Core Fusion: Thighs & Glutes (and a Giveaway!)
August 27, 2009 by Erin
Goodness, do these exhale Core Fusion people know how to get the fittest rears for their DVD covers or what? With a rump like that on the cover, and after experiencing the challenge that was Core Fusion Body Sculpt last year (also with bootylicious cover), I had to find out what I had to do to get glutes like that. I think it’s a combination of Core Fusion: Thighs & Glutes and good genetics.
All of the Core Fusion series DVDs I’ve tried follow the same premise: five mix-and-match 10-minute workouts. I love this format because I can throw it in for 10 or 20 minutes of kick-butt toning after a run. Plus, each segment fits in a quickie warm-up and stretch, so you never have to jump right in with cold muscles.
The overall vibe—from the set to the moves themselves—are all very Zen-like and emphasize the mind-body connection. With elements of Pilates and yoga, the moves seem really simple, but you are guaranteed a deep burn before you even hit the 5-minute mark.
The names of each segment seem a little odd until you find out that they really mean exactly what they say. Turned Out Thigh, for instance, involves a series of standing exercises using a chair for balance. With your thighs turned out, and heels together and up, you do pliés until your thighs burn (my quads were sore for two days). Parallel Thigh involves a similar squatting sequence holding the chair for balance, except your legs are together. The Standing Gluteal Toner tortures you with leg lifts to target your buns, and the Kneeling Gluteal Toner segment has you on your knees holding a chair for balance while lifting your bent leg behind you.
In the Pretzel segment, you’re on the floor with your legs twisted like—you guessed it—a pretzel. Getting your back knee off the ground in this position is a challenge—a challenge that works not only your butt but also your waist. This was my least favorite segment, which pretty much guarantees that it was super effective.
If I were to watch these videos without trying them, I would think they would be a cinch—they just don’t look that hard. But it’s amazing that such simple moves with such a limited range of motion can be SO INTENSE. I found this entire workout to be a little hard on the knees with all of the deep bending and pretzeling, but the instructors give variations so that even those with weak knees still get a good workout.
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★
Overall: ★★★
Fit Bottom line: I still love Core Fusion Body Sculpt best, but if you’re looking to really firm up the tush, this Pilates and yoga-inspired strength workout will wow you with its intensity. —Erin
Want to fire up your glutes? Comment below or email us at contact@fitbottomedgirls.com by next Thursday for a chance to win a copy of Core Fusion: Thighs & Glutes! (U.S. residents only, please!)
Want a firm rear NOW? Buy Thighs & Glutes at Amazon!
Oh, I've heard great things about this workout. I'd love to try it too!
I love Body Sculpt and I love taking Core Fusion classes — hope I win this one!
I have their other DVDs, as well. I love them and use them as filler for the week on non-gym days. I'd love to try this new one. I'm always looking for ways to target the glutes!
I would love to try this workout!
Oh I love the other DVDS…would love to try this one!!
Never tried their DVDs so I would love to try this one. Hips and butts are always a problem area. I've been enjoying (?) bob's Weight Loss Yoga right now!
I would love to try this workout!
i would love to try this out since i just bought some new skinny jeans!
I definitely need help with my buns and thigh areas. I'd love to win this DVD!
Oh gosh, I'd LOVE to try this…my butt and thigh region could definitely use some help!!!
After reading your review, I would love to try this workout.
Sounds like a good workout. Can't wait to try it!
Sounds like a good workout and mixing and matching sounds good too.
I'd love to try Core Fusion! I just had a baby a few weeks ago and my core, thighs and glutes need serious Fusion…or divine intervention.
Definately need some help with those thunder thighs and bubble butt I have.
My bum needs some toning and I would love this DVD!
All the running has not helped my thighs and glutes, so I can definitely use this!
I'd love to try these out – thanks for the chance to win!
I could use some help with my thighs and glutes and this seems like it would do it.
Wow Interesting!
I really wish one of these days we'll discover that eating smartfood will somehow transform our bodies to Heidi Klum land, until that happens, sweat, pain and more sweat!
my butt is so saggy it looks flat. Not attractive! I need help!!
I love the Core Fusion workouts, and I've been wanting to try this one!
This sounds like a great workout, thanks for the chance to win! Be well!
I'm interested. I need to work on my thighs. Thanks
heyoooo, i want to be bootylicious! must.win.giveaway!
id love to try that vid!
I would love to try this workout…what woman couldn't use a little extra help on the rear side?? Well I guess the women in the workout video probably don't, but that's because they've already done the workout!
I love trying out new dvds, especially one with a challenge! This sounds great
I would love to try these workouts, especially if they make my booty look like that! But I'll take what I can get!
I think this sounds like a lot of fun, and great for those times when your in a hurry. I would LOVE to win this!
I would love to win this DVD! I've heard such good things about Core Fusion.
I have tried many Core Fusion classes and I am glad these work outs are finally on the DVD. 10 minute segments are ideal for busy people …would love to try this one out
This sounds like a great workout!! I would love to win this!
I want to win! I recently started following you on twitter and now follow your blog in my google reader! Everyday you're a bit of inspiration to get my booty out there and run
Which I'm doing very well at. And I'd love a new exercise routine for inside – the wii fit get old.
Thanks!
i'd love to try this workout!
i have crazy love for workout dvds!!!
Sounds like a great review, I'd love to try it!
I still have the Sculpt DVD on my wish list since reading your review last December. I really work on that little area between leg and bum so this would help. I do the pretzel now and then but need more ideas for a fit bottom! Thanks for the review!
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to try this video…I am about to embark on my own running journey and still want to work out in other ways!!!
wow, I've been doing lotte berk for a while but have been wanting to try Core Fusion since it is based on the same principles.
I would love to have a butt like that instead of the long non-bubble butt that I currently have!!!
woo hoo!! another core fusion video
i got the body sculpt one after you reviewed it, and it is SUCH a fabulous workout. not a lot of time to fit it in right now with my HM training, but i'm hoping to get back to it after. i would love to check out this one too! hope i win!!
Love Core Fusion Workouts! I'd love the DVD! I hope I win!
oooooh, I'd love to win this! My tush could use some help.
I really really need this! These are my trouble spots.
I would love a chance to win this! Thanks!!
Yes, I'd love to firm up my butt!! I've heard of this DVD before, it sounds excellent
I'd love to have glutes HALF as good as the ones on the cover of this DVD! I hope I win!
Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
I love Exhale Spa. I have both of the other cds, so would love to try this too!
um are you giving away that ass cause Ill take one.