Tamilee Webb

Tamilee Webb is an American fitness professional, best known for revolutionizing home workouts with her popular Buns of Steel and Abs of Steel video series, which have sold more than 14 million copies^[1] and for writing Workouts for Dummies. Her videos have appeared on Billboard's video charts^[2] and her work is considered a best seller by The New York Times.^[3]

Tamilee Webb
Born	Rio Dell, California, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation(s)	Fitness expert, author
Known for	Starring in Buns of Steel series, hosting ESPN & Fox Fitness, and writing Workouts for Dummies

Early life and education

Webb grew up in Rio Dell, California.^[2] Webb has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a master's degree in Exercise Science from California State University, Chico's College of Communication and Education in 1996.^[4]

Career

Webb's career skyrocketed in 1988 with the release of Buns of Steel, a fitness video focused on sculpting and strengthening the buttocks.^[5] The concept originated with fitness trainer Greg Smithey, who was only able to sell 114 copies of his videos.^[6] At the time, Webb was a professional body builder^[7] working at the Golden Door spa and cruise ship as a fitness instructor when she was hired for the lead role. Over the next two decades released over two dozen fitness shows similar to the Buns of Steel, Abs of Steel, and Thighs of Steel series which sold more than 14 million copies.^[1] The videos were often able to be ordered direct, allowing one to work out at home.^[8] In her subsequent series, she designed functional workouts to cork on core muscles.^[9][10]

In the late 1990s, Webb expanded her business ventures by starting a chain of fitness-focused eateries called Eden in 1996^[11] and authoring Workouts for Dummies.^[12] In the mid-2010s, her work remained influential in the press as the fitness space continued its rise to prominence.^[13][14] As of 2024, she remains active in the fitness space.^[15]

Personal life

Webb is known to cycle, play tennis, and play golf.^[16][17][18]

Filmography

Years	Title	Role
1988–2000	Buns of Steel	Lead role[6]
1992–1994	Abs of Steel	Lead role[19]
1993	Thighs of Steel	Lead role[20]
1994	Building Tighter Assets	Lead role[21]
1994	Fit TV Cable Health Club	Co-host[22][23]
1990s	ESPN Fitness Pros	Co-host[24]
1990s	Fox Sports Body Squad	Recurring cast[24]

Webb has also appeared on television shows such as NBC's The Today Show.^[25]

Awards

Years	Nomination	Result
1992	Self Magazine Award	Won[26]
2008	National Fitness Hall of Fame	Inducted[24]

Books

• Original Rubber Band Workout (1985)^[27]
• Step Up Fitness Workout (1994)^[21]
• Workouts for Dummies (1998)^[28]
• Defy Gravity Workout (2005)^[29]