Core Fusion: Thighs & Glutes (and a Giveaway!)

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 alsoyour 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!