Hi Joanna,
I feel the same way. It's why so many members over there start branching out. The minute you mention anyone else's name or exercise program over there people start qouting the policy's and procedures. That's one thing I have definitely liked over here, not being policed so much as to what I can say. I mean, I had to get a girls personal email address just to give her a website that was non-firm. The service there really sucks and especially since we are paying for it. But it's amazing, even though they tried their best to keep people from posting about other fitness instructors, look how many of us still found our way over here. Usually when someone speaks about Cathe at the Firm website, they only have good things to say and thats what made me decide to try her out. And you are right the biggest problem I have (and most people) have with the Firm is their customer service. Cathe is light years ahead, I mean if you decide to order directly from the firm you're waiting at least 3 weeks. I have never had videos shipped to me so quickly as I did with my experience here. And the shipping and handling they charge you over there is unbelievable. I think they are making profit off of that too. With that said though, I do think the actual program is effective and I also think it helped me find my way to Cathe. I think had I just found Cathe, I would not have continued exercising because I would have felt that her workouts were just too hard. But because of going through the Firm first, I was able to learn a lot of terminology, a lot of similar moves, increase my stamina, build my strength, and gain a mental advantage that I would not have had otherwise. I think Cathe is more advanced and love that, especially on days where I'm revved and ready to start pumping. But their are days when I want something a little lighter but still effective as well and the Firm fills that void. I guess what I'm saying is that it can be easy to be fixated on one thing, but it's not bad to mix things up. I think once I get the Hardcore series, I'll probably not do a Firm workout until I master all of the new tapes, but that's just me. That doesn't mean I won't ever Firm again. I think it's just a matter of personal opinion and those who decide to Crosstrain the two, benefit in ways that others who do not, may not. It's the same with any other workout too. Someone doing that may benefit from it, whereas someone else not doing that workout will not. If that doesn't fit them though, it just doesn't fit. And I don't think there should be any ill-will, or ill feelings just because someone decides to do just one or someone decides to crosstrain the two. I think whatever fits you best is just fine.
