| Customer Reviews (or write your own review) |
The Firm: Balance Trainer |
 Fantastic, effective workout |
| LOVE this workout. Took me a few tomes to get all the moves because your mind really needs to focus to stay balanced on the trainer. This is a challenging, effective and fun workout-but it takes some practice. It is properly listed as advanced. I haven't found the cuing or music to be a problem. Tina Smalley is effective. I do suggest running through it a few times just to get the moves down pat. In no time, you will be able to do them all for a very effective and intense workout. - posted by Helen on 11/9/2009 |
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 A CHALLANGE FOR BODY, BRAIN & BALANCE |
| Even with a couple of mis-cues (which you will overcome when familiar with the w/o) overall it's a good w/o that challenges your body in a way that just lifting weights can't. Weights are not used, although as you improve they can be included in the program to increase the challenge. As for Tina being off-beat, I believe that's more in the after-production editing. NOTE: My advice is to watch the cardio portions several times BEFORE attempting because while doing them you'll be looking down to watch your feet/disk for proper foot placement and to know the location of the disk (depending upon your force it could move.) If you've never attempted a balance w/o before, don't get frustrated....your body & brain will improve each time to tackle the challenge. The hop-on/straddle-off move looks intimidating and you may only be able to do one before losing balance, but you must try it or you'll never improve. I've incorporated the disk in other w/o (lunges, dips, planks, etc...) although it's not appropriate for every move. The "bad" thing about the equipment is the pump supplied in the kit -- it's horrible and takes forever to inflate. Use a tire pump or air compressor. - posted by SMT on 9/24/2009 |
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| Tina Smalley has no rhythm |
| This is my second FIRM video that uses the balance disc and that is led by Tina Smalley. Unfortunately, in both videos, Tina is unable to stay with the beat of the music. Hard to believe as the music is great, with a rapid-fire, inspirational rhythm that would be great if the instructor seemed to be able to follow it. I found it frustrating to try to stay with Tina's instructions when the beat of the music so strongly suggested otherwise. Too bad, because if the moves actually went with the music, this would be an interesting, challenging, and unique way to add core strength and balance training to my muscle sculpting/aerobics regimen. Another near-miss for Tina Smalley and the FIRM balance disc. - posted by Dawn on 7/22/2009 |
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| Fanatastic workout on a great piece of equipment! |
| I wanted a Bosu, but I didn't have $100 (plus S&H) to spare, so I thought I would give this a try, and wasn't really expecting much.
I do the Firm videos daily and have weighted up beyond their recommendations so I think I am reasonably fit and healthy. But, I can totally see why this is a staff favourite. It kicked my behind! It works you in a completely different way than classical aero-training and involves a whole new set of skills.
The first time I used it, I had to pause and walk it off. I now do it regularly, but I am still trying to perfect the balance moves. It's challenging and difficult, but it's also fun and I can feel it the next day so I am happy to do something I know is working.
Tina is fun, cues well, and is supportive (telling you it's okay if you don't get it first time etc.). She also breaks up the types of exercise into strength moves, cardio (wow, the cardio was tough!!) and new balance moves, finishing up with some killer abs. It's impressive how broad a range of exercise types she fits into 45 minutes. This set is completely underrated and a gem in the rough. The balance disc is not a gimmick at all and the workout is great. I highly recommend this kit!!! - posted by Frm Lvr on 5/24/2009 |
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| Great Workout! |
| I absolutely loved this workout. I loved Tina and I loved using the disc. I felt very challenged all throughout the workout. And afterward I fell that I had burned a lot of calories. Plus it was fun. I would highly recommend this workout to anyone. It is a keeper! - posted by Emily on 4/3/2009 |
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| Great Workout! |
| I love this workout!! It is challenging and fun. The time flies by and I feel like I have done a hard workout. I get my heartrate up and break a sweat. I am an advanced excerciser and I did find this to be a great choice for cardio. I wish there were more DVDs that used this balance trainer! - posted by Jocelyn on 3/22/2009 |
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| Challenging Work-out |
| This is a great work out in every aspect. You just have to try the balance trainer first, slow down the workout and you'll get it. Just use a little bit of patience before trying it out and you'll get a GREAT WORK-OUT - posted by Maria on 3/16/2009 |
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| Workout OK - equipment JUNK!! |
| Instead of spending big money on a Bosu, I thought I would try this instead. Big mistake!! The pump that comes with it is a joke. Absolutely no way to pump it up with it. A bicycle pump or air compressor is needed. After I finally got to this point, I found that the air leaked right out of the hole where you pump it in; there is no plug. In my opinion it is completely misconstructed - a total rip-off! The workout itself is not that bad. I ordered a Bosu and am actually looking forward to trying it that way. However, this kit in itself is not worth the money! - posted by holly on 3/10/2009 |
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| Just Okay |
| Normally I am a huge Firm fan and love most of their videos. This one left a lot to be desired. I consider myself to be an advanced exerciser, but had a really tough time with the weird balance moves that felt like I was going to sprain an ankle. Unfortunately, the cuing wasn't great, so I was often stumbling around. The ab workout on the disc was a highlight of the video- definitely a killer with the full range of extension and flexion for the movement really burning all of the abs. Other than that, just not worth it for me. - posted by Marisa on 1/27/2009 |
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| GOOD AND CHALLENGING! |
| I've wanted to purchase this workout for awhile now, but was hesitant after all of the bad reviews. I took the plunge and bought it anyways, i just got finished for the first time and i loved it! Its different and really challenges your body. Yes the music is off in certain parts, but you have to concentrate so hard to balance yourself, that i really didnt pay much attention to it. The ab portion of the workout is especially great! Tina did a great job and i really liked the entire workout! - posted by Dana on 1/20/2009 |
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