Amazon.com

Billed as the "future of fitness" and hawked by numerous celebrities, Billy Blanks's Tae-Bo actually deserves much of the hype it's receiving. A mixture of boxing punches and martial arts kicks, Tae-Bo is fun and easy. One of the best elements of this two-tape set is that the first tape (which is 40 minutes long), Tae-Bo: Instructional, lays out the movements you need to successfully complete a workout. Once you've mastered the steps, you won't have to fast-forward through half the tape to get to the workout, nor will your workout be slowed down by the repeated lessons. After you feel comfortable with the movements (and they're really quite easy to follow; nothing too complicated to trip you up), you're ready to move on to Tae-Bo: Basics, a 27-minute workout (5 minutes of warm-up, 18 minutes of Tae-Bo, and 4 minutes of cool-down) that will have your heart pounding and your body sweating. The only downside to this tape is the less-than-exciting music. Blanks, a seven-time World Martial Arts champion, is a superb instructor, providing encouragement and careful instruction (if you don't know by the end of the tape to hold in your stomach, that's no one's fault but your own). Not only is Tae-Bo great exercise for all levels, but the punches and kicks are wonderful for working out stress and aggression. This is the aerobics exercise video for people who are bored by aerobics. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (796)

Terrific workout, but a little outdated...
I must say that I love Billy Blanks and his whole program! I bought these tapes and they sat in the shrinkwrap for a year while I was pregnant and on bed rest. Two months after delivering, I pulled them out and popped them into the VCR...WOW! I have done just about every exercise video out there, Jane Fonda, Susan Powter, Reebok, you name it and I have probably tried it. Taebo is terrific, and these tapes were a good introduction to taebo. I used them for 3 weeks to help me get back into the exercise groove. However, I really feel like they do not fully represent the taebo technique. I learned a lot more about correct form when I purchased the "Live" tapes and then started doing taebo tv through my dish. I wouldn't recommend that you buy these particular tapes, but I give taebo and Billy Blanks 5 stars. I have lost 10 pounds and 4 inches since beginning in February. Billy Blanks inspires me to reach within myself and put all my spirit and focus into my workouts. Please, please, do an instructional video first before trying to do the regular workout. If you pay attention and listen to what Billy says, this will keep you from hurting yourself. I have a bad knee that precludes me from doing step aerobics or Jazzercise, but I have never had any trouble with taebo. I am sold on this workout folks!

Great for a Beginner
I bought my tapes from the TV ad, which include the Instructional, Basic, Advanced and 8-Minute workouts. I was a real couch potato looking for motivation. Billy pulled me right off the couch and onto my feet. It took me months just to get through the basic workout without wheezing. The set offered here are the instructional and basic. They're great for someone like me who exercised rarely or never because the pace allows you to advance your fitness level as you are able. I read some of the other reviews that think the workout isn't long enough or fast paced enough. They would be more satisfied with the Advanced, 57 minute workout. The Advanced video's toned athletes are sweating buckets and sometimes can't keep up! Unfortunately, it does not seem to be avaiable separately yet. However, if you need a slow buildup and a great motivator, Billy is your guy! By the way, I've progressed after four months to the advanced tape and I feel great!

quick
received my order quickly and in great condition. THANKS

Unbelievable
I'm still in shock about my results from this video. Over a period of 4 months I just about killed myself, but came out on top. The amusing thing is that I didn't really lose any weight (I think I traded fat for muscle) but I went from a size 14 to a size 8 (ladies, all of you know how huge that is). These tapes are gratifying and an incredible workout. That 30 minutes of Tae Bo really shows you what you're made of. Billy Blanks is an excellent instructor and, after a little practice, the moves are not at all complicated. I highly recommend this tape.

Something Different
I wanted a different way to do cardio instead of the standard aerobics. This video is not alot of jumping around but using other methods to get your heart rate up like kicking your legs and punching which really works up a sweat! Personally, I don't like alot of jumping in my exercise which is why it works for me and will probably work for you! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Billy Blanks called this workout Advanced, he wasn't fooling around. This 57-minute workout will have your heart racing, your pulse pounding, and your sweat glands working overtime. The familiar moves from Tae-Bo Instructional and Basic are here, but Blanks has put a little razzmatazz on them, adding slightly more complicated combinations that should be fairly easy to master if you've completed the first two tapes. The new moves--which combine Tae-Bo's patented mix of boxing punches and martial arts kicks--make this video much more exciting, but they also considerably raise the bar on the difficulty factor. In addition to the short warm-up, the cool down, and the 30 minutes of Tae-Bo, Advanced Tae-Bo also includes 18 minutes of muscle-crunching floor work. You know you're in trouble when even the guys in the tape have trouble keeping up. As Blanks says, your "butt should be on fire," and if you need to, "go ahead and scream a little." But, as always, Blanks is a supportive coach, reminding you to go at your own pace (stop for water if necessary), yet encouraging you to push yourself as much as you can. The music is still cheesy, and some of the camera work somewhat confusing (the overhead angle makes the body positioning in the floor work hard to follow). However, this is a terrific workout when you're ready to take Tae-Bo to the next level; just make sure you have truly mastered the first two tapes before attempting Advanced. A 20-minute sneak preview of Tae-Bo Live is included with this video. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (117)

Good exercise tape, especially for your lower body
I mainly run outside for my workouts, but Tae Bo is great for rainy days when I can't leave the house, or days when I'm lacking motivation to exercise and I think to myself, "I'll just pop this tape in for a little while and do it as long as I feel like." I always end up doing the entire tape! The time goes by so fast during this workout. Billy Blanks doesn't spend too long on any one exercise, so you don't get bored, but you definitely are breathing hard and "feeling the burn." It is especially toning for your legs. Often, after a run, I just fast forward to the latter part of the tape to do the leg toning exercises to round out my workout. I will go through them once, rewind, then do another set. My butt is looking rounder and firmer these days. I recommend this tape for a good sweat and for great tone.

