The Firm: Better Buns & Body (aka Better Buns)

Jennifer Peluso, Jen Carman, Taber Bruner
Year Released: 2000

Categories: Lower Body Strength


Because the types and sequence of exercises have already been described in earlier review, I would just like to add some general comments.

The workout was fun to do, and I liked the music, set and 2 of the instructors. With very heavy weights, it should be pretty effective. Overall, I liked the video quite a bit.

I was disappointed, however, because I thought it was supposed to be more advanced, and it sure didn't feel like it. I used a 40 lb. barbell for the tall box presses and most of the squats, and would start to get a good burn, but then they would switch to a much easier exercise, such as tall box hip extensions without weights, and in the end, I wasn't sure if I got a really good workout or not. I guess I was just expecting a really challenging workout, and this wasn't it.

I think this would be a good choice for an early morning workout when you may not have the energy or time to go all out, or this may be good in conjunction with the Tough Cardio Mix or a Cathe Friedrich video. It's just too bad that the video itself isn't what I consider a tough workout. Maybe I'm wrong, and maybe this workout would be enough to get or keep someone in great shape, but I doubt it. I recommend this video, but with the disclaimer that buyers should be cognizant of what they're really getting. It's a solid, fun workout that, in my opinion, is probably more geared to an intermediate level exerciser, or for advanced exercisers who want a light workout some days.

The Firm hit a grand slam when they produced StrongHeart and StrongBody, and I hope to see more workouts like those in the future. I was hoping the Tri-Trainers would be more like SH and SB, but in intensity, they feel more like somewhere in between Prime Power and SH and SB.

Instructor Comments:
Jennifer Carman was terrific. She looked like she was having fun, her cueing was excellent, and she radiated health. As others have already stated, it would be nice to see her have a solo lead.

Taber Bruner was very good, too. I liked her voice (is she somehow related to Heidi Tanner? She sounded so much like her!) I would have liked to see her do more segments.

Alas, I did not care for Jennifer Peluso's style. It wasn't just the fact that she was very thin and didn't seem as fit as other Firm instructors; it was her voice, cueing, and the come-hither looks she kept giving the camera. At times it felt like I was watching a cross between a porno flick (due to the sultry looks at the camera) and a Betty Boop cartoon (due to the voice and weird pronunciation of certain words, for example the dragging out of the word sweep-p-p-p-p-UH!). I'm a bit puzzled why The Firm chose Jennifer P. for a lead. I would much rather have a more athletic instructor with a more pleasant voice. Oh, well. To each her own.

Katie O

06/13/1998