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Summary: I think I'm addicted to taebo
Review: I get home for work, tired, and tell myself that I won't exercise today. The next thing I know, I'm putting the Taebo tape in, and I'm punching and kicking away. I've been using the Basic and the Advanced workout for over a month now and they're are still challenging and fun. I'm started to see the change in my arms and legs. The tapes are easy to follow, but when Billy goes to "double-time" it gets a little crazy, so I just continue at the normal pace. Other than that, a TOUGH workout, but always FUN.
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Summary: Exercise to fit anyone's needs and schedule; first-rate
Review: I took up Tae-Bo because the demands of work and a young family kept me from keeping a rigorous schedule at the gym. The 8-minute video is perfect for a quick workout before work. Depending on your energy and time, the basic or advanced workout can fit your needs. I have been using the tapes for a year and feel as fit and healthy as when I was burning up time at the health club. Tae-Bo focuses on overall body development and one must focus on abs, form, and breathing. The instruction is easy to follow, but it takes time to master the proper way of executing the exercise. This is exercise for any level, the out-of-shape beginner, fitness enthusiast, and all in between. Billy Blanks seems to be doing this as a labor of love and his success is evidence of that.
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Summary: A Fun and Energetic Way to Get into Shape!
Review: I have been a long-time Jane Fonda user, but I use this much more now because not only do I see results, but I actually look forward to doing it. And the 8-minute video gets me sweating as much as the basic one. The videos make you work, and they keep me going. I look and feel a lot better, and it's something that has changed my look at physical fitness. Billy Blanks is a great instructor and his talent can surely help all those who need to get into shape, and here's the best place to start!
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Summary: Kicking it up a notch
Review: I have done the Basic Tae Bo video for 2 weeks now. I've got stacks of tapes from Kathy Smith, Jane Fonda and Denise Austin, and although they are glossier, this Billy Blanks routine is fast, hard and fun. Yes, the music is minimal, the set not Hollywood, but the workout makes me feel like I'm really getting a lot of value out of it. It's short (30 minutes) which makes me more motivated. I try to do this workout 3-4 times a week, alternating with jog/walk on the treadmill. I'm looking forward to the results. I also like the quick warm-up and the yoga-ish cool-down -- they are just the right length. And the Tae Bo moves are easy - it's just getting strong enough to do them all with as much control as possible, and getting to the point of doing all of them without marching in place to catch my breath.
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Summary: Tae-Bo primarily a training of will-power
Review: A year ago I bought the four-pack of Tae-Bo. I worked on the instructional video for about 2 weeks, and moved on to the basic workout. After two months an accident happened with this basic workout tape. I accidentally recorded a film on it, because my video recorder had a defect, so that it did not react on the protection. "Oh, well", I thought, "I still have the advanced tape." So I started with it. Oh boy! Was that heavy! Tae-Bo had me hooked, though, and so I kept at it. I have done this advanced tape for about 9 months now, 3 times a week. And what an amazing result it has on my body! I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked in the mirror after about 3 months, and my body is STILL toning. Usually things like Tae-Bo are for young people. I am 45 years old, soon to be 46, and I would not believe that I could have such a tremendous condition on my age. My condition is better than it has EVER been! The reason why I started with Tae-Bo was what Billy Blanks said in his book. He made the remark, that 'people talk a lot about will-power. What they do not realize is that will does not come with the power already installed. You must install the power of the will yourself, by stretching what you believe you can do, and pushing yourself to the limit.' It were THESE words that made me decide to try Tae-Bo, and kept me going. I see every workout of Tae-Bo as a new challenge, trying to improve the movements more and more, and trying to pay attention as much as possible, so that especially my will is challenged. And, indeed, the will DOES GET power. What I notice is that it extends more and more to other areas of my life. I used to sleep for 9 hours a day. This has now become somewhere between 6 and 7 hours, giving me extra hours to do all kinds of studies. (I do a lot of studying in mathematics, physics and computer programming.) And because my will-power has increased, I am more prepared, and now able to take on ever toucher problems, both in mathematics, physics and in programming. To me, these benefits are even greater than just being into shape, and having a well-toned body. I have one tip for those who want to start the advanced workout as soon as possible. The trouble is the tempo of the video that causes you to get out of breath. I have a solution to this problem, though. I have also followed the course "Personal Power II" of Anthony Robbins. In it there is a breathing exercise. (Inhale for 7 counts as deep as possible, hold your breath for 28 counts, and then exhale for 14 counts. Do this 10 times per session, 3 times a day. This takes about 10 minutes per exercise, so that you need to spend 1/2 hour a day on this particular exercise. That is, if you commit yourself to do this.) What I have discovered, is that this particular exercise gave my lungs such a good workout, that it enabled me to start this advanced video indeed as fast as I did without major problems, despite my age, and despite the fact that the only training I had were those 2 months of the basic workout. This exercise will help you not to be out of breath so fast when the exercises, especially at the end of the hour, becomes really tough.
