The Best of Tamilee: Buns, Abs & Arms Workout

THE WORKOUT: The Best of Tamilee Buns, Abs & Arms Workout. $19.95 at Amazon 

REVIEW BY: Sophia


WHO CAN DO THIS: The question is: who can do all of this? Anyone can try, but when you can keep up with Tamilee, you can feel yourself fit.

THE BREAKDOWN: Tamilee “Buns of Steel” Webb is old school—I’ve been working out with her videos since the early 1990s. “Buns of Steel” has worked its way into our pop culture lexicon. Giggle if you must, but while fads and fitness cupcakes come and go, ageless Tamilee can still crank out a solid workout.

This compilation of exercises from Buns of Steel, Abs of Steel and Arms of Steel videos are quickie workouts that actually burn. Using a step and three-pound weights, I didn’t manage to make it through the 15 minutes of buns exercises without a couple of breaks and some gasping. Same with the abs, which is a variety of crunches that go on and on and on. I did make it straight through the arms segment but it hurt. It hurt so good.

Even better, the arms workout includes butt, legs and core strengthening and the butt workout uses some arms, which means that each 15 minutes goes a long way. I also appreciate that Tamilee points out the contribution genes play in her six-pack abs—she won’t promise that if you do the deliciously sadistic segment you’ll have abs of steel like hers, only that you’ll get stronger. Tamilee, the truth-teller.

Along with a brief warm-up and stretch, Tamilee plugs a yoga DVD by including a 15-minute strengthening yoga workout with Stacy McCarthy. Sundry up and down dogs, warriors and triangles require familiarity with yoga, but the sample is a nice little quickie workout and provides a promising glimpse of the full DVD, Stacey McCarthy: Yoga Body - Lean and Strong. (Learn more at Stacy McCarthy’s website, yoganamastacy.com – wacka wacka.)

THE SWEAT FACTOR: Lots of sweating and gasping and even some cussing as I tried to keep up with Tamilee.

THE ENERGY LEVEL: Lots of energy required even with no jumping or dancing.

BUT IS IT FUN? It’s fun knowing that you are getting a proper workout in such a short time.

WHEN IT'S OVER: You might be wobbly and sore. You might also look forward to the next time.

GEAR AND APPAREL: Hand weights (you decide how strong you’re feeling), optional step and mat.

FINAL WORD: I have lots of DVDs I could be talked out of. This one is a keeper and a do-er. I love it. Right on, right on Tamilee. (P.S. I just sneezed and felt it in my abs.)

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