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Firm for Life
If you want to know how to lose fat permanently, if you're concerned about the best exercise, diet, and nutrition plan for maximum results, or if you're looking for the motivation to make positive changes in your life, FIRM for Life is for you.
Twenty years ago, at the beginning of the aerobics craze, Anna and Cynthia Benson introduced their revolutionary fitness program, one that combined weight training with aerobics. In retrospect, it's clear that for maximum fat loss, The FIRM program was ahead of even the most prestigious scientific fitness organizations in the country. Their clients found that by working out with weights, they burned fat three times faster than by doing aerobics alone and saw visible proof of their progress in just ten workouts. Now, in the first book from the creators of the nation's bestselling exercise videos, the Benson sisters present their whole-life philosophy to health and fitness, as they share their secrets for nutrition, motivation, grooming, and overall physical and mental well-being.
Based on the belief that a strong body makes for a strong mind, FIRM for Life shows you how to achieve superior physical and mental fitness. The Bensons explain the science behind their fitness program and show why it is so effective not only for reshaping your body and making you stronger but also for reversing the aging process and increasing bone mass. Your body uses food as fuel, and by providing a complete eating program with sample menus and recommended foods, the Bensons explain how to eat for optimal performance and fat burning and thus maintain high energy throughout the day. FIRM for Life also guides you through the Bensons' basic exercise program, including the Daily Dozen exercises, stretches, and sweat minutes, all of which can be done at home with very little equipment. And to show how fitness and food affect your mood, performance, and energy levels, the Daily Planner, a four-part diary, will help you keep track of your meals and workout schedule. Dozens of heartfelt testimonials from FIRM Believers--people across the country whose lives have improved from The FIRM program--are included throughout the book, and in short, revealing profiles, FIRM instructors share valuable fitness tips and secrets for eating right and staying motivated.
You can get what you want from life. No matter what age you are, the Bensons give you the tools you need to achieve your dreams. 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.
Twenty years ago, at the beginning of the aerobics craze, Anna and Cynthia Benson introduced their revolutionary fitness program, one that combined weight training with aerobics. In retrospect, it's clear that for maximum fat loss, The FIRM program was ahead of even the most prestigious scientific fitness organizations in the country. Their clients found that by working out with weights, they burned fat three times faster than by doing aerobics alone and saw visible proof of their progress in just ten workouts. Now, in the first book from the creators of the nation's bestselling exercise videos, the Benson sisters present their whole-life philosophy to health and fitness, as they share their secrets for nutrition, motivation, grooming, and overall physical and mental well-being.
Based on the belief that a strong body makes for a strong mind, FIRM for Life shows you how to achieve superior physical and mental fitness. The Bensons explain the science behind their fitness program and show why it is so effective not only for reshaping your body and making you stronger but also for reversing the aging process and increasing bone mass. Your body uses food as fuel, and by providing a complete eating program with sample menus and recommended foods, the Bensons explain how to eat for optimal performance and fat burning and thus maintain high energy throughout the day. FIRM for Life also guides you through the Bensons' basic exercise program, including the Daily Dozen exercises, stretches, and sweat minutes, all of which can be done at home with very little equipment. And to show how fitness and food affect your mood, performance, and energy levels, the Daily Planner, a four-part diary, will help you keep track of your meals and workout schedule. Dozens of heartfelt testimonials from FIRM Believers--people across the country whose lives have improved from The FIRM program--are included throughout the book, and in short, revealing profiles, FIRM instructors share valuable fitness tips and secrets for eating right and staying motivated.
You can get what you want from life. No matter what age you are, the Bensons give you the tools you need to achieve your dreams. 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.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published January 5, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 29, 2023
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.
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.
November 17, 2019
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews