Posts Tagged ‘Flexibility’

The Firm Yoga Beginner Kit

Monday, April 5th, 2010

The Firm Yoga Beginner Kit




The Firm Yoga Kit features everything you need to begin practicing at home: a yoga mat, a stretching strap, a foam yoga brick and a 30-minute instructional DVD. The firm, cushioned mat provides you with a safe, non-slip surface for balances and poses. An easy-to-grasp foam brick supports your posture and stability as you learn different positions and the cotton stretching strap helps you to improve your flexibility simply, safely, and effectively. Included with the mat is a beginner-friendly yoga DVD that takes you through the basic steps. Lightweight and compact, the kit stores easily and is perfect for travel.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The Best Beginners Kit Ever!!
This is the best beginners yoga kit ever made!! It is very simple and relaxing. The poses are not hard and are just right to get anyone addicted to yoga. I started off with this program and moved on to learn more advanced yoga poses. I highly recommend this kit for anyone interested in learning about yoga for the first time because it does not involve difficult poses. Some “beginners” yoga videos are a little difficult and often turn people away. But, this is the perfect beginners kit to boost anyone’s interest in yoga!!!

4 Stars Good For Beginners
The DVD is good for beginners, especially for those who may not be as flexible. The instructor does a good job of being slow & how to do the poses alternately. As far as the equipment, I don’t think you’ll find one better for the price. It has made me like doing yoga.

3 Stars An OK yoga mat, however…
it is not as thick & wide as I anticipated. I thought it’d be 1/4 inch thick & wider, but it is not. My husband needs a longer one since he is tall. Therefore, it works ok for him but it’d nice if it is as thick & wide as my own mat.

5 Stars This is great
This is a great kit for beginners. I’ve never done yoga before and this is the perfect kit for me. The DVD instruction is simple and at a nice pace. I love the fact that the mat, block and belt is all included. I felt very relaxed and refreshed after the routine and my muscles were a little sore the next day, which is proof that I worked them pretty good. If you want an introduction to yoga, this kit is for you.

4 Stars Easy enough for beginners
This is a useful product for entry-level yoga. I had never taken a yoga class before using this video, yet it was easy to follow and simple enough for me to perform all the movements while still being challenging. The instructor gives ways of making each move easier or more difficult, depending on your ability level, and explains the advantages and uses of each pose.

Buy/More Info

The Firm Stability Ball 55cm

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

The Firm Stability Ball 55cm




Simple, versatile, and fun to use, The Firm Core Stability Ball is designed to challenge your balance, stability and flexibility through various low-impact exercises and movements. Included with the package is a 30-minute core training video that guides you through a variety of techniques that you can adapt to your training, stretching, rehabilitation or other workout routines. The ball is made of tough, burst-resistant plastic, a special material that resists tearing and, if punctured, deflates safely and gradually. Available in several fashionable colors, the 55-centimeter ball is sized for users measuring between 4 feet, 8 inches and 5 feet, 3 inches. Pink. 55cm Ball.

  • Simple, fun, and versatile
  • Designed to improved balance, stability, and flexibility
  • Includes 30-minute training DVD
  • Made of tough, burst-resistant plastic
  • Includes balance ball, pump, and DVD
  • User Ratings and Reviews

    5 Stars Solid, durable product.
    I bought this ball to use as a chair, and I’ve been very pleased with it. I’m a big guy in a house that frequently has a lot of kids, and the ball has held up extremely well to heavy usage.

    5 Stars Great at home exercise.
    This ball and video were a great way to get a trimming work out without having to go all the way to the gym on days with little motivation.

    2 Stars Deflated before we got a chance to use it
    This was a disappointing purchase because the ball deflated before we had a chance to even try it out. We don’t know how it happened but there was a small cut on the side so it’s anything but durable. When I called the Firm’s customer service to report the problem, they said they couldn’t help me, that I’d have to call Amazon because I didn’t buy the ball from them directly. All I wanted was a patch but, again, they couldn’t help me. Amazon came through as always, providing a return label and a complete refund. I would recommend buying a real physio gymnic ball as we’ve had one for eight years by SkillBuilders and it still looks like new.

