Where did The Firm go????

[faded_denim]

I can't believe I stumbled onto this page. I am one of the original Firm believers from the 1980's. You remember, one of the believers who would purchase the video at $50.00 even before it was made.

Well I've felt lost and abandoned especially since the new Firm DVDs have become available. The set is too sparse and the coaches too young to finish what The Firm started which was real exercise for us as we grow older. I confess I felt betrayed by The Firm who seemed to me to only be pursuing a younger subscriber and abandoning the beautiful lush mansion set as old fashioned.

I've never felt the need to use any other exercise system although I fell off the wagon. I'm renewing my commitment to my health and The Firm.

Thanks much, Anna and Cynthia.

Marilyn Graulau:)

[donnadonna]

Marilyn, you don't say whether or not you've tried the new WHFN workouts yet but as a fellow believer from the '80s, can pretty much assure you that you'll find them exactly what you're looking for ... The Firm, all grown up - like us! You will not be disappointed!!!! (I think this is where I'm supposed to add "IMHO"...)

Have fun!

[Redeye]

I agree with Donna. The WHFN KickButts and FitPrimes are the closest you can get to the original Firms. Well, they should be, they are created by the same people who made the Firm what it was: Anna, Cynthia, and Mark.

I have all the original Firms and all the WHFNs. IMHO, the WHFNs are the closest to perfection of any workouts I've ever done. I like them even better than the original Firmsm (which I LOVE), and I never thought I'd say that about any workout video.

Did you watch the clips? These videos are gorgeous to look at; the music is divine; and I personally LOVE the fusion aspect.

Hey, be sure to read this: http://www.whfn.com/press/pr_mousetrap.php :)

And WELCOME to the board, Marilyn! Please visit the "Fusion Freaks" check-in when you get a chance.

[Toyota2005]

I was so dissappointed to find out that the Benson's were not involved with the new FIRM videos. I bought so many of the new tapes. I had gotten depressed because I just could not get into their routines. Most of the routines were difficult. It was too many steps to learn, the music was awful on 80 percent of the ones that I have. If I would have known they had sold the company, I would have NEVER bought those tapes/dvds!!:) I have been doing the old tapes. Are there any suggestions as to which dvd to buy with FitPrime?? I want to start with something simple:rolleyes:

[stacy4ft9]

I'd go for Crunch Time or PushPull -- I think you'll like both of them;)

[faded_denim]

Hello, everyone and thanks for the replies.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Marilyn, I live in the Bronx, New York. I'm 52 years and love reading, music everything from the Beatles to salsa to hip-hop but especially jazz (anyone hear of Antonio Carlos Jobim?).

I am not married (sigh) but like my freedom mostly from mandatory housework. I enjoy reading (Bronte and Jane Austen and such), movies, knitting, dance, horses, miniatures and at the moment am having fun decorating my new apartment (which is not at all luxe) in retro/contemporary so I'm sewing slipcovers and pillows, etc. Oh, and I'm getting a new cat next week.

So, The Firm was the only physical workout that kept me motivated but I've dropped out and am now overweight. Knowing that The Firm workouts - those in the style to which I became accustomed to - has me very excited. My favorite of the "old" tapes was Volume 6, and the Variety crosstrainers especially the one with Heidi Tanner. At his stage I need something that is less stressful on my knees.

Now I find out that the Bensons are no longer involved with the new workouts??!! I still feel that even the newer Firm videos for a newer crowd are still the best workouts on the market but I want to see women like me on my workout tapes. I was feeling as though my loyalty to The Firm hadn't been appreciated and now I know that wasn't the case.

Anyway, thanks again, Marilyn

[Ginger]

Hi Marilyn,

Welcome! I'm glad you found us. I think you'll like it here and if you haven't seen the video clips yet, here is the link:

http://www.whfn.com/videos.php

Toyota2005, they will help you make your decision too. (...or they may help make you want them all. :D )

[bookwormbiker]

Hi Marilyn,
I also just happened across WHFN. I too used to buy the old FIRM videos as soon as they were released. Just this past spring I bought the Firm Body Sculpting System with the adjustable platform. Now, I'm almost 61 and found the steps too complicating for me to keep up at that pace. It took me a month to master just one of the DVD's and I'm still working on a second one. Anyway, I was completely disgusted. I still have my old Firm videos and have went back to using them. The FitPrime series sounds like it was made for me. I just ordered the MetaBoost and Flex Posture (cross training pack) this morning. I'm sure I won't be disappointed. Wish I'd found WHFN before I shelled out that money for The Firm BSS. Wish me luck. Hope it arrives in time for my birthday.

