... into gymnastics strength training a few months ago and like most things I decide I really like
592928
I just got into gymnastics strength training a few months ago and like most things I decide I really like, I become somewhat obsessed. This book showed up on my feed and Being that I want to learn as much as possible and I have some pretty lofty goals that I'd like to accomplish, like a press handstand, I decided to buy it. I was a bit concerned about the price and the fact that it wasn't available used yet. But once I got it, I realized the HUGE value. This is like a college or graduate school text book. Nearly 600 pages of a whole lot of really good, researched and well thought out information. This book really is an exercise bible. Especially for body weight, gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, pole, aerial, ect, ect trainers. This is a MUST have!
913447
I had been working out for a good 6 months--lifting weights, cardio and stretches. I started to notice that my arms were getting huge because I was increasing my weight every few weeks but what I really wanted was to be toned. I found this book by chance at a book store and bought it. I identified my body type and began to focus on those specific exercises. My arms toned down and I began to lose inches quickly. I was reluctant to jump rope, but once I learned the proper technique, I got into a rhythm and it was fun (and my knees are just fine).

I also like the flexibility of the alternate day workouts. So if you're looking for something different and challenging, go for it!
468839
The board is fun and great for rehab, I am working on my balance after some injuries and the strength is slowing coming back.  I am also strengthening all the little leg muscles and core needed for so many athletic activities.
4882762
Things I Really Like:
I am very happy with how easy it is to change the weight settings.
I am very happy with how sturdy the weights feel when lifting (they don't shift around much).
Overall, the weights just feel high quality.

Things I don't Like:
The Plastic base that the weights rest in - one of the plastic ridges cracked within a few weeks of using the set. You have to be careful to set the weights directly into the base and pull them straight out to avoid the risk of cracking the base. The weight set still works, but I'm having to be careful not to crack the base further.

Overall, still very happy with the set.
4158963
I had a serious injury a couple of years ago from which I am still recovering. But I have reached a point where exercise and strengthening is really helping with that recovery. I have found that a few minutes of foam rolling to work the muscles before I start working out really seems to help. I also like to do a few minutes of foam rolling after I exercise and cool down. I have a couple of foam rollers and even a knobby hard plastic roller stick. I use different sizes/texture rollers for different muscles. So when I was offered this set at a discount for review purposes I thought why not, its another to add to my growing collection. I am glad I accepted because the texture and firmness is different on these and it works well. The inner roller comes out of the outer roller and is quite good as the smaller diameter works muscles differently than the larger diameter.

Overall I think this is a nice addition to my roller collection. I would also recommend trying a lacrosse ball. They work great for getting into smaller areas and joints. I use the lacrosse ball against the wall for working my shoulders and chest. One thing I have found in my experience is that I only need five minutes or so with the rollers to get a good benefit. I have a few friends that swear by 20-30 minutes of roller time, but I have tried that and it seems quite excessive for me. Five minutes seems to give me all the manipulation I need, unless I have some really stubborn muscles that ache from the previous days exercise, then I may go a few minutes longer.
2559960
This is a good workout video. It is mostly focused on muscular work so it ends up being a bit long to my liking since you need to add at least 30 minutes of cardio to the 50 minutes of this video in order to get a full workout. I am not familiar with ballet-type workout and was a bit surprised at how hard those moves are. After 20 minutes, my legs were shaking and I was breaking a bit of a sweat. I like a lot the gracefulness involved in the moves and the fact that I learn the moves slowly before doing them quickly. There is a chance I might get tired of that once I am more familiar with the routine. I am not such a big fan of the background music either. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and will use this DVD on a rotation.
9631
I've had these upwards of 7 months now and don't regret them for an instant. I'd say there are things I gave up with not going to the gym any longer, but I realize I've replaced those exercises with others that work just as well. And at up to 90 pounds per arm, plus being able to switch weights (and therefore exercises) extremely quickly, you can get in a heck of a workout. I used gyms and Olympic bar lifting for 20 years, but I'm not sure I'll ever go back to that method now.
2170511
It's not perfect, but it tracks the basics of what I wanted. I like that I can gauge my sleeping patterns and number of steps. I haven't had the opportunity to dig into all the tools of this product yet, but I'm looking forward to tapping into them soon. Overall, it might not be a great fit if you are looking for something that tells you how great your workout is, but if you want something that gives you some basics for what you're doing throughout the day, this will work just fine. And it doesn't hurt that it's attractive too.
63476
I have worked out my entire life and considered myself reasonably informed about fitness training.  However, after 9 weeks of following Matthews' recommendations for workouts (pretty strictly) and diet (a little more loosely), I'm seeing excellent results.  My lifting PRs are increasing weekly (either weight or reps) and my body fat is decreasing at a slow but reasonable pace.  I'm curious to see what will happen over the next 2-4 months as PRs likely will become more difficult.  But my goals in buying the book were mostly bigger and leaner, and this barbell regimen is delivering very well so far.
777553
I can feel my core getting stronger and balance improving each time I use it. Started doing lunges on it as well worth the small investment. As someone who hate going to gym and always trying find ways to get in shape without being stuck in a weight room this helps me get right in privacy of my own home.
2501602
I am already on the South Beach diet, so I purchased this kit to add strength training to my routine.  I have been using the 8 minutes in the morning kit for two weeks now, and I already feel stronger.  I like the kit a lot, because I am able to take out the cards I need for the next day and set them out with the dumbells as a visual reminder.  My guess is that the book is harder to stick to.  I didn't pay much attention to the CD, and the diet seems a little odd, but then again I didn't try it.  I did tape a before picture and a motivational after picture in the little booklet that came with it, and that is really helpful.  8 minutes may not seem like a lot, and it really isn't, but it does add up to 48 minutes a week, which isn't too shabby.  I think this program is a great easy way to fit exercise into your daily routine.
4134885
I feel al little like I'm back in 3rd grade gymnastics when I wear this, but it's truly been so great to have around. I just toss an oversized sweater over it, sometimes a belt too, and I'm ready to go.  It's a weekend go-to.
2995646
I really like the differences in resistance the bands provide, it gives me variety in workouts I can do with them.
4248017
I bought this BECAUSE it's from old Firm workouts.  The old ones are much tougher than the newer ones and, after doing this, I definitely feel it.  Yes, it is only really 2 different workouts with the third being a combined version of the other two.  I do the combined version when I do this one on the weekend and have more time.  I usually try to get that one in the day before my rest day because I NEED that rest day after doing the combined workout.  I agree with others that the makeup, hair, and workout clothes are kinda hard to look at, but it's easy to get past that.  I can see, too, that the packaging is a bit misleading, but it's understandable.  People who know the Firm know Allie, so it makes sense to put her picture on the front.  It's obviously not a recent photo of her, though, so that could have been a clue.  As for the equipment used in the video, instead of a barbell, I use my old Firm sculpting stick and, since I can't do all the ball stuff with my 8 pound weighted ball, I use my son's soccer ball.  One of the things I like about old Firm videos is that they usually had someone in there using things you can find around your house instead of the actual equipment.  I'd recommend this one to anyone who wants a good weight training workout.
2938925
Ive been rocking with these bad boys since July I believe. Ive used them about 3 to 6 times a week and theyve helped me attain some amazing gains. Along with the fact that Ive been using them to train friends of mine, these are prime gymnastics rings that still look new. Ill probably be using these for years to come.
135377
Great for someone getting back into exercising/lifting weights
1665787
The grip part of the barbell is a little thick/big but overall I have been pleased.