    1 Star Not What I Was Expecting
    When I was reviewing my order online it looked great, even had a 97% rating. When I got the work out ball the pump was missing the needle and the whole on the ball to pump it up was also missing a piece. No matter what I tried there was no way I could pump up the ball, so this was just a waste of money.

    5 Stars Makes a great chair
    I use this as my desk chair at my computer at home. My back feels much better since I made the switch. And it is easy to take a quick stretch break while you are working.

    Buy/More Info

    The Firm Stability Ball 65cm

    Friday, April 2nd, 2010

    The Firm Stability Ball 65cm




    The Firm Core Stability Ball is certain to liven up your same old routine. Safe, versatile, and fun to use, the Stability Ball is designed to improve your posture, balance, flexibility and strength as you challenge your muscles in new and different ways. Included with the ball is a 30-minute core training video that guides you through a variety of techniques that you can adapt to your training, stretching, rehabilitation or other workout routines. Made of tough, burst-resistant plastic, the Core Stability Ball resists tearing and, if punctured, will deflate safely and gradually. The 65-centimeter ball is available in several fashionable colors and is suitable for users measuring between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 11 inches. Green (Medium). 65cm Ball.

  • Simple, fun, and versatile
  • Designed to improved balance, stability, and flexibility
  • Includes 30-minute training DVD
  • Made of tough, burst-resistant plastic
  • Includes balance ball, pump, and DVD
  • User Ratings and Reviews

    1 Star Not What I Was Expecting
    When I was reviewing my order online it looked great, even had a 97% rating. When I got the work out ball the pump was missing the needle and the whole on the ball to pump it up was also missing a piece. No matter what I tried there was no way I could pump up the ball, so this was just a waste of money.

    5 Stars Great at home exercise.
    This ball and video were a great way to get a trimming work out without having to go all the way to the gym on days with little motivation.

    2 Stars Deflated before we got a chance to use it
    This was a disappointing purchase because the ball deflated before we had a chance to even try it out. We don’t know how it happened but there was a small cut on the side so it’s anything but durable. When I called the Firm’s customer service to report the problem, they said they couldn’t help me, that I’d have to call Amazon because I didn’t buy the ball from them directly. All I wanted was a patch but, again, they couldn’t help me. Amazon came through as always, providing a return label and a complete refund. I would recommend buying a real physio gymnic ball as we’ve had one for eight years by SkillBuilders and it still looks like new.

    5 Stars Solid, durable product.
    I bought this ball to use as a chair, and I’ve been very pleased with it. I’m a big guy in a house that frequently has a lot of kids, and the ball has held up extremely well to heavy usage.

    5 Stars Makes a great chair
    I use this as my desk chair at my computer at home. My back feels much better since I made the switch. And it is easy to take a quick stretch break while you are working.

    Buy/More Info

    Ironman 65cm Deluxe Stability Ball Charcoal

    Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

    Ironman 65cm Deluxe Stability Ball Charcoal




    The Ironman 65-Centimeter Deluxe Stability Ball is designed to be used in a variety of strength, balance, core training, flexibility and rehabilitation exercises. Its proper use is intended to improve your posture, balance and flexibility as well as trim your hips, thighs, and abdomen. The 65-centimeter ball is charcoal in color and fits a person five feet, seven inches to six feet tall.

    Manufacturer’s Warranty
    90-day warranty for materials or workmanship with proof of purchase

    User Ratings and Reviews

    4 Stars Nice but too small
    This might be a nice size to work out with but I wanted one to use as a chair for my desk. This one was too small. 75cm is what I needed. Fully inflated, this ball comes up to a little under my knee.

    This ball has a nice silver color (a bit duller in person than the picture).

    It comes with a small hand pump which is a workout in itself.

    The ball does have a bad smell that is failry strong for a few days. After that, it is fine.

    4 Stars Sitting on it as I write this!
    I got sick and my therapist recommended I get one of these for two reasons. 1, to do exercises with and 2, to sit on at work. After buying it, I never really used this particular model for exercises, since I my therapist always had their own…from experience though these things make a lot of exercises harder, and I’ve become a fan of using them to strengthen your abs and your other core muscles.

