The Original Buns of Steel

No, I don't want to kill Greg Smithey because of the "cheesiness" factor, but because he really really makes you work it. Today was my first day of this video, and I was in absolute pain, on my deathbed, ready to surrender to the Realm of Eternal Adipose. But I hung in there!

I'm in pretty good shape as is. I do 6 cardio and 6 weight training sessions a week. I'm not overweight, and I eat very healthy. BUT I have major saddlebags, cellulite, and jiggle in the butt/thigh/hip area! (I'm laughing when I write this, but no joke!) Nothing has been able to get rid of this. Desperate, I decided to try out this video.

This video was difficult for me to keep up with. I definitely thought it was hard and that it made me work. I have spent the past 6 weeks doing lunges and squats ad nauseum to strengthen my butt, and STILL felt pain as I was trying to do Buns of Steel.

I definitely agree with some of the other reviewers that alternating legs might be useful. I didn't alternate legs until Greg said so, and my given leg would be EXHAUSTED to death before switching to the next leg.

Exercises include the standard leg lifts and kicks, as well as some more novel moves. But no squats or lunges. And no weights or bench or other equipment required.

By the way, the "cheesiness" is not as bad as some reviewers make it seem. Yes, it was made in the '80's, but who cares if people had bad hairdos, leotards, and legwarmers? I think the important thing is that you invest in something that works. I'd rather have a nice butt than worry about how bad that one girl's bangs were or how outdated an outfit is.

So, I survived my first day of Buns of Steel. I'm going to stick with it for maybe 4x a week for the next month or two at least, coupled with an abs workout and light cardio, to see if I am seeing improvement. I'll keep you all posted.

Good luck!!!


An oldie, but a goodie!   February 20, 2004
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I used to have this tape years ago and loved it. After buying a DVD player I sold all of my used VHS tapes on Amazon.com. Buns of Steel was one of the tapes I sold and I haven't found a work out that is as good at target toning my trouble spots (buns, thighs, tummy). Well, I decided to dig my old VCR out of the closet, buy another copy of "Buns of Steel" and put it in my exercise room, just so that I can use this video again and incorporate it into my workout! Sure, it's dated and I agree with another quote that it's a bit cheesy, but it does give results and it's not hard on the knees. So there you have it, it's a super video, I wish it was on DVD, it's easy on the knees, but tough on the areas of your body that need work! You will see results!


IT DELIVERS RESULTS! I'm still using it after over 10 years.   April 10, 2004
EJM (New York)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

There's no doubt about it - turning on this video is like turning back time TO THE EIGHTIES. Admittedly, this tape is dated (after all: it was produced in 1987), but WAIT, don't stop reading yet. This video is also hands down the best buns, legs, and thighs workout I have ever used. I was introduced to this video way back when I was about 10 and my aunt used it, and I was just a little kid who thought it was cool to workout (didn't really NEED to back then...). Since then I have aged, gained and lost weight, needed toning, needed shaping, and in general realized I gotta do something to keep that youthful figure.

This tape has never failed me. I keep going back to it time after time, year after year, and actually have worn out 2 copies so far. (WISH THEY WOULD COME OUT WITH THE DVD VERSION!!!) The pastel leotards, leggings and headbands along with the cheesy synthesizer music and comical hairdos definitely date this video but the workout is still the best I have ever experienced for lower body. Sometimes when I'm feeling the music is just going to be a little TOO cheesy eighties for my taste, I just turn down the volume and turn up my own preferred workout music. (it's easy to follow without Greg's instructions once you have done it a few times over).

For those of you looking for results, this tape is honestly a great bet. For me, when I am using it regularly (4 times a week or so), it only takes about 3 weeks to SEE dramatic results - toned muscles, less flab, and tighter physique, but takes even less time to FEEL results - there will be less jiggle in your wiggle in no time! AND THAT feels great! :)

Totally worth it - buy this buy this buy this, and you'll see why this is the 2nd rave review I have written on this tape (and I don't write many reviws). I have talked so many friends into trying this video just based on the results they've seen in me. This video is the best ever, even after all these years.


Talk about a love hate relationship...   December 7, 2004
Nefertiti (Los Angeles, CA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I first did this tape three years ago, after a friend told me that doing it for a week straight caused her to lose a pants size. I had no idea what I was getting into. Between the 80s mullets (everywhere, everywhere!), the sea foam colored spandex, and the cheery, effeminate weirdo instructor (who seems to have no problem doing these very difficult exercises), this tape can be a bit much.

I couldn't do even half of the reps the first few times I tried it. But, I did, in fact, lose a pants size after doing it for seven days straight. After that, I've incorporated it into my exercise routine, on and off for the last few years, after purchasing my own copy. I have to say, I really hate doing this tape, but have never found one that gives me results as effectively as it does. It's not easy and you certainly won't enjoy doing it, but if you only get one video for toning your lower body, I would tell you to get this one (and I own upwards of 30 exercise tapes).

I come back to this tape year after year, and even though I can actually keep up with all the reps now, I can never do it with a smile like Greg Smithey, the instructor. My hips and thighs never look as good as they do when I'm doing this video 4X or more, weekly. If you want results, get this tape. After all, no pain, no...er, loss.


This is indeed an excellent tape   January 8, 1999
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

It is hard -- in the beginning, we hardly got past the warm-up; then it was a major fight to finish the first round of thigh exercises, etc. -- but very well done. You just feel like finishing it, for Greg Smithey keeps your interest going, and all these ordinary people behind him seem to be able to do it, so why not you... This is the only exercise video my wife and me have ever done with pleasure, and, subsequently, with clear results.