Fantastic workout!
After my few months of watching the tv ads for Billy Blanks Tae-Bo videos, my husband ordered them for me for a Christmas present. I was ever so thrilled and after going the steps of instructional, basics and then advanced I was hooked. I started to see the big difference in myself. I was losing weight, toning and most of all feeling better about myself. Through Billy Blanks I have finally been able to acheive what I had tried for many years - to gain self discipline, I have never been able to stick to any one exercise regimen for very long. I have the machines and many other videos but I think it's the way Billy Blanks gets me going throughout this advanced video that is what I needed. Oh, I do yell at you Billy when I get down on those floor exercises. But I do push myself to get through them and the results are here to stay. The 8 minute workout is a super "quickie" when my morning is rushed. Thank You!

A workout for martial artists
As a martial artist for 5 years, I have high recommendations for this video. The key is to adjust it to your own capabilities. Some of the moves are VERY high impact (for example, the jumping front kick) and will wreck your knees or ankles if you do them repeatedly. In addition, some of the moves are so fast they don't allow you to focus on the muscles you're working out. As long as you take this video at your own pace, it's great!

For self-defense, though, this video isn't worth much. If you're looking for martial arts skills, sign up for a martial arts class. If you like Tae Bo, you'll LOVE martial arts, and you'll learn self defense techniques to boot!

Good workout, but really annoying problems
Overall, I'd say this is a good workout. The cardio is intense and you really get the chance to tone your muscles. It's a fast way to work out your entire body. However... the sets are really uneven and proper form is often sacrificed for speed. Billy goes off on "inspirational" tangents while you're left doing multiple extra sets. I've been doing this tape five days a week for the last six months and have actually seen a noticeable difference in the toning on one side of my body! That's how off kilter the sets are. Also, there are several moves where he takes you into "double-time" where you are asked to do the move so quickly, any hope for maintaining proper form flies out the window. Even the people on the tape have poor form during these sets. I usually maintain "single-time." I keep better form, get the same results, and minimize the risk of injury. Even with these problems, I still like Tae Bo and I'm still doing the workout (I've just switched sides so I can even out my muscle tone)! I wouldn't recommend buying this Advanced Workout but maybe the "Live" version is better... I don't know, but it might be worth a try. Hopefully they've worked through some of the kinks.

Advanced is an Awesome workout!
This workout is awesome! After the cardio part, which is about 30 minutes, I had an average heart rate of 181!! After the floor exercises (about 25 minutes) my heart rate had an average of 161!! Anyway, this makes me sweat even more than I do when I run and seems to hit all areas of my body--instead of the same areas when I run. Anyway, you won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Billed as the "future of fitness" and hawked by numerous celebrities, Billy Blanks's Tae-Bo actually deserves much of the hype it's receiving. A mixture of boxing punches and martial arts kicks, Tae-Bo is fun and easy. One of the best elements of this four-tape set is that the first tape (which is 40 minutes long), Tae-Bo: Instructional, lays out the movements you need to successfully complete a workout. Once you've mastered the steps, you won't have to fast-forward through half the tape to get to the workout, nor will your workout be slowed down by the repeated lessons. After you feel comfortable with the movements (and they're really quite easy to follow; nothing too complicated to trip you up), you're ready to move on to Tae-Bo: Basics, a 27-minute workout (5 minutes of warm-up, 18 minutes of Tae-Bo, and 4 minutes of cool-down) that will have your heart pounding and your body sweating. Next comes Advanced, a 57-minute workout that will have your heart racing, pulse pounding, and sweat glands working overtime. There's razzmatazz on the moves, with slightly more complicated combinations that should be fairly easy to master if you've completed the first two tapes. This video seriously raises the bar on the difficulty factor.

In addition to the short warm-up, the cool-down, and the 30 minutes of Tae-Bo, Advanced Tae-Bo also includes 18 minutes of muscle-crunching floor work. You know you're in trouble when even the guys in the tape have trouble keeping up. Make sure you have truly mastered the first two tapes before attempting this one. The 8-Minute Workout is a highly compacted workout (actually 14 minutes long when you include warm-up and cool-down) for those days when you're too short on time for Basic or Advanced. While the 8-minute idea is compelling, it's not an adequate substitute for the longer workouts. Blanks, a seven-time World Martial Arts champion, is a superb instructor, providing encouragement and careful instruction (if you don't know by the end of the tape to hold in your stomach, that's no one's fault but your own). The only downside to these tapes is the less-than-exciting music. Not only is Tae-Bo great exercise for all levels, but the punches and kicks are wonderful for working out stress and aggression. This is the aerobics exercise video for people who are bored by aerobics. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (182)

Literally
Living in New England, my running routine has somewhat gone down the tubes due to the frigid weather. Plus my class schedule has so many 8-5 days in it that I don't have time to hit the gym. SO, I decided just after Thanksgiving to start doing a workout tape regime that would kill less time and still keep me in shape.

My first tape...Callanetics. Great sculpting workout, but no cardio. The immediate first thought...Tae Bo. I have a lot of friends who sang the praises of Billy Blanks, but I had yet to see myself what cardio kickboxing was all about. I bought the DVD version (1) because it was actually cheaper than the tapes and (2) had all the tapes rolled up into one slim package that would probably last longer anyway.

I did what the instructions told me and did the introductory workout first. This teaches you the basics of the moves he likes to incorporate into the routines. Although I feel that he could have explained some of the positions better (i.e., when you do the roundhouse kicks, turn the foot you're standing on OUT...it will help twist your hips down so you can lift your leg as high as possible while working out your gluteal muscles...he doesn't emphasize this, just tells you to keep your hand on your hip and kick to the side), you find out his workout is relatively simple in technique. However, he warns you that he CAN and WILL make it more PHYSICALLY difficult as you progress.

