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!!



5 stars

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. 5 stars

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. 5 stars

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
5 stars

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. 4 stars