's kisses or

miniature bars and freeze them for when a chocolate craving strikes! I hope

this helped some! Again, welcome to the group!

[Guest guest]

>From: galofgop@...

>Welcome to the group!!!! I do FIRM videos twice a week and will eventually

>do

>them three to four times a week as I use them for my strength training.

>

I just did my first FIRM tape tonight, Tough Tape II. I have to admit it was

really hard to get into. It has a slower, more relaxing pace although it

does work the muscles well. For those of you familiar with FIRM tapes, is

this how they all are? I'm still on the fence about whether or not I like

them. I may be too hyper for them <G>.

Colleen, who just realized on the other hand the real hyper instructors

aren't my thing either <G>...I've been spoiled working out with

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/13/2001 7:09:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,

mascaramon@... writes:

<< I am such a sugar addict I can't stop (in particular marshmallows - I

could

go through a pack of mini ones in 5 days, easy!). HELP! Thank you guys in

>>

, start with little changes. I have a sweet tooth, also. What helps

me is to turn to sugar free gum and sugar free and fat free hot cocoa. They

satisfy my craving enough that I can get past the urge to eat something I

shouldn't. I'm also trying to take baby steps. My challenge this month is

to not eat any desserts at work. So far, so good. It has been very

difficult since every day I have been at work, someone has brought in a

tempting dessert for everyone. I find this challenge manageable because it

is small.

As for the tapes, start with a taebo tape you can do. Then add to it. For

example, add an 8-minute tape or the floor work from an advanced tape. This

will build your endurance and confidence. Or, just do as much of an advanced

tape as you can. If you have to stop at the 30-min. mark, that's fine. One

day you will be able to do the hold thing.

Good luck. You can do it!

Elena

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/13/2001 7:09:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,

mascaramon@... writes:

<< I am such a sugar addict I can't stop (in particular marshmallows - I

could

go through a pack of mini ones in 5 days, easy!). HELP! Thank you guys in

>>

, start with little changes. I have a sweet tooth, also. What helps

me is to turn to sugar free gum and sugar free and fat free hot cocoa. They

satisfy my craving enough that I can get past the urge to eat something I

shouldn't. I'm also trying to take baby steps. My challenge this month is

to not eat any desserts at work. So far, so good. It has been very

difficult since every day I have been at work, someone has brought in a

tempting dessert for everyone. I find this challenge manageable because it

is small.

As for the tapes, start with a taebo tape you can do. Then add to it. For

example, add an 8-minute tape or the floor work from an advanced tape. This

will build your endurance and confidence. Or, just do as much of an advanced

tape as you can. If you have to stop at the 30-min. mark, that's fine. One

day you will be able to do the hold thing.

Good luck. You can do it!

Elena

[Guest guest]

" Does anyone incorporate the FIRM Classic workouts into their

Tae-Bo rotations? "

First of all, I want to welcome you to our group!! Glad you came out of

lurkdom... You have already gotten some great responses, but here is my take on

the subject

I have myself just purchased 2 Firm tapes that I received yesterday (yeah!).

I ordered a Firm Basics - Sculpting with weights, and a Firm parts - 5 day abs.

Although I haven't done them yet, I am also going to do a similar alternating

day thing. I've heard a lot of good things about Firm videotapes, and I think

that it will be a really good adjunct to taebo as a strength training workout.

As far as your diet is concerned, I have trouble with that too!! LOL

Although, I mostly have greasy food cravings instead of sugar / chocolate

cravings. I think that as others have said, keep the most tempting foods out of

your house and replace them with more healthful snacks. Also, if you are going

to be physically active, you might want to eat more calories. One other thing,

is that protein helps to calm cravings. Sometimes when I get a big craving,

I'll go for the peanut butter jar and eat a tablespoon... at least that helps

me!

Janick

who is having a really tough week at work

[Guest guest]

> Colleen, who just realized on the other hand the real hyper

instructors

> aren't my thing either <G>...I've been spoiled working out with

Colleen,

That's one of my biggest problems! I've been spoiled by and now

expect other instructors to be that good....LOL! Of course, I'm

usually disappointed! I've never been one to do home exercise

video's though! It's funny because a lot of people find fault with

because he doesn't always do things equally (in terms of

working both sides evenly) or he messes up counting or he confuses

his left and right...LOL...but that's what I find motivating and

inspiring about him! It's really like a Live class and it's totally

not choreographed! I love that about these workouts! Anyway, I've

never done any of the Firm tapes, so I can't give you any advice

about those workouts. Just wanted to let you know that I feel the

same way about being spoiled by

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/14/01 5:22:23 AM !!!First Boot!!!,

colleenp99@... writes:

<<

I just did my first FIRM tape tonight, Tough Tape II. I have to admit it was

really hard to get into. It has a slower, more relaxing pace although it

does work the muscles well. For those of you familiar with FIRM tapes, is

this how they all are? I'm still on the fence about whether or not I like

them. I may be too hyper for them <G>.

Colleen, who just realized on the other hand the real hyper instructors

aren't my thing either <G>...I've been spoiled working out with >>

Colleen,

Tough tape 2 is more strength training than aerobic. The name can be

misleading. The tapes with cardio in them are pretty hard in my opinion.

