FIRM WAVE & Crosstraining.

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We’ve discussed ad nauseum how Miz is in desperate need of the crosstrainage.

I’ve surpassed being in a workout rut, People.

The rut Ive dug for myself is so deep Ive simply plopped down roots and deemed it my new home.

And, for the most part, I’m pretty ok with that.

I work, I MizFit, I BabyMama, & (I hope) roll as a pretty decent wife/daughter/sister/friend on top of it all.

If, as by-product of wearing all those hats bandannas, I only workout as much as I need to in order to stay healthy & dont mix it up as often as I should—-I don’t really mind.

Until I discovered the easiest way to cross-train ever.

(Much needed) Core? CHECK

(Desperately seeking)  Balance (help)? CHECK

Sorely. Needed. Variety? CHECK

Please to enjoy the Firm Wave & the debut of Miz’ tripod:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx6zmXWpv0k

What I adored about my new toy:

  • This thing is STURDY.  I‘d *assumed* it would be flimsy for some reason.  It’s Toddler Tornado Tested & definitely is not delicate.
  • You get a lot of bang for your proverbial buck. The Firm Wave runs about 90.00 *however* you do receive a lot for your money. Rounded side up the wave is a perfect weight bench & serves as an aerobic exercise ala a step.  Rounded side down it rivals a BOSU & will kick your ass works GREAT for core/balance exercises.
  • The Firm Wave makes it simple to cross-train. Although it comes with DVDs you really dont need them after a time or two of viewing (or if you have an experience at all with a BOSU or a step).  I found that I could easily squeeze in some exercise while the Tornado colored without setting up the DVD player.  Especially for balance/core which are my weak areas.

    • What I treasured not so much:

  • The Wave has a weight limit of 275 pounds so it isnt a piece of equipment which fits everyone.  I do wonder if the limit is more for liability reasons ( like the ages 3 & up for toys with small pieces) but it is a drawback.
  • Im really uncoordinated & felt a bit unstable on the Wave initially.  Almost in a good working on my balance way but not quite. After five or 6 sessions I did feel more comfortable.

    • All in all? I really really like it (and am woman enough to admit that I was really really surprised I felt that way).

    Much of what appeals to me about the Wave is the fact I can get a well rounded workout in at home *and* break out of my weigh training rut.

    AND, since I like to think Im not alone in either of these two needs, I’d recommend it to you (with the weight & initially awkward caveats) as well.

    seal_caricature1

    Now you, Oh Bumbling Band.
    Have you seen the Wave late night when you cant sleep & there’s nothing else on TV and been curious about it as was I? Hit me up with your questions.

    Cynical about my newfoundCROSSTRAININGlove? Please to chime in below as well.

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    Comments

    4. Was it hard to get the tripod to work?

      I cant comment on the WAVE because I weigh too much not to use us.

      🙁

    6. I have seen this on TV a bunch. You really like it? It does look like a lot more fun than I’d thought.
      I know my girlfriend would use it at night but is it really for a GUY?

      Does Ren Man use it ever?

    7. Very cool- reminds me of a hard bosu. I think this would be a great piece of equipment to use while you watch tv!

      On a side note- I just tried the PB2 (finally) for the first time- and I am in love

    8. Look at YOU leading the way and crosstraining, Miz!

      I adore how you can use that to stretch as well as a weight bench.

      I don’t think I could balance on it yet.

    9. Oh, there is no way I wouldn’t fall and break my neck using that. Combined with the 90 dollar price tag (holy crap!?) and I would have one very expensive piece of clutter in the closet.

    10. Evan? not my husband. I tried to lure him on there but he rolled his eyes at me. I think he looked at it and thought STEP AEROBICS.

      but yes.
      it would work GREAT for a man as well.

      Erica you should do a video for them of your first experience!!

      Bea? It was shockingly NOT TOO BAD and Im not known at all for my balance (as per yesterday :))

      christine? I think that when I was in college Id have bought this and NEVER USED IT.

      now? it really fits into my life.

      soooo depends on where you (one) are with regards to time constraints I think.

    12. As I’ve posted before, I’m intrigued by the Firm Wave. When I first saw the informercial, I thought it might be another sham kind of thing (lose!weight!overnight!), but the more I watched, it actually did make sense. Then I read some online product reviews and people were generally pretty positive about it.

      So far, I’m still not intrigued enough to shell out the $90, but I *do* have a $100 visa gift card burning a whole in my pocket. 🙂

      (Gld you got your tix. I still hve to get a hotel room or I’ll be seeing the streets of Chicago close up!)

    14. I have been wanting one of these so I have more qustions for you:

      Do you really use it a lot?