I then advanced to the basics workout. Being an avid runner and gym rat, I found this to be a pretty decent workout. Built up a respectable sweat and felt empowered...just pictured kicking ex-boyfriends in the face. :) Plus, I surprised myself with how fierce I can feel...really lets out stress and remains fun.

The advanced workout...whoa. Not for the faint of heart. 45 minutes of cardio with many many many fast sequences of kicks and jabs that will make you feel like a puppet being yanked in eight different directions...it's great. :) Then, the floor work...you probably have never done so many doggy-lifts in your life! Killer! :) I highly recommend this DVD!

Taebo will get you going!
I have been doing power yoga, jump roping, running, power walking, some martial arts (at studios) and a little weight lifting and I couldn't even get toned. I was still getting slightly depressed and I felt my motivation go down. BUT then I luckily found Taebo. Billy Blanks is this incredible motivator that really gets you going. Before I got to an advanced level I started to see stomach muscle tone and overall lean muscle tone--it's really amazing. Yes, you should spend an extra 15 min of stretching prior and after each workout, but if Billy Blanks were to have included a stretch out in the videos than it would have been boring. Yes, the music [is bad]. However, you can get over those petty concerns if you take your fitness goals seriously. Don't whine, get off your seat and just do it! I'm now doing Taebo 5X a week and cardio 1X a week--despite the fact that I have recently recieved radiation treatment for Grave's disease (and will require a life time of meds). You can transcend any emotional pain in your life by your pure determinism!

They could have picked better music!!!
I love TaeBo, but it's a little difficult to get pumped up to elevator hiphop! Please! Overall, the workout is awesome. I saw results in 2 weeks, and it makes me feel strong, sexy, and empowered (I just picture kicking and punching my ex-husband in the face when I need that extra boost! LOL). This is worth the money. Maybe when you get the moves down, you could crank up some real music to kick-butt to!

ordered and e-bay cancel
I order this DVd for $20 two days later E-bay cancel my order an
said they had no more. Now I look on e-bay they have the same
taebo DVD at a higher cost???Is this a rip off or what?

Yes, It Really Works
I have had to work to control my weight since puberty. I have been working out since I was 16 yrs. old and of all the things I have tried, I have never gotten into shape as fast as I did with Tae-Bo. About a month and a half after I began the workout, people were asking me what I was doing. I was so pleased with the results! And not only do you lose weight quick, but you feel so much better! Strong and energized. I thought what I payed was pretty inexpensive after seeing what it did for me. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Great Workout!
I have been cardio-kickboxing for years, so when I recently decided to buy some DVDs and weights for working out at home, I was eager to try out the much-hyped Tae Bo workout. I thought the Basics workouts would be too easy, and I do add a little more bounce to my workout than is in the tapes (when I have the energy, that is). I was wrong. With a solid effort, these "basic" workouts can kick your [behind! It is also good to have workouts divided into 25 minute (and one 8 minute) segments, if you don't have time for an hour's worth of exercise or if you want to reverse order for variety. Blanks has good form and uses all the basic stretches, punches, and kicks that my instructors over the years have used. He explains each move for those who are unfamiliar, and he starts slowly with each new move. (If this is too slow for me, I simply double-time it.) I also like Blanks' supportive, "let's have fun doing this" attitude and friendly encouragement. I am looking forward to getting the advanced DVDs for more combinations and greater variety of moves.

Video one is five stars, video two is three stars
Video one begins on the floor with an intense ab routine followed by glutes. After doing the original basic series for 3 months, five times a week, I decided to try something else. I have done this video for three weeks now and it's still very difficult to get through the glutes section. However, I don't feel right if I don't do this ab routine. Other ab routines from other videos just don't give me the same benefits.

Video two focuses more on the legs. One irritating thing is that he keeps saying in what I perceive as the hardest part of the workout that this is just the basic video. It's not very encouraging. I do like how Billy reminds you to focus and you'll get through it.

I have damaged cartilage in my right knee from years of dancing, so I look for videos that are entertaining, mentally stimulating, but provide as little impact as possible. Video two strains my knee, so I have only done it five times and prefer video one, given visible improvements in my abdominals and posture after just three weeks.

Boot Camp
This isn't a work out, it's boot camp. If you aren't in really good shape, or like to be able to move the next day, DO NOT DO THIS. Try Windsor Pilates instead, work your way up to this. Other wise you'll be in serious pain the next day! His counting is terrible and does too many reps on one side and not enough on the other....

Good basic kickboxing workouts
This 2-tape set consists of two basic Tae Bo routines. Basic Workout 1 includes floor work in addition to a standing kickboxing routine. This video begins with instructor Billy Blank's standard 5-minute stretch routine. Following the warmup comes the toning segment: 4 minutes of abs work and then 4 minutes of targeted glutes work performed on hands and knees. Then Billy leads one of his basic kickboxing routines consisting mainly of punches with some knee lifts and kicks thrown in; Billy also emphasizes the abs while in a standing position. The kickboxing segment lasts about 10 minutes, and a final 3 minutes of cool-down stretches complete this 26-minute workout. Basic Workout 2 is entirely a standing kickboxing routine. There is a similar warmup (about 4 minutes) followed by an approximately 18-minute cardio workout. Billy does a few more combinations here, and again, he always reminds you to work your abdominals from a standing position. This workout ends with a Tai Chi type cool-down segment.

As an instructor, Billy Blanks is very likeable and extremely enthusiastic. However, his counting is not always accurate, and he frequently completes an uneven number of sets from one side of the body to the other. These tapes would be good for those who like simple kickboxing routines focused mainly on punches and which include some toning in addition to cardio.

