Should I keep the Firm Zip Trainer?

[Mickey12]

Originally Posted by kat999

Okay, so on the one hand decluttering is great, but on the other I did finally get the Zip trainer last year and am so glad I did because I use the unit itself and its weighted ball in a lot more workouts than I thought I would, not just the prescribed set (I got the add-ons, too, and I like those better than the default workouts).

So, here's how I use the equipment for other workouts:

- I use the weighted ball for any workout that prescribes a medicine ball with aerobics, because I like that this ball is a good weight without being too big and bulky. I have a more traditional 5-lb. medicine ball, but I have small hands, and it's huge. I'd much rather use the yellow Zip ball, which is basically softball sized, because even though it's slightly lighter, it's still heavier than some other weighted balls I have, so it augments that nicely.

- I use the Zip trainer in the unzipped "domes" position when doing specific workouts from Jillian Michaels Body Revolution; she prescribes suicides where you're going up and down to the knees with dumbbells held statically overhead, and I find that coming down to my knees on the padded domes is A LOT friendlier only my fortysomething body than coming all the way to the floor.

- I use the Zip trainer in the zipped up ball position in lieu of the Fanny Lifter for FIRM workouts where they have you drape yourself over the FL in table position for weighted leg work (I've also used it for old Jane Fondas where she has you do "Rover's revenge" and donkey kicks). I find that lying over the FL in tabletop hurts my ribcage, but the Zip trainer is roughly the same size but nicely padded, so it's a much more forgiving surface.

- I've also used it for Tracie Long workouts where she has you tossing a yoga ball in the air; by using the Zip instead, you're working with a weighted object that is still almost the same size but slightly smaller, so while it's more challenging due to the weight it's a little easier in a different way due to the diameter.

Not trying to be an enabler, just saying that I get a lot more use out of this set than just from its default purpose. Similarly, I use the Wave step in the "rainbow" or arch position for TransFIRMer workouts, because I don't have one and the Wave works great as a substitute by also combining a regular mini aerobic step and the Fanny Lifter, depending on what the move is.

These are great ideas! Thank you for validating my purchase.

[laurajhawk]

Like Kat, I use my zip trainer for other workouts, although I never use the Zip Trainer workouts themselves. I recently did a Jessica Smith Walk Strong (original) rotation and one of those workouts uses a chair with the advanced mods shown on the floor (plank/pushup work) - I use the unzipped trainer to get "in between" the chair & floor positions. I use it for pushups in other workouts sometimes too. I use the inner ball for some Gilad workouts that call for a medicine ball.

[red1013]

Originally Posted by Mickey12

So this thread just made me buy a zip trainer set. I also got the add-on DVD.

I've had this in my Amazon cart (with the add-on DVD) so many times and I've never pulled the trigger. Curious to know how you like the actual workouts, so please report back!

[ebianco]

Originally Posted by kat999

- I use the Zip trainer in the unzipped "domes" position when doing specific workouts from Jillian Michaels Body Revolution; she prescribes suicides where you're going up and down to the knees with dumbbells held statically overhead, and I find that coming down to my knees on the padded domes is A LOT friendlier only my fortysomething body than coming all the way to the floor.

I love the Firm Zip Trainer and it is become an invaluable tool for me to use in the unzipped "domes" position. I've used it specifically for suicides like kat999 mentioned but also just for cat/cow, kneeling lunges stretches like you see in a lot of barre workouts, knee dancing, table work, etc. I have done elbow planks with my elbows cushioned on the domes when I was healing from a wrist fracture last winter. I like using it in the zipped up position when I can too, and I have used the little yellow ball for barre work when I think of it, but the unzipped is really what makes it special. It feels so great on my knees!! I like it so much, I've been tempted to get a backup zip trainer.

I also actually really like the workouts that came with it and the bonus workouts too. They seem to have been aiming for a HIIT-like format with shorter, 15 minute workouts, and I will get a good workout if I string two or three workouts together. I like the variety of trainers and feel like they put a lot of thought into creativity but still effectiveness with this series. It would have been nice to see more content, but you can probably say that about many Firm systems or workouts with gadgets that they've sold over the years. I like that the DVDs can easily be programmed to stack the workouts since by themselves they are pretty short. I like that there are separate warm up/cool downs so that the 15 minute individual workouts are all real workout time.

By comparison I have tried to get into the Wave step and workouts and it just seems clunky and not nearly as versatile as the zip trainer, although I like the more classic longer AWT-style Firm style workouts with the Wave system. I'm not one to purge and hopefully one day I'll fall in love with the wave. As it is, I use my fanny lifter step and transfirmer step each at least once a week or more too!

[Vantreesta]

I was wondering when I used it the other day, does anyone know how much each ball weighs? Thanks!

[ebianco]

Originally Posted by Vantreesta

I was wondering when I used it the other day, does anyone know how much each ball weighs? Thanks!

Hi Vantreesta The zip trainer itself is 5# and the little yellow ball is 3# so when the yellow ball is nestled inside the total weight is 8#.

[DD546]

This thread is making me want one! This was never on my radar, but it looks quite versatile. Of course, I need another fitness gadget, right?

[Vantreesta]

Originally Posted by ebianco

Hi Vantreesta The zip trainer itself is 5# and the little yellow ball is 3# so when the yellow ball is nestled inside the total weight is 8#.

Thank you!

[kat999]

Originally Posted by DD546

This thread is making me want one! This was never on my radar, but it looks quite versatile. Of course, I need another fitness gadget, right?

I mean, I think it's fun and cute, and as the final real FIRM-branded workouts ever released, it's something of a collectors' item. If you like Allie, Emily, Stephanie, Allison, and Kelsie, and if you like short, customizable HIIT workouts, you should definitely get it.

[Carol K]

I have the Zip Trainer and all the workouts that use it and I do them regularly. But if I didn't use them anymore, I would be get rid of them. For the person who asked about the weight of the balls, the small blue ball that comes with deluxe kit is 7 lbs.