Gaiam Balance Ball Beginner Kit (Medium, Green) Review

Effective, introduction video for those new to "The Ball."

It's an odd mix of good and bad in this starter video.The instructor's voice-overs properly cue the exerciser and we can easily see and understand her movements.However, the kit states "40 minutes" yet really yields a max of 30 minutes.This includes a lot of stretching and concentration-intensive moves.The background settings are breath-taking but are ruined by horrible, tinny music which I found distracting, at best.

The video includes no instructions as to the care or preparation for the equipment.This is especially a bad decision since there's no pamphlet inside.Granted, one can figure it out but I was surprised at this oversight.

This video was set up to whet the appetite of the viewer. There's info at the end on how to order the full series of 3 videos:lower body, abs and upper body. It is pleasant and varied enough to follow a few times however, I suggest muting the volume after you've developed an understanding of usage.

Product Description
Ideal for stretching, toning, and using in aerobic exercises, Gaiam's Balance Ball Beginner Kit will provide a fun low-impact workout. It includes a green 65-centimeter inflatable ball, a sampler workout on DVD, and an air pump. This versatile piece of exercise equipment adds variety to home workouts and comfortably supports your body for working on your abs, sculpting sequences, developing toning and strength, and much more. The 65-centimeter ball is suitable for people up to 5'11" tall.

About Gaiam
Gaiam was created as a lifestyle company with the vision that, given a choice, people would choose a lifestyle that is healthy and life enhancing, for themselves, their families and the Earth. The Gaiam lifestyle is a vote for individual health as well as the future sustainability of the Earth's resources. Gaiam strives to provide customers with alternatives to traditional products by offering natural, eco-friendly or healthy versions that compare with the style, quality and price of conventional products.

Gaiam's goal is to become the trusted source and unifying brand for Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) participants. They understand that the opportunity to affect people's lives with information and products is both a privilege and a responsibility. Gaiam believes in the concept of Conscious Commerce, the practice of making purchasing decisions based on personal values and beliefs. It takes into consideration all the aspects of our lives and the impact we have upon the planet. Research indicates this concept appeals to approximately 50 million people in the U.S. alone. Gaiam's strategy in delivering the distinctive quality for which they are known is to partner with experts in health/wellness, eco-living and personal development to develop proprietary products that meet our customers' needs with meaningful solutions.

The name GAIAM is a fusion of the words Gaia (the name of Mother Earth from the Minoan civilization in ancient Crete), and I am reminds us that we are all interconnected with the Earth, the air and water, and very much a part of this living system that sustains us all.

What's in the Box?
Balance Ball, DVD with three workouts, air pump

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The Firm TransFIRMer Review

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!!





Product Description
The Firm's 5-in-1 piece of fitness equipment will add variety and brand-new moves to the tried-and-true Firm foundation! The TransFIRMer was designed with multiple uses in mind and with its two interchangeable components, you can create five different configurations to take each workout to the next level, including:

• Use the 6" and 8" separately for a variety of Firm cardio and body sculpting moves
• Stack together to get a 14" platform perfect for targeting that hard-to-reach area between your glutes and your hamstrings
• Place side-by-side for an all-new position never used before in a Firm workout
• Place in the incline position to combine cardio and strength training with an emphasis on firming your inner thighs and the back of your legs

What's in the Box?
TransFIRMer, three full-length DVDs, the Firm Results Program Guide

About The Firm
It all began in 1979 when The Firm Studio opened in South Carolina. By combining cardio and weight training, The Firm recognized that people could burn fat, build muscle, and get the bodies they wanted safely, effectively, and quickly. This cardio-plus-body-sculpting fitness hybrid--called Synergy Training--formed the basis for The Firm method then and is still central to The Firm philosophy today. It didn't take long for fitness enthusiasts to catch on, and The Firm was off and running.

When The Firm decided to share their successful method with people who were unable to travel to the Studio, the at-home workout series was born. The Firm received glowing reviews and top professional awards from the very start. Since then, The Firm has sold more than ten million workouts. Today, The Firm mission is to continue researching and creating superior fitness techniques and products for reshaping and toning the body.

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Urban Rebounder Cable Flex with DVD Review

This is a great program for working out without any equipment. I am on the business trip right now and have very little time for exercise - I am working late, then go to late dinners with colleagues.So the good part about this DVD is that the segments for each body area are about 15 minutes long and that is super convenient to fit it into my schedule. And the work outs are enjoyable.

Product Description
Achieve a total body workout with the Cable Flex personal workout system.Improve your strength and flelxibility with Cable Flex.It's fun, fast and effective, and you can do your workout in the comfort of your own home!

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