[Redeye]

I just ordered the MetaBoost and Flex Posture (cross training pack) this morning. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
I agree! You won't be disappointed! These are wonderful, easy to follow workouts. They move a lot slower than the Firm. As easy as they are, they are VERY effective. You'll see! Welcome to the world of working out smarter not harder. It sure has paid off for me at the age of 58.

Please come back and report how you like them. :)

[Ginger]

...I also just happened across WHFN....Hope it arrives in time for my birthday.

Welcome! We're glad you found us and hope you have a great birthday. :D

[browser]

Wow, I'm one of the old timer's, too.... I still cringe when I think of what it took to pre-order, wait months for the darn thing. Then who knew when the next one would be offered..:p

I have tried to keep up with the new Firm, but let's face it; the old gal isn't what she used to be - although, I'm pretty proud that I've kept myself fit over the years. I do have a knee injury and some days, I just cannot use the 14" fanny lifter.

I found out about WHFN through a Low Carb forum and immeidately ordered the last Fit Prime series. I like them and use them, but still love my oldie Firm tapes.

I wonder if enough of us made enough noise, they would use US in the videos. There might be a grey hair here and there - but I can still keep up with the gals half my age. Right ladies?? :D

[faded_denim]

Wow, what a nice welcome from everyone, especially my fellow oldtimers.
I assumed that since I wasn't receiving any mailings from The Firm that they no longer wanted business from ushttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/frown.gif. How many others are out there who have loved The Firm from the very beginning but believe the workouts with the sparse sets are all that's out therehttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/eek.gif. I'm so excited to know that the FitPrime and Kick Butt videos are available. There wasn't anything as motivating as knowing I had the next Firm video coming in the mail. I am getting ready to order so I'm reviewing all the workouts. I'd love to see Jayne Poteet again and I really like Heidi Tanner's style. This is funhttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/smile.gif!!! Ta, ta. Marilyn

[genevar]

well, when I work out to a classic, vol 1-6, I wonder the same thing. I got hooked on the BSS1 and then found the classics by way of tough tape 2 and when I did vol 1 I saw how it had a whole bunch of cardio with the weight training and a lot of table work. where did that format go? I love C+S but I miss the table work. I wish they could go back to that format. and I wish someone else did that. Am I the only one?
Geneva

[shsiang]

I just wanted to say that you women in your 50's and 60's inspire me! I, too, started using the Firm years ago (in the early 90's, when I was in my early 20's.) I'm now 34 and still at it, and I plan to be STILL at it when I am 60! It's great to see how timeless these types of workouts are. I am also disappointed in the new Firms, esp. with these new tapes all requiring more cheap, plastic, gimick-y equipment! I LOVE the old wooden steps from days of yore--please sell them again, Anna! I just got around to staining my 14 in. step this past weekend. I use it ALL THE TIME! Not just for workouts--it's currently the side table to my wicker deck chair when not being used for it's intended purpose!

I figure I've spent a little less than $1500 on all my tapes (I have 38 between old Firms, WHFN, original Fitprimes and Tracie Long Training), weights, steps, med. balls, barbell and other equipment. It seemed like a lot when I totalled it up, but I use them everyday and have been for nearly 15 years! It's a worthwhile investment, esp. when I plan to use them until my chin is meeting my nose. http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/wink.gif

[fredcate]

Hi there!
I've also been working out since 1984 and am 54 years young! Am a nurse in a very busy Trauma I level PACU(Recovery room) and all of my co-workers are shocked when they discover my age.Work out 3-4 days a week with the Fitprime/Kickbutt series and one of my friends has recently started these too as I had let her borrow a couple of mine.She's also in that age range and says she LOVES these! That's the beauty of these workouts.You can adjust the intensity and range of the workouts as much as you want to! I also try to add on a Pilates short workout after I do one of these.They definitely help to keep you young,healthy and active!http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Andi]

When you really consider your $1500 investment in yourself, it really averages out to very little per year! How much cost would you have incurred if you weren't healthy and robust because of those videos and just a little effort a few times a week. How much would it have cost to buy you the confidence you have and what did that confidence give you in your life? I was medically diagnosed as totally disabled until I found the FIRM and I couldn't afford any of the systems even in 3 easy payments but I found some old videos in a thrift store and with an awful lot of hard work, I am the poster child for success in my doctor's office! I began to look at the money I spent as medicine. If all it cost you was $1500, you got away really cheap. Congratulations to you for keeping it up.