Fuerte!!!
Si necesitas bajar de peso y tonificar a la vez este es el DVD que necesitas. Tiene dos secciones de alrededor de 25 minutos y una de 8 minutos por si no tienes mucho tiempo. Es un ejercicio bastante fuerte, por lo cual a los que estamos un poco sobrepeso se nos puede hacer un poco dificil al principio, pero despues te diviertes muchisimo. No le di una puntuacion de 5 solo por que la segunda parte me parece un poco monotona. Pero por lo demás es excelente. EXITO!!! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Kinder, Gentler Billy and Shelly...
Let's face it, no matter HOW advanced you are, sometimes ya' just don't feel like a bone crunching workout! I've been doing Tae-Bo Advanced and Get Ripped for two years. While "Cardio" is not quite as challenging as the Advanced and Get Ripped series, it DID get my heart rate up.

Be aware that are no floor excercises on this tape; ab work is minimal.

To keep my heart rate up between exercises, I tried the running in place moves from the advanced tapes instead of the "Butterfly" move. And, once I learned the new combinations, I went right into double-time rather than doing the first, slow repetitons.

Tae-Bo Cardio is decidedly mellower than the Advanced series-- I am pleased that Billly has listened to fans who find his yelling and Shelly's grunting distracting . Here, they tone it down.

This is a good companion video for anyone who does both Tae-Bo and Pilates, as I do. It's low impact,-- so it goes well with the Pilates philosophy, but still gets your heart rate up.

For those who rely exclusively on Tae-Bo, call it "Billy Light", and save it for those times when you're not in the mood for shouting.

Another great Taebo product - but it's too easy!
As someone who has been enjoying Tae-Bo for several years, I put Cardio into my video player this morning and looked forward to a heart-pumping 45 minutes. Unfortunately I soon realised this tape is geared towards beginners and moderate exercisers.
If you are just starting out this is an excellent workout for you. It will get your heart rate up sufficiently to burn fat and the moves are relatively easy to follow. Also, quite a bit of time is spent warming up and cooling down (The actual cardio stuff only lasts for about 20-25 minutes).
If you are an advanced Tae-Bo veteran or are quite fit, this workout will probably not challenge you much.
I do want to take this opportunity to sing the praises of Tae-Bo as a workout in general. Not only is it extremely enjoyable but it really works. You want a flat tummy? You've come to the right place!

Absolutely great
I'm a bona fide Tae Bo veteran. I've been doing it for 4-6 hours a week for years, and I'm very accustomed to the Tae Bo II Advanced Get Ripped workouts, which are definitely in the "VERY DIFFICULT" category.

I've read many Tae Bo enthusiasts referring to this program as "intermediate," and I think that's a little bit misleading. Yes, it is shorter (45 minutes) than the older workouts, and its pace is slower.

But Billy really knows what he's doing. If you do this workout CORRECTLY, it is actually extremely intense cardiovascular work, along with tremendous trunk/core muscle training.

What MOST Tae Bo-ers don't understand is that your form is of paramount importance. I've taken several accredited Tae Bo classes, and I don't think I've ever seen more than three or four people who were really doing the moves correctly.

Almost everyone I've ever seen do Tae Bo relies on momentum to execute the moves, especially the kicks. If you bounce your way through it, you'll work up a nice sweat, yes. But you're not going to be doing the workout properly, and your core (stomach, sides, back and rear) aren't going to gain strength.

Tae Bo Cardio FORCES you to focus more on your form. And believe me, working muscles intensely is FAR more draining that hopping up and down, allowing momentum to flail your legs out in an approximation of a kick.

(...) I've worked it into my regular routine.

Basic Tae Bo, Revved Up
This is the perfect daily workout for someone at Basic level who wants a break from the other tapes or a bit more exertion. The goal of this tape, as Billy says, is to test and develop aerobic endurance. What that means are more exercise moves with fewer reps than in other tapes, interspersed by a "butterfly step" that keeps both legs and arms moving. If you've never done Tae Bo, get the instructional video of the Live set and work on that first in order to become familiar with the moves.

I've done Tae Bo classic, Live and Get Ripped, and the moves in this tape are familiar, with a few twists. The cross-corner punching, roundhouse kicks, knee raise, front and back kicks, squats and speedbag are all here. The "music" isn't very tuneful (pulsing video game music, basically), but it gives the beat which is important for aerobic workout. A bonus for me is a thorough cool-down that emphasizes not just stretching, but muscle control and visualization, something Billy's tapes are getting better at developing.

All in all this has become my favorite Basic workout! I've definitely gotten my money's worth.

Way too fast for beginners!
I have never ever seen a Tae-Bo video or class before. I thought this video would get me into the loop, based on other reviews here (they all complain that it is for beginners). Well, let me tell you, it is waaaaaay too fast for beginners. Billy doesn't teach you any of the moves - he just does them (and does them fast). I couldn't even keep up wth the warmup portion at the beginning. The counts of eight take like 4 seconds, and his arms are swinging on every count. I know this is supposed to be a really fast-paced cardio workout to get the heart pumping, but I cannot even keep in synch because I'm trying to learn the moves at a ripping fast pace - it is very frustrating. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

GREAT! VERY SIMILAR TO TAE BO BUT BETTER!
I am a teenager who is very active and in good shape, but after doing both workouts I did work up a good sweat. Denise Austin is much more encouraging in her videos than Billy Blanks, and has put together a better/less expensive video that offers a variety so that beginners and advanced can benefit. The only problem I have is that the length of the tape is shorter than Id hope-the workouts themselves are actually a little less than twenty minutes because of stretching and cool downs, but if you do both in sequence, the workout you obtain is a reasonable 35 minutes ( meaning 35 minutes that your heart rate is up). If you already own Tae Bo Basics, I wouldnt suggest purchasing this tape because many of the moves are almost identical to Billy Blanks....but I definately think that this tape is better and more effective-so if you are making the choice between the two, Id choose this one.

