I did Tae Bo Basic plus the 8-min workout this morning, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. Thanks to previous reviews, I knew to do my own warm-ups, and just joined in on the main portion of the workout. I actually enjoy that each move is repeated for multiple sets of 8 at a reasonable tempo, because this enables me to really focus on my form instead of scrambling to keep up, especially for the kicks and combos. It is also very easy to adjust intensity this way, so I don't think it would be difficult for a beginner to join in. What another reviewer said is very true: you get out of kickboxing exactly what you put into it! I have had a little training in martial arts, and so I practise really putting power into my punches by rotating the hips (transferring the power from the legs all the way up to the fist) and "snapping" the punches and kicks (this refers to the explosive speed with which the you perform strike, not overextending the joint). Working this intensely puts me above my aerobic zone, so I appreciate the "marching" segments to recover before the next technique. I personally find little enjoyment in performing kickboxing techniques without 100% explosive power, so I usually get winded by long, non-stop combos. I appreciate that Tae Bo is structured the way I like to train.

I also previewed the advanced workout, and almost all of the techniques, especially the kicks, are performed at a do-able tempo. Only at the very end, with alternating front and back kicks, do I anticipate having any trouble. But every double-time move can be continued single-time instead, if that is a concern. I will definitely take another reviewer's advice, and switch leads on alternate workouts to prevent becoming lop-sided!

I certainly can't recommend paying $60 US for these tapes ($100 Cdn!), so it is probably a good idea to wait for the new tapes to become available retail. Still, I enjoy the workout, and I think I will use it often.

Instructor Comments:
Mostly, he just counts. The set is horrible, though, and I can't say that I'm too fond of the music.

Serena