Taebo II Instructional & Get Started Workouts

Rating:
Summary: Great Workout, Terrible Tape Quality
Review: These are great workouts and I don't have too much to add except that they are delivered on the lowest quality VHS tapes I have seen in my life. One of the two tapes in my set broke after a couple of uses, the other seems to get stuck every so often before continuing through the workout. You can feel the flimsiness of the tape once you take it out of the package. I don't know if this is an attempt to get people to buy the tapes over and over (the DVD's could be a solution, but the advanced workouts are always packaged with basic, instructional, etc. so they cost way too much), but it is very annoying and seems a little sleazy. If you have the means, I highly recommend exercising (laugh track) your right to backup your copy of the tape.

Rating:
Summary: The Best of Tae Bo
Review: These have to be the best Tae Bo videos yet. I am an aerobics instructor who teaches Kickboxing and I find these tapes to be quite challenging. They have also held my attention longer than some of the other Tae Bo tapes--I tend to get bored very quickly with exercise videos. I have been doing them faithfully for about a week now (I have cut back my teaching schedule because of conflicts with home schedule) and I will tell you--I see a difference in my abs and hips already. Especially the abs!! The Advanced tapes are definitely too much for a beginner--so if you are new to Tae Bo--do the Basic Tae Bo II tapes first. I have been combining this with the focus Abs & Glutes (which is very challenging also but VERY fast paced) and really like the results that I have gotten in such a short time. I highly recommend these tapes to Tae Bo lovers and advanced exercisers.

Rating:
Summary: Great Workout
Review: These tapes are really great. You'll feel like you've had complete workout when you're through. I've been doing these and the shorter beginner ones for over a year and still feel the effects each time. I actually purchased mine from QVC. It came with these 2 tapes, 2 beginner tapes, 1 Impact tape, and a REALLY GOOD ab &(glutes)tape.

Rating:
Summary: You'll be ripped in no time!
Review: These tapes are truly a calorie-burning workout. I was using the old 1998 Billy Blanks workout, and this upgrade was definitely worth the money. It's fast, it's fun, and it is definitely challenging, even for advanced people. If you're looking for a REAL workout, these are the way to go!

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING!!!!
Review: These two videos are sensational! You get an amazingly high-powered, energetic, and extremely effective workout. These videos are absolutely advanced, but that is what I was looking for so I was so pleased with the tapes. They are 60 minutes long and you are "going" the entire time at high speed. I am an advanced exerciser-with a lot of running, lifting, step, basketball.... and I have never sweat like I do when I am doing these videos. I actually raised my arms in victory after I completed the first video.
These are motivating videos that will really make you work, but you will be so glad that you gave the effort that you will just keep coming back. I really enjoy doing these tapes, I don't just do them to get the cardio done- I love it! Billy is such a genuine guy, a real motivator with excellent instruction. He moves quickly here, but he does tell you that if you don't know the form, go back to the instructional videos. But realistically if you don't know the correct form, you probably should not be doing the advanced tapes. I watch Shellie, in the background, for correct form when Billy is making his rounds of encouragement; she is awesome! I feel like I can hang in there a little longer by watching her determination, and before I know it-I'm done!! I will definitely buy all of the advanced ripped tapes, and I am waiting now for the Focus Abs and Glutes tape. I highly recommend these tapes if you are an advanced exerciser and enjoy a challenge-they are excellent!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Heart pumping high intensity cardio
Review: This is one of, if not, the most challenging high intensity cardio workout. If you need to amp up your workout, or break through a plateau, don't look beyond this series (the new Tae Bo 2004 series isn't nearly as tough). Tape 1 of the series is quite challenging. It goes at a faster pace, there are more kicks and combos, and a few strength moves that'll leave you breathless. The toning/strength portion in the end is brief, but that's where Tape 2 comes in. Tape 2 will get your heart pumping but the cardio portion is a tad shorter (by about 5-7 minutes) and done at a slightly lower intensity. I won't take points off for the shorter cardio because the strength and toning segment is quite challenging. I've been doing this workout for a few years now and it's still tough for me to hold the squat near the end, it's a real leg burner. Billy also puts you through a series of lunges and squat/kicks that'll get your legs long and lean. He'll keep you motivated with his go-go-go cheerleading and at times, even yell like a drill sargent. Sure it's annoying at times, but who cares, just concentrate on your form, keeping your abs held in tight etc. It's not a perfect workout, there are a few mistakes; he doesn't even up the sides or does more reps on one side...but it's really not a big deal when you're getting such an awesome workout. Just start on a different side each time and rotate workouts 1&2 to get the maximum benefits of cardio, and strength. You will lose weight, tighten up, and feel fabulous if you stick with this workout. I could take off a point because of the miscues and mistakes but I won't, simply because this workout is the toughest I've ever come across, there's no other high intensity cardio workout on the market that can rival this heart pumping challenge.

Rating:
Summary: Tae Bo II: Not for sissies!!!!
Review: This is the best Tae Bo yet. But a word of caution for beginners. These tapes are just what the say: ADVANCED! I started doing the first series of tapes about 2 months ago and the first time I did the Tae Bo II tapes (last week), it kicked my [rear]. This isn't for the beginner. Start with the first series and work your way up to this set. This is an awesome workout and somthing to work your way up to. Trust me, you will be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: Kick that flab away
Review: This video rocks. It is energetic, dynamic, and a great calorie burner. I love this video, and highly recommend it for advanced students who are looking for a change from the original series.

Rating:
Summary: Great Workout
Review: This workout is awesome, burning about 800 cals an hour. The only bad part are those 2 chicks behind billy blanks. They think they are better than him. HAHA. It is kinda funny to watch. The tapes do work you out to the fullest extent. ROCK ON!

Rating:
Summary: Don't Let The Title Scare You!
Review: This workout is, in fact, Advanced, but not at all impossible. These tapes have blasted the holiday pudge right off me! I love that there are all sorts of people with various fitness levels doing these workouts - very realistic and motivating. You don't have to kill yourself trying to keep up either - I just make slight variations when it gets too intense. Billy Blanks is quite inspirational without being too chatty or obnoxious like other video instructors and he has a great sense of humor. The only annoying aspect are the two female assistants. They take themselves too seriously, but I guess there's always a few like that in every aerobics class. All in all, these are great tapes overall and are very handy when the weather is bad or you can't get to the gym.