Is this the missing Intermediate Tae-Bo tape?
I am a fitness video junkie so I have lots of tapes, even several kickboxing tapes that you would think would be all the same, but they aren't. Although I find Denise Austin kind of annoying, I own a lot of her tapes because she does give me a good workout. When I bought this tape I also bought Tae-bo Basic and Tae-bo Advanced. While I enjoy Tae-bo Basic, and it really works my muscles, I feel that Power Kickboxing gives me a better aerobic workout. There are two workouts on this tape. I thought the first one, which is called "Skills" would be very easy since I did Tae-bo several weeks before I started this. Boy, was I surprise to discover it wasn't really that easy and it worked my body in a completely different way. After I got good at both "Skills" and Tae-bo Basic I decided to move up to the next level. I did Tae-bo Advanced first. There is a HUGE jump in skill levels between the basic and advanced tape. I couldn't keep up at all and actually twisted my knee. After I recovered, I went back to Denise and tried "Drills." This was just perfect for me. It was just hard enough that I felt challenged, but I could still get through it. So, while I still enjoy Tae-Bo Basic and consider it a good toning and sculping workout, I prefer Power Kickboxing for it's challenging but do-able aerobic effects. And you get used to all that perkiness eventually.

Typical Denise--annoying, but a great workout
I bought this after I had been working out 4-5 times a week for about 6 months. I had a 6-month old baby and needed something quick and effective. I have done Denise's videos for about 10 years now, and she hasn't changed. She is one of the most annoying people ever, and if I met her in person, I wouldn't know whether to hug her or punch her, due to her incessant babbling and ridiculous phrases "Burn that Butter!!!"
But as usual, she delivers a great workout--upbeat, no wasted time. People who are looking for a serious kickboxing tutorial should probably look elsewhere, but if you just want an intense, quick, cardio workout with a bit of toning, this is the tape.

Be aware, though, that it was next to impossible for me to do this in front of my husband--he couldn't stop laughing at Denise's silly chatter. You will need to do this when you're alone unless you want to be distracted--anyone hearing this tape without working out to it will be annoyed.

Not for beginners
This is a good workout, but make sure you are in actual shape before you buy this one!

A great workout in twenty minutes!
Trying to squeeze in that workout? It's hard to do so that's why I love this tape! You get a fantastic workout in just twenty minutes. It's really challenging and you'll feel like you worked hard in a short amount of time. It's perfect when your short on time but still want to do a really strong workout. I've had this tape for about two years now and I still use it. The tape has two twenty minute segments, so after you've mastered the first you can move on to the second. But I still do the first segment because it's such a fantastic workout! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Veteran aerobics instructor Kathy Smith jumps aboard the Tae-Bo bandwagon with her punchy video Kickboxing Workout and adds her own brand of California-girl pep to the popular martial-arts routine. Accompanied by martial-arts champ Keith Cooke, Smith presents a terrific, high-adrenaline workout, based on the punches, jabs, kicks, and squats that Tae-Bo lovers will recognize, with more polished production values and a more appealing music track. Smith and Cooke alternate leading the onscreen group and point out several low-impact alternative moves for beginners. The 45-minute workout is a great fat-burner, and those side kicks will shape those hips in no time. --Anne Hurley ... Read more

Reviews (187)

So THIS is why people love kickboxing!
This was my first kickboxing video, and I really enjoyed it. I was a bit hesitant to try it because I don't generally like aerobics videos--I find all that "take it from the top" really boring--but I'm glad I gave this workout a chance. At the start of the video, Ketih Cooke, a well-known kickboxer, provides main instructor Kathy Smith with simple explanations of each of the punches and kicks that will be used in the workout. This brief overview was helpful, but once you learn the moves, you can skip over this part.

Following the instructive segment, Kathy Smith takes over. The workout begins with a warmup which lasts about 10 minutes. This provides the opportunity for you to get used to the movements, but don't be fooled by the "warmup" label--your heart rate will definitely be elevated during this section, and you will sweat! Next comes the 25-minute kickboxing workout. During this section, you will practice punches and kicks, starting slowly and then building up to a faster pace. Kathy was easy to follow, and she gradually worked up to basic punch-kick combinations which were simple to learn yet to fun to do. I did find myself getting pretty tired during this segment, but I was able to keep up by modifying the intensity slightly (eg, keeping my feet on the ground during the hops from side to side). At the end of this section, two short combinations are presented by Keith Cooke and another well-known instructor, Keli Roberts. I liked that these combinations were a bit different yet still easy to learn and that the repetitions of each were kept to a minimum. Throughout the workout, there were times when I felt like I might not be doing the moves exactly right, but I still enjoyed myself--all that punching and kicking felt GOOD!

After the kickboxing workout ends, there is a 5-minute section focusing on the legs and glutes. In this segment, you practice the kicks more slowly, combining them with squats and holding on to a chair for balance. This was a nice way to reinforce what you learned during the workout, and I think that continued practice of this section will help to improve my kickboxing skills. Finally, the workout ends with a 5-minute cool down performed seated in a chair. These moves provided nice stretches for the thighs and glutes (although at one point, Kathy forgets to perform a squat stretch on the opposite side), and when they were over, I felt thoroughly stretched.

I can't compare this video to Tae Bo, as I've never tried those workouts. However, I CAN say that this was a fun, high-energy video that left me feeling strong and powerful rather than exhausted. It was perfect for a kickboxing beginner like me, but it was also challenging enough to provide even non-beginners with a great workout. Kathy Smith has a nice, easygoing style and provides good overall instruction. There were a few times when I thought she failed to adequately cue a change in movement, but the workout was so easy to follow along that it wasn't hard to replicate the movements after the first repetition or two. I'm thrilled to have finally found a cardio video that is truly enjoyable, and I look forward to doing this video as part of my regular rotation.