      Can you really get a good cardio workout?

      Do you think this is a phase thing for you? Is it something I might use for a while or spend the money and be over it in a few weeks?

      Thanks Miz!!!

    15. Carla,

      I can’t thank you enough for all the sweet comments you have left on my blog. So I guess you read Outliners. I thought that book was so great. Very interesting. What other books do we have in common? I love to read, I wish THAT reading burned calories. Read your blog all the time, love it. Keep inspiring me! Your blog always has great info, thanks for taking time to notice my blog.

    16. That does look like fun. Perhaps once the bloom is off the rose on this one the price will come down or people will start dumping them on ebay and craigslist…

      Remember, you always swear by doing workouts we enjoy – looks like this one gives you fun.

    17. It looks kinda fun… but I’m a complete and total klutz and worry I’d kill myself on it!! Either that, or a cat would decide that the shadow looks like a toy, try to play with it, and then I’d squish them. Might still be worth a try though!

    18. Worth the money?
      You know, I’m oft the wrong one to ask as I believe that something is *so* worth the money if I use it and, with this, even if I stopped tomorrow I’ve gotten my $sworth.

      I’m happy to SPEND NOW if it means I’m healthier now & later.

      The cardio: for me it isn’t cardio. The Wave might be a little extra calories burned that way but I use it 100% for core and balance.

      IMO it could DEFINITELY work as a full-on cardio workout but that would be TIME & DVDUSAGE which just isn’t what I’m chosing to use the Firm for!

      and for those of you who KINDLY asked HERES the link to the newspaper piece. and no 🙂 I dont know why your comments dont show…

    19. I’ve looked at this and almost got it! Thanks for the review! 🙂 I may have to order this one. I’m trying to get my home ready for working out. I’m thinking about not renewing my gym membership.

    20. I wish you could promise me if I bought this I’d use it 😉

      For me it is less the money than even the fact I do not need another reminder of my failings around the house.

      How long did it take you to learn it?

      Weeks?

    21. This is the first I’ve heard of the Wave, and you make it look fun! I’d definitely use it – I had no idea how much more intense being “unstable” (on a piece of equipment as opposed to in general, haha) made a workout, and I love the fact that I kill several birds with one stone (or exercise).

    23. It always helps to know when some info-mercial item has the recommendation of someone we can trust. Thanks for showing us the highlights. Hmmmm….Mother’s Day gift idea – best if suggested by the mother herself tho.

    26. I’m so intimidated by newfangled gadgets!

      me too. which I/WE shouldnt be since we use them so frequently at home, huh?

      Intimidated and fearful Ill buy and NOT be able to figure out.

      like wordpress.
      Oh WORDPRESS why do you make me fight with you so when I try to post images?!

    27. I’m not sure about this. I’d ideally like something (besides my jump rope) that I can do for cardio at home, but don’t see myself using this.

    28. This one tempts me because it seems to offer many options in a small package. I am a little intimidated by the design because I’m as coordinated as a hippo on heels and have imagined all sorts of injuries. But then again, it looks like it can do more than a stability ball and work the core just as well. Would you say that’s right?

      I noticed the mat…is that a required part of the set up? I have carpet in my exercise area and am wondering if that thing will slip all over the place.

    30. LOL!! Cool!! I’d have to do it to compare it to the stair master, which is number 2 after running for my cardio. workouts.

      In a few weeks you can take it to the beach, and catch some waves!!

    31. That looks like fun but I’m pretty much the opposite of a gadget girl. Although, I am trying to shake things up more so I might use it. Good for you for cross training more!!!!

    33. But then again, it looks like it can do more than a stability ball and work the core just as well. Would you say that’s right?

      and I LOVE how I can use it for cardio more than the ball should I choose to *and* stretch.

      and that it shoves under my bed (unlike my Swiss ball).

    34. ooh, could this be used like the other balance tools? at pt they had me doing squats on unstable boards and such… i’m thinking this might be a cheaper alternative!

    36. First time I’ve seen/heard of it, but it looks neat. I’ve wondered about getting a Bosu ball, but this looks like it might be more flexible in terms of what you can use it for. And I’m with you – if it’s something you’ll use, it’s worth it.

    38. I bet the Tornado loved it!! My kids would be all over that thing. As for me, you know I’d totally try it:) I haven’t seen one in person yet but if I ever come across one, I’ll be a rockin’ and rollin’!

    39. This is the first time I had seen it and I am impressed :)!!! Though I have been doing a pretty good bit of core training recently, my core still sucks. Seriously, I can’t do one regular sit up!!!!!!!! It makes me so mad!!!! I keep thinking when I lose the last 60 it will become easier but if my core is strong I should be able to do sit ups no matter what my weight, right!?

