The Original Buns of Steel

If you are looking for an exercise video that will have you using it despite how difficult it is, how silly you feel, and how long it takes (at 50 minutes it may be the longest straight video like this) this is the one. It's tough. But you find yourself going ahead despite how hard the work is. DON'T GO FOR A SEQUEL FIRST! look for this one (now called "Buns of Steel: The Original" - make certain it has Greg Smithey!) END


Hard, but fun   June 11, 1999
23 out of 24 found this review helpful

I hadn't realized how out of shape I was until I followed along with this video. At first, there were many exercises I simply couldn't complete, but I made sure to keep moving, and stick with it till the end. The 52 minutes go by quickly.

The best part about this video is that the exercises are easy to figure out. I normally hate aerobics, but the aerobic warm up here is simple and gets the heart pumping right away.

Greg Smithey is friendly and encouraging. I like the ordinary-looking people behind him who are able to keep up without grimacing in pain; that gave me hope for myself. You WILL feel the burn while doing these exercises, but just keep trying and do the best YOU can. They will eventually get easier, and you'll like the results.


Its a really dated video, but the workout is great   January 2, 2001
Janelle L. Lino (Brooklyn, NY)
23 out of 25 found this review helpful

This workout was done way back in 1987 and it looks like it. The music is really bad and the clothing is even worse. I think that there was a guy with jheri curls in there! Anyway, even though the video is dated, the workout is excellent. Beginners probably will have a hard time completing the video, but it gets a bit easier when you do it on a consistent basis. I could not even lift my legs the first time that I did this workout. Nowadays, the workout is still very intense, but it is not as intense as the first time that I did it.


Simple, effective, timeless   September 27, 2000
Erica K Hess (Austin, Texas United States)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

This is the best video I've ever used. The moves are easy to follow, but they certainly don't feel easy. If you want a simple but effective workout, look no further than the original Buns of Steel. Yes, it was made in 1987 and the clothes are terrible. Who cares? This doesn't affect your workout, and in my opinion it adds to the fun! Others have complained about the music, but the beats really help you keep up the pace. Greg Smithey is a wonderful instructor -- he explains the moves well and adds a touch of humor. If you want fast results, buy this video and do it a few times a week. Don't feel discouraged if you can't do all of the reps right away. Just do what you can and it will get easier.