This is a 30 minute video for "buns" but really is a lower body workout. It is an intermediate level of intensity but you need to have really good balance to perform all the moves without a chair for support.

I'm actually fond of this video as all the exercises are done standing and they are all derived from sports specific moves. (EG- skating/rollerblading, kickboxing, ballet.)

I find that the balance that you have to maintain to do the moves has actually helped me in doing my kick-boxing class and yoga, since a number of stabalizers are worked.

The workout consists of a brief warm-up then a the basic squats, forward/rear lunges and then some plyo lunges. After this there are three 8 minute segments of sport-oriented toning. The first segment is from skating. You squat then push one leg out away from your body lifting it about 7 inches off the floor for one side several times, then the other. It increases by having you do double-skates and then pulsing up for 5. In between these your back is given a rest by doing rear lunges. The second section is kick-boxing oriented. You start in "horse-stance" which is the same as a deep plie, and return to this spot between each kick. First you do side kicks (but in slow mode) and then rear kicks (also in slow mode). It's the slow mode that challenges the balance and muscle a lot. Then the end of this section has faster round-house kicks to shake out your legs. The last section is ballet-oriented and you start with plies, then a plie and dragging a leg in 16 times each leg (this is repeated). Then you maintain the plie and raise your heel on one side and the next. Then you raise both heals and hold this position, and you then rise up and down several times.

After this you do a cool down and stretch.

The music is pretty good, and the production is pretty good as well, much better than previous buns of steel. I definately will keep this one mostly because it is a good short toning workout and it has that added bonus of working stabalizers too.

Instructor Comments:
Upbeat and cues well. Friendly and encouraging. Chats to "you" and co-workouters. Does some form pointers throughout work out, but if you follow her form you would be okay.

Lisa Kucharski