Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith - Great Buns and Thighs Step Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I used this exercise video 2-3 months before my wedding and the results were great. I wish I had started even sooner! This is the best video for those "hard-to-tone" areas, epecially outer thighs, buttocks, and hamstrings! This is the only video that has given me the results I wanted in such a short period of time! I would highly recommend this video.

This is the third Kathy Smith video I've tried and, like the others, I easily jumped right into the workout from the first playing thanks to Kathy's very clear and precise instructions. This video has the same set and most of the cast from Kathy's "Step Workout" video. Like her other videos, this workout includes a warmup (8 minutes), a workout divided into three segments (total of 36 minutes), and a cool down (5 minutes). Unlike her other videos where you switch the placement of the step from a horizontal placement to a vertical one at the third segment, all segments in this workout use a vertical step placement. The first segment has the most aerobics. It is also the longest segment (16 minutes) but is not difficult. It's over before you know it. I found myself adding a lot of propulsion to the moves (airborne moves) to bring more exertion to the workout. The second segment (10 minutes) includes a lot of squats and leg raises. I have a troubled left knee, but I was able to do all the movements without aggravating it. There are a few moves she uses in this segment that I've never seen before (stepping with one foot on the step and the other on the floor, for instance). The final segment is all leg raises on the floor. There is not a lot of jumping around in this video as there is in the other two step videos I have (Kathy's "Step Workout" and "Power Step"). This video is a nice addition to my step aerobics rotation for days I don't feel like jumping around and would rather concentrate on intense thigh and bun work. The music is a little more "hip" in this workout (R&B with a little bit of rap even). It maight also be helpful to note that this video has two different covers offered on amazon (they have the same title), so don't buy them thinking they are different workouts.

This video targets the areas women tend to need help with: the hips, thighs and buttocks. The music is very upbeat. She is amazingly easy to follow, so you tend to not get all mixed up with the moves. Kathy uses fairly simple moves that are very effective. I have all of her Walk Fit Tapes that I use on the treadmill, but this tape gives me the help I need to get into that swimsuit. She is so motivational!!!

Great Buns and Thighs is a fun step workout. The music is pretty good (real dance-type beats) and the background people aren't annoying. The moves are easy and not too repetitive, but they really focus in on those muscles and you can feel the effects after just one workout. I really enjoy this video. It is pretty fun and there are lots of extra moves you can do to work at a higher level. Five stars, all the way.

I've been doing this tape 4X per week for only 3 weeks and I have seen great results so far. Everyone is telling me that I have lost weight, althought I haven't. I have just gotten a lot more toned in those areas. Haven't got tired of it yet. Great tape!

Fast, fun and effective. The must have, must do tape for any season. This is by far one of my favorites. It has totally reshaped my entire lower body!

Excellent results are achieved by the targeted lying and standing exercises that never seem to get boring. Kathy shows variations of each exercise to increase or decrease the difficulty. She also gives helpful tips about what you should be feeling and what to modify if you aren't feeling like your working what you're supposed to be working.

The music is very upbeat and motivating--not elevator jazz or grocery shopping music like other videos. It makes you want to jump and work it. The set is a bright, "airy", large room with a wooden floor. Nothing spectacular or distracting. Just a great solid, motivating workout.

OK, I thought my legs were in pretty good shape--running four miles a day and doing some other aerobics tapes. Well, this tape showed me that I still have a way to go. While I did not find this tape aerobically challenging (although my heart rate was somewhat elevated and I was sweating), it was a killer workout for the legs. During some of the squat moves, my muscles were shaking so much I wasn't sure I would be able to continue. However, I was using my usual eight-inch step; if you are a beginner, there are lots of modifications they suggest so that the moves aren't so difficult. I like the way Kathy has you warm up by moving your whole body and then getting into some more specific stretches. From what I understand, it is best to stretch only after your muscles are warmed up. She is also really good about explaining how to perform the moves safely and effectively. She is fun and motivating, without having the sometimes-excessive chattiness and perkiness of Denise Austin.

I like this workout, it is about an hour long and while it is billed as a step workout, there are lots of toning moves for the lower body as well. Overall a good leg and bun shaper and you will feel it. Led by Kathy Smith, she is joined by a fairly large class, mostly female who are of various fitness levels.

The workout is broken up into 5 sections, the first being a 9 minute warmup which uses the step for part of it. Then you will move into segment one which is mostly step, broken down into 2 step sequences. The first sequence includes over the tops, tap up/downs with some variation, knee raises, side to side knees, side/rear leg lifts, and half squats later adding side and rear leg lifts, this combination is repeated once. The second sequence includes some more over the tops, rocking horse with straight and bent legs, can can (or kick the can) and charlestons. Power moves are demonstrated by some of the backgrounds and can be added if you choose.

Segment two includes more toning work with more traditional step moves performed in between. You will do squats, lunges (Kathy calls them dips), one legged squats, half squats, in between each of these you will do straddles with a side leg lift or front knee lift while changing over to the other side. Towards the end you will do 4 pulsing squats then hop to the other side and repeat 7 times alternating sides. This ups the heartrate a bit before cooling down and preparing for the floorwork.

Segment 3 is all floorwork, Kathy and her class uses the step as a prop but I do the routine without it. You will start with inner thigh lifts, then outer thigh lifts both which have pulses added. Then you will do an exercise where you bend your knees and keep your feet together and open up the knees. Other workouts I have seen that have this move refer to it as clams. These three exercises are then repeated on the other side. Some of the exercisers will use ankle weights or hand weights for added resistance, I personally would not recommend ankle weights for the 3rd exercise though. Then you move onto your back and do some work for the hamstrings and behind. The only exercise here is glute lifts, you start with both legs then alternate each leg. Cooldown and stretch follows.

Overall, this is a good step routine with lower body emphasis, I wouldn't call it a true "cardio" workout though, the total amount of pure stepping is rather short. While I don't have many videos by Kathy, I like her style and instruction, she is good with form pointers and helpful tips, as well as modifications. She does a nice job here.

I really actually liked this video. I thought I may not get into it 'cause I have a lot of step videos. But this is different. First, you use the step in a different position. That right there really got my attention, because it was something new and unexpected. The workout was fun and very effective and the floor exercises really work. This is one of my favorite Kathy Smith's videos!

This video is an awsome workout i just started it two weeks ago and i have seen huge results.I resently had a baby an i'm sure everyone who has had a baby knows what your thighs,and buttocks looks like after birth. This video has lifted and toned my rear and my thighs have gone down an inch. If you want fast results this is the video for you.