I usually enjoy Denise Austin's videos and DVDs as her personality is very infectious and she makes you believe you CAN do it. This DVD is no exception...other than even though she says I can do it, I find I can BARELY do it.

I am an intermediate exerciser when it comes to yoga. I do Pilates and am flexible. So, I wasn't expecting this 30-minute workout to be so challenging.

First, the set. This work out is set in a very plain studio with a few other women behind Denise. There is nothing fancy or artsy about it. Each is on a mat and they all work at the same level as compared to having one do modifications for those of us who aren't completely up to speed yet.

The workout, which is specifically targeted to lift and firm your buns, seems to tax my arms and abs more than my buns. When I felt the burn, it was usually while struggling to hold my body up on my arm or when I stabilized myself with my arms. Even Denise's arms would wobble a bit when she did some poses so I didn't feel quite so bad when mine gave out the first time I did the workout.

This is a very no-nonsense work out. Don't expect anything frilly or "fun." It's hard work. The poses are yoga based varying in intensity from low to "How in the heck can I possibly do THAT?". Not to worry, you eventually will with practice.

Unlike most of Denise Austin's workouts, she doesn't really explain much or give very clear directions in this one. She gives enough info to get you going but I would have preferred more cuing and more information about proper form as, whenever she said I should feel the burn in my buns, other body parts were the ones burning. She does make sure that you stay in form on the tougher poses and her visuals are always welcome to anyone learning new moves.

The workout is 30 straight minutes of pose after pose of fairly intense yoga inspired moves. She moves fast in some parts, going from a downward dog position (where your arms will shake if you aren't used to using those muscles) to balancing on one leg to lifting your body, while extended on your side, up off the mat with only your arm to stabilize you as you work your top leg. Burn? Oh yes! But more in my poor arm that isn't used to lifting 125 pounds of me that way than my buns!

This isn't intended to be an aerobic workout but you can expect your heart rate to elevate some because of the strength and flexibility needed to do the workout. However, it should not be substituted for your regular aerobic workout.

I have done this DVD about seven times and, to be honest, I still mutter and cuss when I try a few of the poses. I am sure more advanced yoga practitioners or those who are stronger won't have to censor themselves the way I do but be warned, if you are a beginner or simply not used to yoga poses, you will have a challenge on your hands (literally) with this work out.

Since I don't do the workout three times a week as Denise recommends to see a rounder, lifted, more beautiful backside, I can't vouch for the results. I CAN say that I feel sore all over after doing this routine, particularly in my abs and arms and, yes, my buns.

There is very little in the way of a warm up or cool down since this isn't meant to elevate your heart but I think the workout could benefit from five minutes of light stretching before and after to warm up and cool down the muscles taxed.

I don't believe there is any music at all on DVD. If there is, I was struggling too hard to hear it. It is one of the simplest, in the way of music and set and even costume, that I have seen of Denise Austin's, but one of the more focused and serious in her line of exercise DVDs/tapes.

If you decide to get this, I suggest that you make room. You will be lying prone a lot and you will be kicking back your legs while standing, so you will need ample space. I also suggest you watch the routine once first to get a handle on the transitions and postures you will be doing. It's very difficult to do some of the things she tells you to do when your head is down and you can't see what she is doing on the screen.

For the price, this is a nice little additional workout to own. I paid $9.99 for it but I have seen it even less expensive on some websites since I got my copy. If your primary goal is to reshape your buns, this could be the workout for you. But be warned, you will struggle a bit for a while until you become familiar with the routine and until you build upper body strength unless you are already quite fit.

As I said, an extra five minutes before and after the actual workout would make this more well rounded and a bit more instruction on exactly how we should be doing the moves would make the workout less confusing the first few times you view it. Other than that, it's a solid, no nonsense workout that works not just your buns, but your arms, abs, chest and thighs.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age