Twenty years ago, Anna and Cynthia Benson created a revolutionary fitness program to achieve maximum fat loss. Following this routine, The FIRM clients found that they burned fat three times faster than with aerobics alone and saw visible proof in just ten workouts. It was a program that was years ahead of even the most prestigious scientific fitness organizations in the country.
In FIRM for Life the Bensons show why their program is so effective not only for reshaping your body and making you stronger but also for reversing the aging process, increasing bone mass, and improving your self-esteem and mental well-being. A whole-life philosophy to health and fitness, FIRM for Life also
Motivation and commitment how to overcome the Top 10 exercise cop-outs Eating for optimal performance, high energy, and fat burning--with menus and recommended foods The Daily Dozen exercises, Basic Stretches, and Sweat a simple fitness program that can be done at home with very little equipment The Daily a four-part diary to help you keep track of your meals and workout schedule
A complete lifestyle program that will educate, inspire, and guide you to being the best you can be, FIRM for Life will turn you into a FIRM Believer.
I got this book due to revisiting the Firm workouts and watching their video 20 questions about fitness. I saw on the videofitness forums that there was book and I was super jazzed to find a copy.
After reading negative reviews of the book on Amazon, I was incredibly disappointed that this book was not near as nutty as anyone describes it. I think a big part of why the Bensons' exercise books and videos are portrayed as out there is because one of the sisters would be considered a lot.
The book gives solid exercise and nutrition advice including a section that shows how to do what they call the daily dozen with pictures. There is also personal anecdotes from those who were a part of their gym. They also scoff at any excuse you have for not exercising.
The book does bash other big names in fitness of the time so I can understand how that can be off-putting. There is also an included personal section which address how to dress, to bring out the good liquor for guests and to be an attentive listener when meeting new people so nothing that extreme. Their own book lists are a bit much, but it's three pages at the end of the book.
And the underwear advice is not that over the top either: you shouldn't be wearing skeezy panties. If you found this advice off base then it was directed at you and please do yourself a favor and buy yourself some new undies from pact.
This book is essentially a promotion for the Firm videos which were popular 20 or 30 years ago. It explains why strength training is essential for women, and how it can be done with some simple, and inexpensive equipment at home. There are diet recommendations, as well. Believe it or not, you should eat whole foods, and emphasize proteins and vegetables.
All that takes about 20 pages, so the rest of it is filled with lifestyle advice, some of which is quite amusing, although it probably wasn't intended to be. Everything from how to feel comfortable having lunch with someone's grandmother, to the inclusion of underwear in your budget, so you never are caught wearing old ones.
Don't neglect to keep some top shelf liquor in the cabinet, too.
By the time I was done, I needed a shot of that liquor.