Allie Del Rio

Age: 32

Firm Instructor: 11 years

The last 12 years of my life, in one way or another, have been directly influenced by The FIRM. I'd like to give you a brief replay of how I've seen The FIRM change over the years and how the changes impacted me. Let me just start by saying that I went into The FIRM studio 12 years ago blind to what I was about to see and do. I was teaching aerobics both on campus and at another gym. The only reason that I went into The FIRM was because it was close to campus and I could walk. My VW bug was always breaking down and the gym that I was previously instructing at was growing tired of my excuses when I couldn't get to work.

It was almost like The FIRM was a special, secret place where only the people "in the know" went. I remember hearing about classes being given in the founder's house when it all started. I wasn't around then, some 20 years ago, but how wonderful is it that The FIRM has gone from the Benson sister's house, to this, an internationally known phenomenon?

So I joined the gym, which had an aerobic area and a small weight room. It was small, but everyone there was so enthusiastic about being there that I had to know what the buzz was about. I took my first class and loved it! It was nothing like any class I'd ever taught or taken. I was hooked. Within a month I wanted to really be a part of it. I wanted to teach. After the audition and the training process I was ready to go! I was thrilled!

At that time there was only one basic format for classes: aerobic weight training. Since then the classes have evolved. We've added different types of classes to keep everyone well rounded, motivated, and safe. By "safe," I mean that the classes without heavy weights are there to be done on alternating days to let those larger muscles rest and heal! For a while we got into the step box and kickboxing craze, but the old faithful classes where tried and true. They work. The perfect combination had been found. We still have variations in classes, but they're still under the premise of heavy weights one day vs. lighter weights the next day.

Another big change took place. In 1994 we moved into a wonderful, larger space. Now we could accommodate all the clients who wanted to come to FIRM classes, but were turned away because of maximum capacity. The buzz was really spreading. The videos where still selling by word of mouth all across the country. Then they started winning awards. The people of Columbia, SC started taking notice and wanted to be a part of it! The new studio has 2 aerobic rooms, one that emphasizes heavier weight training and one that is set up for light training and cardio classes. We also have a bigger weight gym (for those who want what other gyms offer) and a wonderful child care area. To this day the classes are crowded. It's nuts but a third aerobic room would be great! We run both studios, all day long, starting at 6 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and people just keep coming! It's very exciting to be a part of all of this!

Let's not forget about the book that contributed to the video and gym craze, FIRM For Life. I don't even look like that person on the cover anymore...I was just a 21 year old baby! Yes, a baby that loved The FIRM. Has everyone read the book? It's brilliant and will give you lots of FIRM history and theory, along with nutrition and everyday life information and tips.

And of course, the biggest push for us came when Goodtimes Entertainment swept us off our feet. With the 2 infomercials, all the new videos, and the website with thousands of you logging on, I have to say thank you. Thanks to all of you who have been with The FIRM for 20 something years and thanks to those of you that just received your first video today. This is a huge family, sometimes we joke that we're a cult! Whatever you call it, we're smart people who are serious about safe and effective workouts that work.

Now, get off the computer and go workout...maybe a little Maximum Cardio Burn for today?