      Maybe this thing could really whip my core into shape and I’d be singing the Kelly Clarkson song to it :)…………..
      “My Life Would Suck without You!” 😉

    40. I have never seen such a thing, but it looks fun! I am all for anything that really works my core and quads and keeps the heart rate up. I don’t know if I could keep my kids off of it though 😉

    41. Yeah the Toddler does LOVE it so an extra caveat would be (I guess? I don’t fret but but its how I roll) to watch that it’s on the STABLE SIDE if they are ‘using it’ 😉

      I do think that all my laughing while doing it (& Ren Mans laughing at me) is good EXERCISE IS FUN rolemodeling as well….

    42. FUN! That looks awesome. And if its got the MizFit seal of approval then it must be good hehe. Core, balance, and variety are all waaaaaay up there on the priorities. And it’s not necessary to kill ourselves with trying to fit in fitness 24/7… like you say, we have to do enough to keep ourselves healthy (and have lots of fun while doing it).

    45. Thanks for the review! Looks like a handy piece of equipment. I especially liked the look of the stretching.

      *Can you tell my back is sore right now in my mother’s terrible uncomfortable computer chair?

      Anyway, I love the Bosu and the step, so this would be something I’d consider. 🙂

    46. I’ve seen the infomercial a million times!!

      I’d love to try it….before I buy.

      Do they ever have these at gyms I wonder?

    47. Okay, MizFit, here’s a dare for you.
      Want to try something different? Try that pole dancing stuff and report back on it. I promise to watch the video 🙂

    49. I am SO happy to hear that you like The Wave. I am a big fan of The Firm products and have been considering this. I got the transformer system after my second son was born and it really helped get those extra baby pounds off. I dusted off my dvd’s this week in fact since I’ve been home with sick kids and unable to get to the gym. I forgot just how much I love them. I think I need this Wave!

    50. Do me a favor? So I really know this is for me, take all of your laundry, pile it on top and take a picture…

      Not into $90 gadgets, but still having fun with that exercise you showed yesterday.

      : )

    51. Pretty sure I’d break my ever loving neck on that thing!! You rock it though! I bet it would feel awesome on your back though.

    52. Cool…this looks like a cool thing. Something I would actually use. I’ve never seenan ad for it, but living in a place that gets sub zero in winter, it’s good to find out about another workout option that I could do at home. I’ll have to peek at it a bit more…I’m really clumsy, but I think this might help me.
      I’m a bit concerned about squishing a cat with it (they’re very annoying when I do floorwork), but I’m sure they’ll figure out to keep their tails away soon enough 🙂

    55. but….what about us clumsy folk?

      I know Ive yammered on and on about my lack of balance but this has really helped (same sort of thing you can do with a BOSU!).

      and, as a result, Im a little less clumsy.

      a little 😉

      (seriously. why do you think I play, errr, lift weights and dont play hand/eye coordination needing sports!)

    57. Why am I kind of afraid of you in that picture before I hit play 🙂

      You look like you’re gonna jump off the screen and tell me to work out!

      Thanks for the post & for all that you do.

      I love my MizFit fix!!

    58. A $20 option, though not as fully-featured, is the stability disk trainer. It’s a heavy plastic inflatable disk you can stand upon and get your wobble on. The nice thing is that you can adjust the level of inflation for more or less wobble.

      The one I have is Core Fit brand (they have these at Target and Amazon I think – mine was a gift) and it came with a DVD too.

      My favorite thing to do on it right now is try and hold boat pose for 60 seconds. Core city!

    59. That actually looks kind of fun! I don’t have room in my apartment for anything else at the moment (finding space for a Swiss ball and a weight set was hard enough!), but I’ll have to think about it when I move. (Because I’m hoping to buy a house this year! Woo-hoooooo!!!! :D)

    61. Anything that fits into our needs and lifestyles is fab beyond measure.

      My new toys are my weights. My uncoordinatedness has had them hitting the chandelier, rolling off the table onto my foot and sliding out of their slot to hit me in the behind. I have learned from all of these incidents and none has happend again. Phew!

      I find a new dvd is great for breaking me out of a rut. Even if it’s in the same discipline, there’s usually enough of a variation that the muscles are working differently.

    62. It looks like I might injure myself, and as a general rule I do cross-training only to PREVENT injury. 🙂

      But I kinda want to try it.

    63. Hey, I could so use one of these! I’d use it in voice lessons!

      (I’ve had hardly any time to do any more than glance at my favorite blogs so I’m way behind on face time. I need to check out who the hell this Kelly person is.)