Another great workout
I've been doing Kathy Smith's tapes for a while now and really like her style. She's energetic without being too perky. This tape is quite fun, once you get the hang of it. A good stress reducer. Although Keith Cooke participates and offers advice on form, sometimes through split screen graphics, Smith is leading the exercises for most of the tape. The tape is rated for beginners, but the routine demands flexibility and stamina, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is really out of shape or brand new to exercise. Better to start with Smith's Peak Fat Burning and various toning tapes. It is appropriate for people who've never done any kickboxing, however. It gives you the basics, within the context of lightly choreographed aerobics. (If you're looking to be an extra in a Jet Li movie, go elsewhere.) Smith and Cooke do a nice job of breaking down the kicks and boxing moves and explaining how each works. The cueing is a little late at times, but not too bad. The music is better than average.

Less annoying than Billy Blanks!
Ok-- I love tae-bo, but you can only listen to so many of Billy Blank's sermons before you want to gag. Kathy Smith offers a really straight forward kickboxing workout with music that doesn't suck.....and not too much yapping. I'm at the beginner/intermediate level and this workout offered up some moves that were pretty challenging with a good balance between cardio and strength training. Normally I combine several workout videos to fill my daily 1 hour workout, but with this one I can work my entire body without changing the DVD 3 times! If you like kickboxing or are thinking about trying it, this would be a decent starter if you can't quite make it to an actual class.

really good
This video gives a great workout. its not to slow like many of the other videos i've tried. You actually feel like your getting a good excercise and the heartrate pumpin.

Challenging
I use many home workout videos but this one is certainly a classic. Although there is more than one workout on this DVD I always do the Kickboxing Challening one-and the name says it all; it is indeed challenging.
The workout will make you sweat and involves lots of kicking, punching, hooks, uppercuts, etc. If you have no prior kickboxing experience, you should still be able to follow this workout. She is wonderful at cueing and starts each punch and kick series very slowly so you can learn the moves. You will feel this workout, and best of all, you should see results.
Following the basic cardio section is a special buns section. You will need a chair (or something else to support yourself with) to do this and YOU WILL DEFINITELY feel it!! Basically you do some lunges and many kicks to improve form, strengthen and work those legs... this is a very effective section. Next, you learn some kickboxing stances that are HARD!!! This really works your legs (strengthens and stretches). It is much harder than it looks!!
Then, the instructor will walk you through a series of challenging kickboxing routines. These were too hard for me to follow and I am usually too tired to do them. I like to just skip this section... it is not very long anyhow.
Finally, the abs and back section. I don't find this that effective and it is too short.
Anyhow, this workout is great and challenging! A+ ... Read more

Amazon.com

Feel like the Tae-Bo craze passed you by? Maybe you think you're a little too old or slightly too out of shape for therock-'em-sock-'em moves of the high-energy aerobics class. Well, Billy Blanks hears you, and he's created a fitness tape just for you: Tae-Bo Gold. While this program says it's geared for the "mature" crowd (which apparently in youth-oriented Los Angeles means those over 40), the easier pace and gentler moves make it appropriate for anyone who doesn't have the stamina for Blanks's other Tae-Bo tapes. There's less hopping from foot to foot and the moves are simpler. And for a refreshing change of pace, the workout class is populated with some folks who are elderly and some who aren't in the peak condition of the exercisers in the other Tae-Bo videos.

But don't let these things make you think you aren't going to get a real workout, because the mixture of boxing punches and martial arts kicks will get the heart rate pumping. Mixing in five tunes from the 1950s and '60s with Blanks's own less-than-wonderful music, this 35-minute video shows modifications for those with less balance or who need to take things slower or just can't quite reach their toes. Blanks, as always, is supportive with constant admonishments to get that glass of water or march in place if you need to. This video does, unfortunately, have some drawbacks, the most notable that it can be difficult to hear Blanks's instruction over the loud music. While the moves do begin slowly, you may wish to do a more complete warm-up before the video. And with all of the Tae-Bo videos, you should first carefully watch the Instructional video, available separately, to learn the proper form for all the moves. But disadvantages aside, Tae-Bo Gold proves you're never too old to get into shape, and this is a terrifically fun workout, for folks of all ages. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Not for unfit over-40s
I bought the Tae-Bo Gold tape for my 39th birthday. It says it's for the over-40s but I think I'm close enough.

I am quite fit running 3 or 4 times per week and I was a little sceptical when I saw that the running time on the video was only 35 minutes. After I did the tape I still felt that it was not challenging enough since I had no trouble getting through it the first time. However, I really felt my back and my hips the next day - always the sign of a good workout.

I do think that an unfit older person would have trouble with the video as there are a lot of combination kicking and punching moves. As my husband put it - if my 62 year old mother tried this, she'd fall over.

Also it is difficult to hear Billy Blanks at times because the music is very loud. As for Billy himself, he is terrific - very friendly, enthusiastic and motivating without making you feel like you are a failure if you can't do it all.

Worth the money...
I am an over-40 Tae-Bo veteran who found myself bored with the Basic tape and not willing to spend the time needed for the Advanced tape. So I was stuck in the middle until I purchased the Gold tape about 8 months ago. Although Billy is hard to hear at times, the tape is not as jarring as the Advanced and the music is much better than the Basic. I enjoy seeing regular people like myself in the video and the Motown music is a real motivator for me. Others have knocked this tape as a "sell out" for Blanks, saying he caved in to popular demands, but isn't that what exercise is all about? If it gets you moving, it's worth it.

Abandon the Eating Disorders, Try This Instead
After having my first child and being on continuous bedrest during my pregnancy I had went from 130lbs to 180lbs by the time I had delivered and my 6 weeks of recovering were over. To get myself back in shape, I purchased this workout. Mostly though, because all that "bing, bong, beep beep, bang" music they play in the background drives me nuts in the other Tae-Bo workouts and the music in this workout is more tolerable.