    I took this one to work and sit on it like a chair. It is not really comfortable enough to sit on full time, so I keep my office chair nearby and usually switch after about 4 hours. Sitting on it does improve your posture and seems to really help your core strength as well since you can’t slough down and lean on anything like a chair back.

    Per other reviews. Mine might have smelled like vinyl when I first got it, but that quickly faded. Yes, the pump that is included sucks, and worse off there isn’t a standard hole on it so you can’t use a regular pump to inflate it. This isn’t too big of a problem since you only really inflate it once and it holds the air pretty well. Also, according to another review regarding slow leaks…mine has never had any leaks. I inflated it at home and actually carried it to work I think I had to re-inflate it once and that was more to get comfortable with it and haven’t had to pump it up since over the last couple of months.

    5 Stars Great Product!
    This is a great product. It has helped me increase my situps and improve my abs tremendously.

    2 Stars Hate to burst your bubble, but.. . .
    I was using this as a seat at my computer desk, and unfortunately, it got a slow leak within a week.

    Pumping it up again did not help, though it is possible I simply received a defective item, or my [persnickety] cat took out its aggression on this ball while I was away.

    That being said, I CAN tell you that using it as a seat will offer you a good core and stability exercise. I was enjoying the subtle, but constant workout of my abs and lower back, which is why I was so disappointed when it deflated.

    3 Stars holds air fine, but smelly and not round
    The included pump is a joke if you want to get this thing inflated out of the box. I used my bike floor pump and it still took forever. But hopefully it’s something you only need to do once.

    The ball I got is not round, and may explain why some folks complain that it’s not the advertised size. It may well be the advertised size on one axis, but not another.

    I’ve had this thing airing out in the garage for weeks now and it still wreaks of the plastic/vinyl/whatever smell such that I can’t stand having it in the house long enough to actually use it. The smell is subsiding though, so maybe in another few weeks I can bring it inside.

    Buy/More Info

    Schwinn Adjustable Kickstand

    Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

    Schwinn Adjustable Kickstand



    User Ratings and Reviews

    3 Stars A fine piece of metal for the price, but function is lacking
    For the price this was worth a try. It is a heavy little kick-stand, but in the end it just doesn’t work that well. The bike balances very delicately in its three-point position when using this stand, but the ground needs to be level and smooth. Forget parking it on a hill.

    5 Stars easy to install, works well
    I bought this to install on my son’s bike after removing the one that wore out. The bike was free, and needed a few things to bring it up to the operating level I wanted to provide for him. I got a few brake cables, a set of pedals, and this. It was super easy to install and setup because of the adjustable length. Even has a little rubber cap on the bottom that will help it stay in one place better (think slippery surfaces and metal vs. rubber). Just make sure you have enough knowledge on how to install, and know the intended bike frame has the appropriate space to place it.

    3 Stars Works well but looks a little clunky
    If you’re putting this on an adult bike just buy a standard size rather than the adjustable, there’s no point in it being adjustable.

    5 Stars Best kickstand by far for a kids 16″ bike
    I went to several stores looking for kickstands for my daughters Magna 16″ bikes. This was the only one that:

    1. Looked like quality out of the box. (I think the shaft is actually powder-coated, the finish is so nice).

    2. Inexpensive.

    3. VERY SMOOTH action up and down - easy for kids. Some stands require adult-style kicks to make the stand go up. This one doesn’t.

    The adjustment slots (maybe 20) give you a lot of flexibility but as I said, the 16″ bike is the smallest this will go on.

    It tilts my daughters Magna bikes at maybe a 10 degree angle from vertical. Not enough to keep it up in a stiff wind outside - but enough to keep it from falling and crashing into the cars in the garage.

    1 Star it lasted only a few month
    It is ugly and heavy. The connecting part for adjusting the length is very loose. I had to tighten it every time I ride my bike. After a few month, I ended up finding out that the bottom part was gone when I got back home. Schwinn Adjustable Kickstand

    Buy/More Info