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Summary: Ready to lose body fat?
Review: I have been doing the Basic Tae Bo workout for two weeks, about 3 to 4 times a week. I have already lost 5% body fat! I have toned all my muscles, but the most defined area is in my legs. I tried the Advanced, but I heard you have to do the basic for a while before moving ahead. It's pretty tough. The tapes have defintely benefited me and has keep me in shape. People have commented on the quirky music, but you really don't even pay attention to it because the workout takes a lot of concentration. Billy constantly reminds you to tighten your stomach and other muscles to get the full effect of the workout. I would recommend it to people that already have an exercise regimen. You do a lot of kicking which tests your balancing skills, but Billy offers alternatives like holding onto a chair. It a great workout for stress relief!
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Summary: Better Cardio Than Self-Defense Training
Review: Tae-Bo, which contains elements of Tae Kwon Do, is an energetic workout but it is not a self defense class. I have formally studied Tae Kwon Do and see differences in the form of execution that, if used for the purpose of self-defense, may actually harm the person who is defending. From what I have watched, these are modified elements for the explicit purpose of creating a smooth transition within the workout. I advise anyone seeking self-defense training to observe (and possibly begin) Tae Kwon Do classes. It is much safer with regards to knowledge of strikes and blocks and self-defense preparation--a good training especially includes learning how to fall properly. The "workout" will naturally follow.
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Summary: work that body- must have
Review: billy blanks tae-bo on dvd is the best exercise program i have ever tried the instructional workout is great for getting you started it lets you take it at your own pace teachs you all the basics, when you do start on the next workout you feel at ease because billy has this way of putting you at ease he talks to you like a person not like on most of the other exersize programs where the instructor barks orders out at you, i would recommend this dvd to anyone wanting to get in shape or if they want to learn the basics of self defence in a fun & positive way, plus for the low price you can not go wrong i will most definately be buying more billy blanks exercise merchandise.
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Summary: From the bad-knee contingency...
Review: ...Tae-bo is excellent. I have tendonitis in my right knee due to many years of basketball. As a result it's often difficult to find a good workout that doesn't jar my knee. Aerboics often contains too much jumping. I realize every knee problem differs, but I have used the Tae-bo basics tape on a daily basis without knee pain. I must say, I'm not sure buying the four-pack tape set was necessary. I used the Instructional Tape once. The information contained here is important but if known beforehand, owning the tape is a moot point. The gist of it is, don't overextend your joints while kicking and punching. I've used the 8 minute workout when I get up late in the morning. However, I almost wish I didn't have the option as it creates greater opportunity to slack off. 8 minutes really isn't enough to get your heart rate up to a point of significance, in terms of exercise. The Advanced Tape is really hard! Also, this one tended to hurt my knees. There are some lunging moves, and a whole lot of floor exercises that require you to kneel for lengthy periods of time. I think the decision on whether this tape is a good investment really depends on the level of activity you are looking for in an exercise video. This tape is long and strenuous, but I'm certain if you use it regularly you'd be very fit. Personally, I've never found the time commitment or the desire to use this tape more than a couple times. Tae-bo Basics I would rate as five stars. Buying the four pack really depends on individual interest, I can only offer my experience with the pack. On a side note, the music is pretty goofy, but I like Billy's positive attitude.
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Summary: Just what I needed.
Review: I have never really been a fan of working out, but I knew I needed to. So, after seeing a friend of mine's results from Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo workouts, I went out and bought some. It was just the workout for me. I am a dancer so it improved my technique and my stamina rose up so I could play a whole basketball game without getting too tired. Now, after 1 year of tae-bo, I have lost 10 pounds, I feel like I can defend myself, and I am very confident in who I am. My only regret is that there is a huge gap in difficulty between the Basic and Advanced workout! I highly recommend this product though.
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