Anywho, that's not really the point of the Gold workout or this review. After doing this workout 3-4 days a week, walking (not too far) on the days I wasn't attacking Tae-Bo and also eating one of those balanced food pyramid type of diets that aren't so popular anymore, I got back down to 140lbs in 4 months. WOO HOO! The last 10lbs came off within a few months after I had stopped working at a restaurant with grease food.

Now after having my second child I'm just starting to get back into this Tae-Bo stuff because I tried losing the weight other ways and they make me feel like crap and the weight just isn't coming off very fast. It's been 9 months since birth and I've lost 15lbs since birth via being a housewife.

If you're starting out I'd do this tape. I eventually worked up to the more advanced workouts but I didn't lose anymore and I just started looking more muscular like a man, I didn't like that too much so I stuck to the Gold and I'm doing it again. Being a muscularly person just isn't my cup of tea , if it's not yours either but you'd like to keep the weight off, you ought to try this.

GROUPTABULOUS
ME AND CO-WORKERS LOVE THIS PARTICULAR VIDEO EVEN THOUGH SOME OF US ARE UNDER 40 WE STILL GET A GOOD WORKOUT. WE RECENTLY STARTED WORKING OUT AND THIS GOES AT A PRETTY GOOD PACE WITHOUT BEING TOO MUCH OR BEING TOO LITTLE. THE ONLY COMPLAINT I HAVE, AND THIS IS NOT REALLY A COMPLAINT, IS THAT HE DOES MORE REPS ON ONE SIDE THEN HE DOES ON THE OTHER SIDE.

Geared to the 40+ crowd but still TOUGH!
Although I'm only 36, I decided to try this workout as my first Tae Bo video because I'm still fairly new to kickboxing. Taught by Tae Bo instructor Billy Blanks, this workout is extremely low-impact yet also surprisingly tough at the same time. Billy leads a class of mostly middle-aged participants, but they are all in very good shape, including the 70-year old woman who can kick MUCH higher than I can!

After a few minutes of warm-up stretches, Billy begins an easy to follow kickboxing routine. He emphasizes punches more than kicks, although some kicks as well as quite a few knee lifts are included. Unlike other kickboxing workouts I have tried, there are few combination routines; instead, Billy teaches in an 8-count style, often repeating the same movement for several sets. Following the 25-minute aerobic segment, you hold a static squat for 1 minute, and then you move to a hands and knees position for about 3 minutes of work on the butt area. The workout ends with a 5 minutes stretch: 4-minutes of yoga-like stretches in a seated position and then a final 1-minute of standing stretches, making the total workout time about 34 minutes.

As an instructor, Billy Blanks is very likeable and extremely enthusiastic. Plus, he offers many modifications in this workout, even showing how some of the kicks can be done seated in a chair. However, his counting is not always accurate, and he frequently completes an uneven number of sets from one side of the body to the other. Also, the Motown music used for this workout is quite loud, making Billy's instructions a bit difficult to hear at times, and the transitions from song-to-song did not flow smoothly with the workout. If you can overlook these minor flaws, this is a fun workout for anyone who is already in fairly good shape but looking to give Tae Bo a try. ... Read more

Description

Kick to Get Fit Jr. is an exercise program designed specifically for kids. Different than anything you've ever seen.

Children love to exercise along with this program! The moves are easy to follow along with, while being fun & exciting enough to keep kids interested.

This program involves some of the same effective movements found in Martial Arts & fitness classes, but uses a NON-VIOLENT APPROACH. The muscles mechanics are exactly the same, but the violent characteristics of throwing a punch has been eliminated. INACTIVITY HAS LEAD TO OBESITY & POOR HEALTH IN CHILDREN EVERYWHERE - KICK TO GET FIT JR. WILL GET THEM MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

I love it, My kids love, and the neighbors love it
Where has this video been hiding? Everybody I show this video to absolutely loves it, it's amazing. This guy (Rich Grogan) is good, and he is great with kids. I have never seen kids take so much interest in exercising. I put this video on and they get busy. I have tried a great deal of kids exercise videos for my kids, and I have tried a few adult exercise videos for myself, and I tell you this is heads & tails above anything I've ever seen. I normally don't write reviews, I just don't like doing it, but this video is worth the time to write about. Go Rich Grogan, my family is all new fans of yours.

Without a doubt - THE VERY BEST KIDS VIDEO I'VE EVER SEEN
This is video is without a doubt the best kids video I've ever seen. Words can't describe it, and I wouldn't even know where to begin. At first I thought the price was a little high compared to some of the other kids videos, but after watching this video I would have paid $100 for it - it is that good. And, it's not just a matter of me loving this video, it is the feedback I'm getting from my kids. They actually enjoy exercising. Rich's motivation & enthusiasm is second to none, and my kids really pick up on it - They love this video. As I have mentioned, this video is number one, my family loves it and I am sure your family will too.
Thank you Rich, my family loves your videos - we are fans for life.

