Tae Bo Kicks

Billy Blanks
Year Released: 2006

Categories: Children and Teens


I traded to get this workout video for my 4 year old daughter (with a bit of a thought that I'd enjoy doing it with her). I have never owned any Tae Bo videos before, except Postnatal Tae Bo. Since receiving this a few days ago, we have done it twice, and I promptly went online and ordered 3 more Billy Blanks videos!

This video runs around 38 min. (with about 3 min. of that being a Tai Chi cool down and motivational, hand-holding talk at the end). I did this workout this morning with my daughter (she only gets about 20 minutes into it before losing interest)....and I didn't take notes on the order....but here are some things you'll do:
*punches/jabs (front, cross), uppercuts
*arm circles, overhead presses
*kicks (front, side)
*1-legged squat/toe-taps
*brief high impact segments of jumping jacks (very brief and only twice in the workout, IIRC)
*some short floorwork (pushups, leg lifts, ab variations)
*punching bag
*sumo walk (then with cross-punch)
*torso twists
*and a very silly hip swivel and a "The Robot" segment that DD loves

I added weighted gloves to this today and I worked up a good sweat; I feel nicely worked. This would be great for older children (my 4 year old may be a bit too young, but she does a good portion of it....there are other younger background participants and it is quite entertaining to see their efforts). I also recommend this for adults who are interested in Tae Bo but want to ease into it (or who just don't like the super-quick pace of the newer offerings).

Instructor Comments:
Billy Blanks is chatty, but not too overbearing. He is encouraging and--I think--does a good job making the exercises approachable and non-threatening and fun. He gives feedback about proper form (but not a lot) and talks about a stronger body, knowing your body, being in control, etc. I thought it was all appropriate for children.

Alisoncooks

07/15/2010