Tae Bo (Original 4 workout set)

Billy Blanks
Year Released: 1998

Categories: Boxing/Kickboxing/Martial Arts


Since all the videos have been pretty much described I will just point out things about each video.

Instructional: Did it twice three or four months ago. It seemed fine and showed you form well enough to do the workout.

Basic: I think this is the best tape of the four. It has a decent warm up and cool down, but I still think you need more of a stretch on your own. This tape should be a beginner beginner tape because honestly unless you really get on your toes and maybe even use weighted gloves you aren't going to break a sweat.

Advanced: I do like the workout, but I don't like that Billy will pay more attention to one side than the other. I also HATE the warm up, he actually does neck rotations at break neck (literally) speed which since gosh the early 80s I was told was a big no no. The floorwork is really intense, but not as intense as the Firm's Volume One or the floorwork in Cathe's new Pure Strength Legs tape. I like the ab section on this tape a lot too, especially his lower body work with the legs extended while you sit on the floor.

8 Minute Sprint: I do like to use this as a warm up or an addition for a shorter kickboxing video such as Tae Bo or even Fitness Kickbox. I think you should definitely do more stretching on your own, but I saw that with nearly all tapes because I love to stretch!

I think if you enjoy the kickboxing style and know where to make modifications, i.e. don't go through the break neck neck rolls, etc., then these are good tapes to add to your library. Billy is very motivating and not at all intimidating IMO. I do like the music and set, it is SO different than any tape I have so far. But if you are new to kickboxing I would suggest Cory Everson's Kardio Kick or my favorite Power Kicks for starters.

Instructor Comments:
Well he doesn't cue all that well, but he's not an aerobics instructor so that's forgiven. He is a very motivating instructor and it is easy to see why the people in the infomercial seem to worship him! He says a lot of encouraging things throughout the video. The one thing that BUGS BUGS BUGS me is when he says left he means his left, not ours. I hate this on tapes I think it is something that should ALWAYS be fixed in editing; but, hey that's just me.

Stephanie Bridges

01/22/1999