The Firm exercises are very hard on the knees.

[brownrelaxedhair]

I like to still include them in my routine because they are such excellent workouts but they really are very hard on the knees. After doing a workout or even during, I used to feel my knees feel weak and hurt a bit. I've since been alot more gentle when they do the constant plyo jumps etc with knees. The impact I've found is just too severe.

I've recommended the Firm to a girlfriend and she stopped because of the same complaint. I've also read readers reviews of The Firm who often say the same thing and have to adapt the moves when they do the high impact knee stuff.

Has anyone else noticed this?

I still do them but like I said, I adapt, doing less plyo jumps, being extra careful re. knees in line with ankles when bending and just overall being very soft on jumping.

Just giving a heads up for those using The Firm or considering it.

[zoya_j]

In any workout, if it's hard on the knees, I modify it to what works for me even at the gym. When my gym instructor starts doing jumps and all those funky moves on the step, I just keep going at my own pace. With the firm tapes which I'm working out religiously, I've never tried those plyo jumps. I keep it grounded with squats. The lunges can be dangerous too, just go at your own pace. A good thing to remember is that it isn't how many you can do, but how many you do correctly.

[Supergirl]

I'm sorry you're having this problem because I know that besides that, The FIRM is a great workout!

[brownrelaxedhair]

I agree Zoya. Its correct form that matters and being experienced enough to do alternative moves which I've started doing now. My knees are way too important to me!

The Firm is fantastic though and for me, too good to stop using so doing alternative moves is my way around it. I think I'd heard that plyo jumps weren't particularly good moves anyway for the knees. I don't see any gym instructors doing them. I only see them being done on The Firm tapes. Squats too are def. something to be wary of too I agree.

I'll keep an eye on doing alternative moves.

[dontspeakdefeat]

Thanks for the heads up BRH!

[NYCchild]

**phew*relief*.... i thought it was just me.. being a winer. it is horrible isnt it. i stopped using the fanny lifters and use a pillow/chair cushion http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/think.gif.. instead. my knees started to hate me http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I don't use the firm but I could tell from the informercial that it would be hard on the knees. Some exercises are like that. Most programs will tell you to adjust them if they hurt your body somehow.

[brownrelaxedhair]

Good idea NYChild. I still use the stepping equipment but am VERY careful and if I want, I'll just adjust the movement to something else.

A colleague at work has torn a ligament in her knee from jogging and seeing her limp around the office makes me realize how precious our knees are. We can't do a thing if they get shot from too much stress and apparently knee injuries never 100% repair. So with that said, be careful how you step and do your movements.

[sweetcocoa]

That is the reason I gave mine away...When you factor in adding the extra impact of the hand weights it makes it more stressful on the knees.
I take aerobics classes and on certain moves I do low impact which can be incorporated in any workout...basically you always keep one foot on the floor. So like jogging in place you just lift the knees very high and march...you still get the workout...plus moving your arms more will up your heart rate.

[vevster]

Why do you think I gave you all my firm equipment?

My knees and my shoulders took beatings....

[brownrelaxedhair]

Vevster,

I know you told me. I'm continuing like I said with modified moves.

[ebonylocks]

Ladies,

I found out the hard way, that you have to rest onthe second day, just like the little booklet that comes with the firm instructs. When I first got the firm, I was so eager to get started and see results, I ignored their advice. My knees and legs were in such pain, it was difficult to walk. I stopped doing the firm for about two week and then tried again, following their weekly exercise guide. Have had no problems since then. I thought the exercises were just hard on the knees, but, in my case, this was not the problem. The problem was not resting the next day as they instructed. I hope this helps.

[brownrelaxedhair]

Thanks Ebonylocks. I'm definitely going to do that and not do back to back Firm tapes like I have done in the past.