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Review: Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo
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Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo Provides a Great Workout
By Charlotte Kuchinsky
for AsSeenOnTVCritic.com
A few years back, I got fed up with my weight issues and committed to the Suzanne Somers' Somersize Program. I managed, over the course of about four months, to drop more than 70 pounds. But I didn't do that with dieting alone. I also exercised every day for anywhere between 30 minutes and one hour. One of my favorite exercise programs was Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo. I still love it today.
What is Tae-Bo?
Tae-Bo is a program designed by Blanks himself that combines tae kwon do with cardio-boxing, which explains how the program got its name. However, Blanks also claims that it stands for "Total Awareness Excellence Body Obedience." Created more than 20 years ago, this program works to burn off fat and tone muscles. It includes a lot of moves that are common to both its arenas, tae kwon do and boxing. These include punches, kicks and pivots, for example. But Tae-Bo is controlled and precise. It stresses the need for proper posture, good form, and total balance. Each program moves from a slow warm-up to a high-intensity workout. It is aimed at increasing fitness and strength, endurance and flexibility. Best of all, it is both easy and fun.
What Does a Tae-Bo Workout Entail?
The answer to that question depends somewhat on the specific Tae-Bo program you purchase. There are many different Tae-Bo DVD and VHS programs on the market today. I own the original Tae-Bo Workout VHS Tapes, which came in a set of four. The first tape in the series is instructional in nature. It focuses heavily on teaching you the specific movements of the program as well as detailing everything involved in Tae-Bo. It, like each tape, begins with a slow warm-up session and builds in intensity before slowing back down and moving into a cool-down. The workout is about 40 minutes in length.
After building confidence, mastering the movements, and building strength, you move on to the next tape - Tae-Bo Basics - and into a much more intense 30-minute workout. Next comes Tae-Bo Advanced, which moves you into an hourlong workout geared to building stamina and strength. Finally, Billy includes an eight-minute workout for those days when you don’t have time for one of the longer workouts.
There are, of course, other tapes and DVDs with alternative Tae-Bo workout sessions for variety. There are also other programs geared for specific areas of the body, such as the abs or glutes. Additionally, there are those geared to specific areas of interest such as kickboxing.
Who Can Do Tae-Bo?
Tae-Bo isn't a difficult program to follow. Just about anyone can pick up the moves, although some may have to alter some of them slightly because of age or disability. Of course, no one should enter into an exercise program without the approval and recommendation of a physician.
I started the program at age 48 with knees that were in horrible condition from years of high-impact aerobics and more than 100 pounds of excess weight. Although I had to work my way up to being able to complete a full tape and I couldn't do some of the high kicks, I kept at it. I did the steps that I could and I invented my own kicks for those I couldn't complete. It worked wonderfully.
How Much Are the Workout Kits and Where Do I Buy Them?
The cost of Billy’s Tae-Bo products depends upon several different issues. These include the type of program being purchased (tape or DVD); the specific program being purchased (initial workout, advanced workout, specialized workout, single tape, multi-tape kits, etc.); and the equipment included as a part of the kit. For the most part, they range in price from $12, for a single tape, to around $40 for a multi-tape set with equipment.
The Verdict
I love the Tae-Bo concept. It is fairly simple and lots of fun. It makes an obvious difference in the shape, condition, and strength of the body; one that you can both feel and see. The tapes and DVDs are great. Blanks is a skilled trainer, capable of explaining each movement even to a complete novice. He is also encouraging, entertaining, and fun. The programs are energizing and motivational.
I must reiterate, however, that no one should enter into this or any exercise program without first gaining physician approval. Tae-bo isn’t for someone who has never exercised before, but for those who are up to the demands of the program and willing to put in the effort, Tae-bo is a great program. I give it seven out of 10 stars. It is worth the price, the effort, and a little bit of pain and agony.
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