I’m reviewing this DVD after using the first levels of each area (Buns, Abs, and Arms) several times, although I haven’t used it recently.

General workout breakdown: This DVD contains 6 workouts: 2 for legs & glutes, 2 for abs, and 2 for upper body (primarily biceps, triceps, and some shoulder—no chest or back). Each workout has about 1-3 minutes of cardio moves and maybe some stretching to warm up, followed by 12-14 minutes of strength training, and ending with 1 minute of stretching.

Level: I’d recommend this to an experienced beginner (I think some prior knowledge of form would be helpful) through at least an intermediate level exerciser. I’m not sure this is enough for advanced exercisers, especially since there’s no I Want that Chest & Back segment.
This DVD is great to grow with. Tamilee tells you that when the first program becomes easy, you should add more weight; when that becomes too easy, it’s time to move on to program two. You could start with first set of the first programs, progress to the entire program, and then repeat the process with the second programs. You could eventually alternate the first and second programs, if you wanted. I’m not sure many people do both programs together, but that’s an option for the more advanced.

Class: Tamilee only.

Music / Set / Production Values: The music is typical instrumental synthesizer stuff with a beat. The bright interior set is the typical one from Natural Journeys videos; it’s a large room with hardwood floors and large frosted glass windows. The sound and picture qualities are very good.

Equipment: sneakers. Most workouts require 1 pair dumbbells (your choice of weight—but keep in mind you won’t have time to switch around). Some workouts also require a chair or mat (or equivalent).

Comments: These workouts do not require much space. You should be able to take one big step front and back and two to each side; you should also be able to lie down with your arms and legs extended.

DVD Notes: The DVD allows you to play music only or choose alternate camera angles. In addition, it has an interactive multiple choice quiz, Tamilee’s top 10 list for arms / buns / abs, and “I Want Those Pounds Off” nutrition plan.

Conclusion: I think this may just be one of the most reviewed DVDs on VF! These are well designed programs whose only real flaw is that of missing some major body parts. I think that’s why I just haven’t done this lately at all. I feel if I need to add in those exercises I might as well just do the whole thing on my own—or pull out another video. That said, I can’t see myself parting with this anytime soon because it seems like an “essential.” (How many of us use a dictionary daily, yet most of us have one sitting around our house? I feel that way about this DVD; it sits around because I would feel strange getting rid of a “classic.”)
That first buns segment is such a great one. I’m in awe of anyone who can make it through that without the slightest bit of DOMS!

Instructor Comments:
Tamilee is soft-spoken and serious about what she is doing. She restricts her constant chatter to cueing and pointing out facts about the muscles you’re working or the research she’s done, comments which you’ll be able to say right along with her after repeated viewings. Tamilee mirror cues and gives you sufficient warning when she’s about to switch moves.

KathAL79