Although Tough tape 2 is no walk in the park either. If it was easy for you

then you must be in great shape.

Who needs to get a tall box because she has been using four phone books piled

on top of her step bench :-(

[Guest guest]

> I broke down last night and ordered the Get Ripped Series last

night. I

> also own the original four pack, the Live! four pack, Abs and

Glutes, and the

> original 3 advanced Live! volumes, which, I am ashamed to say, I am

too out

> of shape to do right now. But they are great goals! Anyway, I was

just

> wondering if anyone could give me their opinions on any of these

videos and

> how to work up gradually.

,

Glad you decided to de-lurk and use us for extra support You will

love the Get Ripped tapes! They are awesome workouts! Don't be

ashamed to say that you can't do the Advanced workouts yet! We were

all where you are at one point in time! I would start off doing the

basic workouts until you feel comfortable with them. If you want a

longer workout, try doing 2 basic workouts back to back. Start off

adding 5 or 10 minutes of the second basic tape, until you can get

through both of them for the hour workout! Or, you can start off

adding 5 or 10 minutes of the advanced tape to the end of a basic

workout, to gradually get your body used to the faster pace! Just

take it slow and hang in there! You will see improvements and you'll

see yourself progressing, that's when you'll know it's time to push

yourself a little bit

As for the food, just try to make healthier choices, without

depriving yourself. Maybe allow yourself one " not so good " treat a

day...LOL! That's what I have to do or else I feel totally deprived

and end up binging on everything in the house! It's usually trial

and error as to what you can have in the house safely....LOL! I have

red light foods (like donuts) that I simply cannot have in the house

because I am rendered defenseless and am forced to eat every last one

in a single sitting....LOL! I've learned (through lots of trial and

error) that I simply cannot buy them! Believe me, I've been in the

store and felt strong and thought " I can buy these and not eat them " ,

but that willpower simply vanishes about 2 hours later when I'm

sitting there staring at them sitting on my counter! My point is,

there are foods you will find you just can't have in the house. And

foods you will find that will satisfy you, but that you can eat in

moderation! The important thing is to keep working at it and to not

let one slip-up ruin your whole day. I used to think if I ate one

bad thing that it ruined the whole day.....which would cause me to

continue to make horrible choices the rest of the day, which

inevitably turned into a week long binge! Now, I say " ok, that was a

mistake...I probably could have gone without eating that, but it's

over and I'm going to get right back on track " . So, my slip-ups or

indulgences don't do near as much damage! Sorry to have rambled on

so much...LOL..this was probably way more information/advice than you

needed...haha! Good luck and hang in there! You can do this

[Guest guest]

> I broke down last night and ordered the Get Ripped Series last

night. I

> also own the original four pack, the Live! four pack, Abs and

Glutes, and the

> original 3 advanced Live! volumes, which, I am ashamed to say, I am

too out

> of shape to do right now. But they are great goals! Anyway, I was

just

> wondering if anyone could give me their opinions on any of these

videos and

> how to work up gradually.

,

Glad you decided to de-lurk and use us for extra support You will

love the Get Ripped tapes! They are awesome workouts! Don't be

ashamed to say that you can't do the Advanced workouts yet! We were

all where you are at one point in time! I would start off doing the

basic workouts until you feel comfortable with them. If you want a

longer workout, try doing 2 basic workouts back to back. Start off

adding 5 or 10 minutes of the second basic tape, until you can get

through both of them for the hour workout! Or, you can start off

adding 5 or 10 minutes of the advanced tape to the end of a basic

workout, to gradually get your body used to the faster pace! Just

take it slow and hang in there! You will see improvements and you'll

see yourself progressing, that's when you'll know it's time to push

yourself a little bit

As for the food, just try to make healthier choices, without

depriving yourself. Maybe allow yourself one " not so good " treat a

day...LOL! That's what I have to do or else I feel totally deprived

and end up binging on everything in the house! It's usually trial

and error as to what you can have in the house safely....LOL! I have

red light foods (like donuts) that I simply cannot have in the house

because I am rendered defenseless and am forced to eat every last one

in a single sitting....LOL! I've learned (through lots of trial and

error) that I simply cannot buy them! Believe me, I've been in the

store and felt strong and thought " I can buy these and not eat them " ,

but that willpower simply vanishes about 2 hours later when I'm

sitting there staring at them sitting on my counter! My point is,

there are foods you will find you just can't have in the house. And

foods you will find that will satisfy you, but that you can eat in

moderation! The important thing is to keep working at it and to not

let one slip-up ruin your whole day. I used to think if I ate one

bad thing that it ruined the whole day.....which would cause me to

continue to make horrible choices the rest of the day, which

inevitably turned into a week long binge! Now, I say " ok, that was a

mistake...I probably could have gone without eating that, but it's

over and I'm going to get right back on track " . So, my slip-ups or

indulgences don't do near as much damage! Sorry to have rambled on

so much...LOL..this was probably way more information/advice than you

needed...haha! Good luck and hang in there! You can do this

[Guest guest]

> Janick

> who is having a really tough week at work

Janick,

Hope your week gets better