Since most every review has explained the breakdown of the tapes, the moves and their faults: I feel I must submit a review that is more positive than most on the board. I noticed that several of the reviews state that the advanced tapes' floorwork with the donkey kicks and side kicks are unsafe because they are done on hands and knees, thus pressure is placed on the back. This got me thinking; I knew I had seen this same position in recent magazines. Shape, Fitness and Self have ALL featured workouts with this "unsafe" position in the last six months! Sometimes all the moves are done on hands and knees. The articles state that you may lean on your elbows if necessary, just as Billy says/shows in the tape!! Even my Reebok Legs tape with Kathy Khaeler and one of my Karen tapes uses this position. The key, as they all agree; is to make sure you keep your abs in to neutralize the spine and keep it from arching. The elbow position can also be "unsafe" if you lean too far forward and don't keep your abs in. It all depends on how comfortable you are in either position.

As far as the set, music and instruction: I don't notice the set because I am working too hard, the music is funky and I am sick of dance/techno for aerobic tapes anyhow, and I like the "whooping" action going on in the classes. All the participants actually have learned form Billy and the results are evident. The range of ages is around 18-55; and they all look great and HAPPY to be sweating. Never have I seen people clapping and slapping their thighs with such abandon. I can relate because before Billy, I hated cardio and got sick of the cheescake style I was getting from other videos.

I realize that most of the individuals who didn't like Tae-Bo are those who prefer the Cathe and CIA tapes; which are very high quality and have great instruction. I guess Tae-Bo is good for me because I feel like I am a part of the tape itself! And let's not forget results; I love that my butt/hips/thighs/abs and back are looking really cut and feel powerful. My flexibility and balance has improved immensely also.

Another point that has been brought up is the fact that the punches are not reflective of true self-defence tactics. It seems that Billy could have turned it into a self-defense class, because he is a seven-time world champ in Karate; he chose not to, and doesn't sell it as such. I will say that the warm-up is not very thorough in the advanced tape; I do my own stretching and a little step prior to jumping in. Overall; I believe this is the most fun, most effective and most happy-induced I have been with any tape I have in my 80+ collection. Hope this helps any undecided VF'ers!

Instructor Comments:
If you prefer a very talkative, upbeat powerful speaker; who is very motivating and urges you to "push it to the limit," then Billy's style is for you. He is not soft-spoken or sweet; but I find that I am trying harder because he constantly is on you to tighten the abs, focus on the movement and give it your all. I prefer his style because it isn't like he's saying the same keywords (Awesome) over and over again, and it seems like he really wants the viewer to succeed.

Stephanie Graham