NOTE: I received a free copy of this DVD to review for the web site Metapsychology Online Reviews; please see that site for a more detailed version of my review.

10 MINUTE SOLUTION: BUTT LIFT features instructor Christine Bullock, who incorporates her backgrounds in Pilates, yoga, and barre into the different workouts. As with all the DVDs in the 10 Minute Solution series, there are five 10-minute routines, but this video also offers a bonus sixth workout. Other than supportive footwear (and an optional mat for floorwork), no equipment is required. Except where noted, Bullock performs five total exercises in each workout, doing each move for 45 seconds/2 sets. I have provided additional details below.

BUTT LIFT
This first segment is a toning workout designed to target the glutes and hamstrings from different angles and incorporating both floor and standing work. The five moves are as follows: 1) around the world lunge, 2) kneeling (all fours) kicks, 3) frog (prone) lifts, 4) single leg bridge, and 5) lunge lifts (crescent pose into kicks). Bullock ends with brief standing hamstring and glutes stretches.

CARDIO BOOTY CAMP
During this cardio segment--which includes some higher impact moves--Bullock talks A LOT about things like fitting into your bikini and "skinny jeans." She briefly performs "butt kicks" (jogging) as a warm-up and then moves into the following five exercises: 1) warrior lunge (touching the floor), 2) side step lunge (with side kick), 3) plank jacks (adding rear leg lift), 4) tap jacks, and 5) lunge kick. A quick thigh stretch concludes this workout.

UPRIGHT BOOTY
As the name suggests, this entire section--which also focuses on toning--is performed standing. The exercises are performed all on one side first, and then Bullock repeats the sequence on the second side. Many of the movements add a rotational element to also work the waist. The exercises are as follows: 1) staggered squat twist, 2) Charlie's Angel lunge (with side rotation), 3) circle squat, 4) side lunge crunch, and 5) curtsey kicks (a standing split variation). There is a quick stretch to finish this routine.

BUTT & THIGHS
Bullock states that these are some of her favorite ballet and Pilates moves; this workout includes both standing and floor exercises. The sequence is as follows: 1) side lunge crossover, 2) thigh fall (kneeling--similar to back dancing), 3) kneeling side kicks (from Pilates), 4) pretzel kick (actually a lift), and 5) single leg circle (standing). Bullock concludes with quad and side stretches.

HIIT BUTT LIFT
The format is a bit different for this segment, as there are eight total moves. In the style of high intensity interval training, Bullock performs each move for 20 seconds followed by 10 seconds of rest (the rest period is always a held squat). After the brief warm-up (jumping rope), here are the moves included in this section: 1) lateral plyo squat, 2) scissor jump lunge, 3) power plié, 4) round off lunge, 5) Burpee lunge, 6) side hop squat, 7) knee skips, and 8) cross country squat. The workout concludes with a hamstring stretch and runner's lunge.

AMAZING ABS
This bonus segment again returns to the doing two sets of five exercises for 45 seconds each. The five included moves are as follows: 1) knee lift/oblique knee lift, 2) alternating passé plank, 3) teaser kick, 4) attitude crunch, and 5) "the stack up" (crunch with one foot resting on other, bringing knees in). Between sets, Bullock performs a 10-second bridge, and she finishes the routine with a quick cobra and child's pose.

With their younger instructors, newer fitness trends (e.g., HIIT training), and higher impact moves, the latest DVDs in the 10 Minute Solution series (including this one and 10 Minute Solution: High Intensity Interval Training) seem aimed at a younger, fitter audience. Throughout the routines in Butt Lift, instructor Christine Bullock offers modifications here and there, but not many, and she moves along at a brisk pace. Experienced exercisers looking for something new and a bit different are likely to enjoy this DVD, but beginners (or anyone with limitations due to impact, flexibility, etc.) are apt to feel somewhat left behind.

Instructor Comments:
Christine is fine as an instructor, but being in my mid-40s, I just don't feel like the target audience for this workout. I could keep up with her...I just didn't want to. ;)

Beth C (aka toaster)