The video is approximately 45 minutes in length and consists of two sections: Kickology and Taeboxing Jam. Kickology introduces the user to the basic kicks and punches. Billy leads the group and recommends the usage of boxing gloves to add weight and resistance to the arm movements. Each movement is done slowly 4 times each side and then faster 4 times each side. The music is muted and the movements are not done to the rhythm of the music. Billy stops to explain movements throughout but the group behind him continues onward. Warm up and cool down are standard athletic stretches (no tai chi) and are at a relatively safe speed. Approx. 20 minutes long. I would liken Kickology to the Instructional video for TaeBo, but the movements aren't explained quite as thoroughly and both sides are worked with each movement before moving to the next movement.

In the Taeboxing Jam, the speed picks up with various combinations being done at 4-8 reps each side. The group progresses through the workout and appear to be led by someone other than Billy because he will stop and talk or explain a move and the participants move on to the next move with no cuing. It is annoying, but I must say the moves are more interesting than those in TaeBo Basics. I just wish there were more repetitions than 4 or 8 per side of each movement. Warm up and cool down are standard athletic stretches and the entire Taebo Jam lasts approx. 20 minutes. (They do not use gloves in this section.) The participants even move through the stretches while being directed by someone else off-screen. You will recognize a few people from his TaeBo videos (such as Shelly).

I like the video because it offers a 20 minute version of TaeBo (but I wish it was longer!!). The Kickology portion I would not consider a workout unless you were a beginner but it's a nice reminder of forms. I think users will like the Taeboxing Jam portion because of the punch-kick combos which were missing from the TaeBo Basics. (This is my first Crunch video, so I cannot really comment on it from that aspect.)

Instructor Comments:
Billy Blanks was much more laid back in this video. No flashing of the abs and limited pep talks. He was not in touch with what was going on behind him at all times. The participants seemed to progress with the workout even when he stopped to review form.

NGC

03/01/1999