    64. K, Mizfit. I think I’m sold! It’s only a matter of time before my cat destroys the ball anyway.

      But here’s the important question: Can you pole dance ON the firmwave?

    65. That looks really great (I’ll reserve my “It Rocks!” comment for Twitter). I’m trying to find more workout equipment for my little apartment so I could get some variety… this looks like a definite possibility for me (well, in another 15 lbs or so… 275 lb weight limit, huh?)

    66. I have not seen that before! Hmmm… where have I been? I used The Firm when I lost my intial 75 lbs. I love the workouts and because it’s a mix of cardio an weights I got it all in at one time. I may have to check into the Wave since I need something to get me moving again.

    67. Hmm, and I thought all the Firm was doing this days was making useless equipment just to sell us more stuff. But you make it look actually useful. I already have a Bosu and an aerobic step and a high step and slanted risers (etc. etc.) but now I think I might want this–esp. as it looks more space-saving than my Bosu which I have to haul up from the basement when I want to use it.

    68. I want more.
      Video of this I mean.
      Can you show us more how you would use it as a weight bench?

      Pretty please?
      and if I DO get it will I look like you?

      🙂

    69. i haven’t watched the video yet (at work, darnit), but i have seen the infomercial in the middle of the night and wondered if it’s really something that wouldn’t be ridiculously difficult to use. good to have a “real review”!!

    72. Looks so fun. I know the kiddos wouldn’t share, though. They’d be all over it. I stink at Bosu too, so I don’t think I would be so great, but it would be fun trying!

    73. I have seen the informercial several times and gotten totally sucked into them, but the price tag is what stops me. Although I could tell hubby that really I’ve already saved us a ton of money by using the free access I have to the school gym versus paying for a gym membership. I wonder if that would work…

    74. OOOOH BECKSTEIN.
      Never say that to me 😉

      You KNOW I want the seal as a rub on tattoo.

      Coming soon? Be Present rub-on tats….

    75. This is the second very positive review of this I’ve seen, which means I either pony up the $90 or bring a diagram to my father to see if he can make me the Firm Wave: the wooden version. A carpentry challenge… 😉

    77. I dig the MizFit Approved seal, too. I am slightly tempted to steal it and stick it in a corner of my blog to pretend I am approved. But I won’t–that would totally de-sanctify the seal.

    78. I have seen that on TV and I have even seen a portion of one of the workouts. I would love this! I loved the idea of doing lunges on it!

      • carolinebee? that made me laugh out loud (and nod in agreement. and wriggle my booty for the Toddler).

    81. I absolutely LOVE the Wave! I got it about a month ago, and use it for cross-training in between my marathon training. I am always sore the next day. Love it and really reccommend it!

    82. I can just see that being used for all the wrong purposes in my household, none of which involve fitness and the resulting injuries! Ah the inventive male brain – I’m thinking of the serious misuse of gym balls by the husband. Which makes me wonder, do men generally misuse gym equipement, take more risks and have a much better time of it ‘testing their skills’ and adding to their scar collection?

    83. You make everything look so cool.
      I stayed away from the “Wave” threads at videofitness.
      I am trying not to run outdoors for every single cardio session, but the “Spring”y weather makes me want to.
      I have been crosstraining with Arc trainer at the gym.
      I am afraid I will use the Wave enthusiastically for the first few days and then let it collect dust.

      When are you going to take the Cardiocoach CDs off my hand.. they are still hanging in a stocking ( I better check.. hopefully hubster didn’t chuck it).

    86. I can’t believe that I haven’t seen that info-mercial! i tend to watch food network to wind down at night so that is the channel my tv is on when i turn it on in the mornings and there is always some infomerical on and sometimes i day dream and watch while waiting on my coffee.

      it actually looks like a lot of fun! thanks for the demo and the tripod rocks!

    88. The whole time I was hollering, “MIZ flip that thing over and show us some rocking pushups!!” Mmmmm, that would be a brutal. 😀 Cool toy!

    91. this looks really cool and I love that it can be stored away and brought out for use in front of the TV. Thanks Miz!

    92. So glad you reviewed this. I am a FIRM fan and I have the TransFIRMer. I don’t use the videos much anymore but use the 2 steps for sure when I workout in my home. I started working out with the FIRM and have always loved the workouts. I thought about getting this “wave”. Glad to get your thoughts on it.

    94. Research and Markets noted that report highlights include: Consumer reviews and ratings for virtually every product or service available can…

    95. I am a lurker! But do really enjoy your blog and this one actually got me out to post a comment. Due to two knee replacements my balance is not good and I wonder if this has therapeutic functionality for balance. It looks like fun!!!!!

      Joe
      Sierra Foothills

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