Customer Reviews

Buns of Steel 2: Step Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a wonderful step workout video for the seriously out of shape, over-weight, or two left feet people. The steps are easy to follow, and the workout is timed just right for people who are wanting to get into shape, but haven't exercised for a long time. My sister talked me into doing this video 3 times a week, and I have already lost 4lbs, just because of the increase in exercise. The only thing that keeps this from being a 5 star is the repetitiveness of the steps, though that can be a plus until you get the routines and moves down.

I started stepping about 1 1/2 years ago. Out of sheer luck, this video was the first step workout I found. I'm glad it was. I did not consider myself to be in bad shape; however, I had not stepped since a high school P.E. class nine years earlier. My calves burned big time and I had to rest in the middle of the workout. After a while, I got to learn the moves, added additional stretches for my calf muscles, and flew through the routine! Now I use it when I feel tired but still want to get my workout in or when I'm hard-pressed for time. I also use this tape when I want to try a higher step level.

This video is perfect for the beginning stepper because Marsha Macro's combinations are so simple. She introduces you to the basic step, how to change legs while stepping, and the over-the-top move. In fact, over-the-top and knee lifts are probably the most complicated moves on this video. Her moves are very deliberate and are clearly explained. There are no steppers in the background which may be confusing for beginners and there are no fancy arm movements. Only the natural arm marching movement is used. The workout also only lasts 20 minutes, including a warm-up, cool-down, and stretch. It's finished before you know it. Plus, by adding propulsion
(incorporating some power moves and getting the arms in the air) and using a higher step height than usual, one can get a higher level workout in a short period of time!

If you are horribly uncoordinated, like I am, but want to start doing step, this is the perfect beginning step workout for you. Or if you need a step workout to do when you just don't feel like working out at all. This video gives you a great workout, don't get me wrong, but it is only 30 minutes long and the moves are uncomplicated, so it's easy to follow. I got my heart rate up and felt great doing it! I wouldn't suggest it for the person who is looking for a fast-paced advanced step workout though. I have used this video for quite a few years and still love it.

Marsha Macro makes this video easy and fun! Her positive attitude and encouragement throughout the video makes it very enjoyable as well. This is great for beginners. It is the only workout video I was able to complete the first time I tried it. Most workout videos are so intense, that I could not finish, and then I would feel badly about not finishing and eventually give up on the video and excercise. I get a great sense of accomplishment every time I do the video. I highly recommend it, and I wish it were on DVD, so I do not have to worry about my tape eventually wearing out!!! I guess I should get extra copies instead.

Before you brand me as a malcontent, hear me out. I don't disagree with any of the reviewers here, I just wish I'd heard a divergent viewpoint before I bought this workout. It definitely can be a good starting point for people interested in step aerobics, but only if they have no other stepping experience and are woefully out of shape. There really is very little fitness value in this video (come on, guys - even with my step at the highest level I can only get my heart rate six beats above resting) and has questionable instructional value in this day and age.

I also question some of Marsha Macro's statements during her frantic warmup - particularly about getting "oil in the joints". I think she's talking about how warming up moves fluid into your joints and how that benefits your body, but I'm fairly certain that it's not "oil" that is moving into your joints, but water-based fluid.

I personally think Jane Fonda's two step videos are much better starting points than this video and will encourage freshman steppers to try more and keep exercising.

This is a great step workout for beginners and intermediate.Advanced will also like this workout if they use a higher step platform.I use about a 8 inch platform.The moves are real easy to follow.I like easy to follow moves using a high step bench.Beginners will love this tape because it is so easy to follow,it is also fun.Marsha Macro Leads a great routine that is sure to please.

If you are horribly uncoordinated, like I am, but want to start doing step, this is the perfect beginning step workout for you. Or if you need a step workout to do when you just don't feel like working out at all. This video gives you a great workout, don't get me wrong, but it is only 30 minutes long and the moves are uncomplicated, so it's easy to follow. I got my heart rate up and felt great doing it! I wouldn't suggest it for the person who is looking for a fast-paced advanced step workout though. I have used this video for quite a few years and still love it.

My family had originally bought this tape years ago, but with age and wear & tear, our original copy has deteriorated. THANKS, amazon.com, for making it easy for people to buy even the most hard-to-find videos! I had looked EVERYWHERE for another copy. HIGHLY recommended for anyone who needs a good, efficient workout!

I have been doing this exercise video since I was about 16 years old. Recently I lost the video (wanting to get back into the exercise routine) and to my horrible shock it was gone. I love this exercise video so much I have been searching for weeks for it. But to no avail, I couldnt' find it. So if that doesn't explain how much I like it I dont think anything could.