I've only attended a few yoga classes, but each time I came home refreshed, energized yet relaxed, and overcome with a strong sense of accomplishment. Denise Austin's Yoga Buns offers the same rewards, but I was able to feel the burn in my own home. For a man with no flexibility and a high sense of self-conciousness, this is a huge bonus.

In this 30-minute presentation, Austin offers up a set of traditional yoga poses that focus on those that stretch and strengthen the buttocks, hips, and thighs. And I'll admit, it's not all that easy—beginners should definitely take it slowly. By the end of this workout, my legs and stomach were truly tired. Yet at the same time, I felt energized. I was completely relaxed and refreshed.

The best part of participating in this routine is the fact I could take it at my own pace. If a particular pose was too difficult, I could pull back some and take the stretch only as far as I was comfortable with, without the pressure of having others in the room watching (I know, I know, everyone in a yoga class is too busy focusing on their own bodies to notice anyone else's, but after a slight stumble, it sure feels like all eyes are on you). The other great thing, of course, is that I can do the routine anytime I want. There's no need to drive anywhere when you can pop the yoga class right into your DVD player.

One word of caution for those interested in purchasing this DVD. Denise Austin isn't for everyone. You either love her or hate her. With phrases like, "Let's see that smile," and "Really feel those buns," I can see why some wouldn't enjoy working out with her. The first time I did this workout, I actually found her tone a little refreshing, and at times, humorous. In subsequent viewings, however, she pretty much disappeared, which allowed me to focus on my own moves, which is the goal of the DVD anyway.

Although I feel this workout is a great one, I can't fully recommend it without also recommending a companion piece of some sort. I feel yoga is an experience that needs to involve the entire body. By focusing on just the upper legs, Yoga Buns tends to forget about the rest of you. This is great for those who want to target the buttocks area, but for most people interested in this form of exercise, I would suggest picking up another "all-body" yoga DVD and alternating the routines so you can get all the benefits yoga has to offer.

THE VIDEO
Artisan presents Yoga Buns in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and the image looks great. Colors are vibrant and skin tones of all three women bending and stretching and contorting are perfectly natural. But who really cares? If anyone is paying more attention to the image than to the correct poses, then I say take the DVD back where you got it, pick up an actual movie and some popcorn, because this isn't the disc for you.

THE AUDIO
Offered in 2.0 Dolby Surround, you get to hear Denise Austin talk away in crystal clear sound. This is sure to make you notice that she's breathing in easy, controled breaths with no strain, just as you are now, sitting at your computer reading this review. For some this will be a motivational factor; breathing easy while posing can be a great goal. For those among us who are lean more toward couchpotatoism, this my just add to the frustration. If this is the case, concentrate on the music, which also sounds flawless, and concentrate on your breathing and your posture.

THE BONUS FEATURES
All you get here are a trailer for other Denise Austin videos/DVDs and hopefully a firmer butt. One is rewarding, the other is not.

FINAL THOUGHTS
After working out to Yoga Buns, my butt really hurts. But I'm happy about it because the routine leaves me relaxed and revitalized. For those looking for a workout that targets the back side, this could be the one for you.