▷▷▷▷ Gaiam/The Firm: Body Sculpting System Review

I've had this set, purchased for twice this cost at Target, for about 4 years.It helped me to lose about 40 pounds in six months.I have NEVER been one to exercise, especially anything aerobic.Once I got the hang of the steps, it was a breeze.(I am not especially coordinated!)The quick results are highly motivating.

The Firm tapes are not perfect.Sometimes the transitions are too fast, but I know when to hit the pause button while I pick up the weights I need, or to move the fanny lifter.I would also like some better music.But basically, I like the ability to work at different levels, and the motivating instructors.

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▷▷▷▷ Gaiam Ergonomic Balance Ball Chair

but it's not gonna watch your back. I bought this chair to help with my posture and minimise the back pain I sometimes get from prolonged sitting. the ball is supposed to "force" your back into an upright position and prevent slumping.
as the previous review states, if you sit on it too long you will become uncomfortably sweaty. also, this ball & chair frame did not help MY posture at all. the back 'rest' was pointless. if you decide sit against the back of the chair... the ball will roll uncomfortably forward, creating an akward and deep "ditch" but you probably won't want to use the backrest for long due to it's flimsy feel.
the frame itself looks yard-sale cheap. I do not believe this chair is worth more then $50 at the most ($30 for the frame $20 for the ball)
if you want something to sit on, the ball ALONE (or with a stabilizer)works so much better.
If you're good, you can find a decent ball for $10 or a good one for $20.
as for my chair, you'll find it offered for $20 bucks at my next yard sale.

Product Description
Unusually effective and, well, unique looking, the BalanceBall Chair acts as a shock absorber and promotes ergonomic sitting -- relieving spinal stress and preventing back discomfort.

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▷▷▷▷ Gaiam Jute Enviro Fit Mat Review

I've been using this mat for a little over a month, for a 5 day-a-week practice. At first I was thrilled, but at the end of my 2nd class, I noticed it was looking a little rough where I placed my feet. It's continued to get worse and worse, 100s of little pieces of mat come off during practice, and scatter on the floor around me. Since I practice in a studio, it's particularly annoying. I practice with the "sticky" side down, and the jute side up. The jute side is the side that flakes. Practicing with the jute side down stops the flaking problem, but then the mat inchworms across the floor.

Product Description
A mat that is fashionable, comfortable and allows you to feel better about your ecological footprint, Gaiam's® Jute Enivrofit mat is created by meshing jute fibers that offer the strength of conventional fiberglass mesh with patented PER plastic that's phthalate-free. PER is an important innovation in reducing worldwide use of dangerous synthetic chemicals.

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▷▷▷▷ Gaiam 750ml Aluminum Water Bottle Review

I love Gaiam and their products, and though I enjoy this water bottle (I have the one with flower heads all over it) it has two serious flaws.The first is that it's very difficult to clean.Since the whole idea is to save waste by using only it--as opposed to using it to "store" water and then pouring a cup at a time into a separate glass--that means you have to drink from the mouth of the bottle.That's fine, but even the cleanest person will end up with a water bottle that needs a real cleaning after a week or so.I've tried the dishwasher and hot soapy water, but it still smells like it needs to be cleaned more, and I'm not really sure how to go about that.Maybe I'll need to buy a bottle brush.

The second issue I have is about the ink they use for the designs.Maybe it's only my design, but after about two weeks I noticed that the yellow ink was coming off on my fingers.A lot!I've only ever used this bottle for cold water and I've only put it through the dishwasher once.But now, every day, more and more ink is coming off on my fingers, which gets on my clothes and stays there.Even now, I'm typing this with yellow-dyed fingertips.I'll have to just clean all of the ink off if I'm going to continue to use this bottle.I don't NEED the design to be on there, but it was a nice touch and I'll be sad to see it go.

Product Description
An Eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles, the Gaiam aluminum water bottle is a perfect way to enjoy your favorite beverage. Available in several fashion prints, chose the bottle that reflects your personality while reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in our landfills.

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▷▷▷▷ Gaiam Walking Fit Kit Review

My mom says she loves it and uses it all the time!

Product Description
Power walking meets its match with Gaiam's Walking Fit Kit. This motivating three-dimensional workout helps builds cardio fitness, total-body strength, and flexibility. Set includes three 20-minute workouts on VHS using included soft-grip hand weights and fitness strap; walking cues and multi-tempo music tracks on 60-minute audio CD.

About Gaiam
Gaiam was created as a lifestyle company with the vision that, given a choice, people would choose a lifestyle that is healthy and life enhancing, for themselves, their families and the Earth. The Gaiam lifestyle is a vote for individual health as well as the future sustainability of the Earth's resources. Gaiam strives to provide customers with alternatives to traditional products by offering natural, eco-friendly or healthy versions that compare with the style, quality and price of conventional products.

Gaiam's goal is to become the trusted source and unifying brand for Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) participants. They understand that the opportunity to affect people's lives with information and products is both a privilege and a responsibility. Gaiam believes in the concept of Conscious Commerce, the practice of making purchasing decisions based on personal values and beliefs. It takes into consideration all the aspects of our lives and the impact we have upon the planet. Research indicates this concept appeals to approximately 50 million people in the U.S. alone. Gaiam's strategy in delivering the distinctive quality for which they are known is to partner with experts in health/wellness, eco-living and personal development to develop proprietary products that meet our customers' needs with meaningful solutions.

The name GAIAM is a fusion of the words Gaia (the name of Mother Earth from the Minoan civilization in ancient Crete), and I am reminds us that we are all interconnected with the Earth, the air and water, and very much a part of this living system that sustains us all.

What's in the Box?
60-minute VHS video with workouts, two 3-pound hand weights, fitness strap, 60-minute audio CD

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▷▷▷▷ Natural Hemp Yoga Mat Sling Review

The sling is very strong and easy to put around my yoga mat with its velcro tabs.

Product Description
Midwest Sports Tennis Outlet offers the Gaiam hemp yoga mat sling as a streamlined alternative to a mat bag.

The 100% sustainable Hemp Yoga Mat Sling is lightweight and durable. Lets your mat breathe while keeping it securely rolled.

The 100% sustainable Hemp Yoga Mat Sling is lightweight and durable. Lets your mat breathe while keeping it securely rolled.

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▷▷▷▷ Gaiam Recycled Yoga Mat Bag Review

If you order the "dark tan", you can expect more of a vanilla/cream colored one. I have a thin mat and it fits perfectly but without much room to spare. There is no room or pocket for a water bottle but you could fit a cell phone or keys in along with mat. The overall quality of the material/zipper is very good.

Product Description
You can carry your yoga mat in Earth-conscious style with Gaiam's® recycled yoga mat bag. Made entirely of recycled plastic soda battles, the mat bag comes with an adjustable strap and roomy main compartment with full-length zipper. The bag has a breathable mesh window so you can air-dry your mat after a yoga session.

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