One Incredible Program - EXCELLENT
This is absolutely the most incredible program I've EVER seen. I generally don't write reviews, because most exercise programs I've seen don't deserve the time it takes to write one. So if I'm taking the time to write this one, let me tell you it is worth it. The words incredible, great, and excellent don't even come close to describing this program, I just couldn't think of any more powerful words to use.
The guy on this video, Rich Grogan, has really got something with this program. First of all he is fun, and entertaining for the kids. And the kids that are actually in the video are having fun (genuine fun, none of this paid actors fun), they're feeding off of Rich's positive energy, and having a good time with it. This is one of the major hooks that pulls you in, these kids are glowing with fun, energy, and excitement, and it is basically thrown into your living room when you watch the video. My kids at home can't just sit on the couch and watch this program, they have to get up and actually do the program. It is almost like some super-natural force grabs them and pulls them on the floor to begin exercising with Rich & the kids. I know this may sound strange, and I am sure some people are saying to themselves, "there is NO way my kid would be this excited about an exercise program". Well, I'm telling you it is true. And, it's not like my kids have only watched the program once or twice, we have basically wore out our VHS copy, and that is why we bought the DVD, which is even better, because now we can skip through to certain parts of the program when we are short on time. What I've been doing in the mornings, before summer camp, I'll get the kids up and pick a section of the video (DVD) and have them do that section before we leave for summer camp, or do the same at night before bed. I really would have thought by now that my kids would be tired of this video, but the way Rich has set the program up, it is still challenging for them. Rich continually tells the kids to have fun, and to do their very best, and to just do what they can. But he makes the program so darn fun that the kids really apply themselves, and do what they can to become better at the moves. Anyway, Rich does sets of 15 instead of the normal set of 5 or 10, this way, as he explains it, the kids can continue to advance within the program, because maybe they can only do 5 push ups or jumping jacks when they first start the program, but the goal is to reach 15, so they have to keep practicing at it. Another interesting thing Rich does is, he has the kids visualize they are grabbing apples & oranges instead of punching each other, or an imaginary opponet. At first I thought this was a little goofy, but once again as Rich explains it, it takes the violent aspect out of the technique, it makes it more fun for the kids, and if the kids pretend they are grabbing something they get a better stretch throughout the entire movement, both forward & back.
Did I say this video was Incredible?
I could list about 10 more things, but I think you get the picture. I'm telling you, BUY THIS FOR YOUR KIDS, it's amazing!
Hey Rich, if you read this, Your program is the greatest! Thank you from me & my kids!
Sincerely,
Thomas Jacobbson & Family

WOW - This is one incredible program
This program is absolutely amazing. I have NEVER seen kids respond to a program, (especially an exercise program) the way kids respond to this one. I just put the tape (Now the DVD)in and the kids are lost in a world of exercise. I am sure this sounds crazy, especially how kids are today about exercising, but I swear it's the truth. I read several of the other reviews and I wasn't quite sure my kids would be as wrapped up in the video as others had stated. - I was wrong. My kids LOVE IT, we have played the tape over 25 times, and now we have the DVD (which is great), and I don't know how many times we are going to play it.
Take my word for it, this program is the most incredible program I've ever seen for kids.

Pretty Amazing
I agree 100% with the other reviews. This video is pretty amazing, and just like the other reviews had stated, the kid's involvement is even more amazing. I popped this video in and the kids didn't move from the T.V. Now, I can't tell you that they did the entire program the first couple of times, but they still watched it. And, after about 3 times watching it they got through the entire program with only a few breaks. This is another awesome feature, because a lot of exercise videos, especially childrens leave no room for growth. Meaning, you have mastered the video the first time through, and after watching it a second or third time you are bored with it. This is especially true for children, who get bored of just about anything after a few times. But, like I mentioned this program is different, it is challenging enough to keep the kids trying, but not to tough where they lose interest. In my opinion it is a perfect balance, which in itself is pretty amazing. ... Read more

Description

There is no substitution for Billy Blanks’ Ultimate TaeBo Abs, which includes the best abdominal workouts from all the Tae Bo workout systems. This workout will tone, sculpt and create those rock-hard abdominals we all crave. Your customers will love to start with this video on their journey to a sexier stomach. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Capitalism at its finest
Billy Blanks should be ashamed of himself. He is just using his name and slapping his face on video box covers. He has built good brand recognition and now he is capitalizing it to the max. Instead of making a true ab video that focuses solely on abs, Blanks and his production staff decided to piece together footage of his other videos. The editing is poor, at times not giving you time to transition into the next exercise, other times only working one side of your body. Save your money and buy a protien smoothie or an Atkins bar.

Feel it burn
Okay.I love the tae bo series.They all give you an ultimate workout.This one is no exception.If you do tae bo and you don't feel the burn,or go through it easily the first time,your doing something wrong.Let it be your back is not straight,or your not lifting something high enough.This video is very fast with clips from all the best workouts for your abs.You will feel the burn definitley.I've been doing this tape faithfully for 2 months and my stomach is flat and tight.This is def. a tape for you if your looking for a hard workout.

Ultimate Abs Workout
I found this tape of limited value. It is, like the rest of his "Ultimate workout series" a bunch of edited clips from of Billy's other tapes. Unfortunatly, the editing was not done very carefully and sometimes you end up working one side of your body, but not the other. There is one crunching section that is good, it is toward the end. That is the only reason I gave it 3 stars. What I do is go to the end and rewind to the point the crunch section begins. Then I Take out this tape, and put in one of the other full work out tapes like the Impact Full Contact workout and do that, then put this tape back in and do the crunch session to finish off my workout. Be warned, it does not give much stretching in between the individual crunch exercises. I don't know if this is intentional or not. It will start to show a stretch, but then cut to another exercise before the stretch is done. The ending cool down section is also kind of weak. It does some cool down stretches, but I would use another tape with a complete cool down section to end my workout with.

edited together for abs abs abs and more abs!
ok, i know it hasnt come out, but I saw a clip of it, and letting everybody know whats in store with this video.
It is about 55 minutes long, and it is a compilation of all the 'live' volumes, i think volumes 2-12.
It wasn't redone, just all the volumes edited together.
It seems to be about 25mins of kicks and some other 20 or so on toning the abs.
It has many of the old moves, but some are slightly changed, maybe makes them more advanced than the old positions.
I just think they should had re-recorded these 'ultimate' series, because u can see the people's outfits change every few minutes! that is why i give it 4 stars and not the 5. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Advanced Tae-Bo enthusiasts will enjoy this set of two 60-minute workouts, both nonstop and intense. There are drills of one move at a fast pace over and over, with up to 40 repetitions. Occasionally, you slow down for half a minute to learn a combination, but then it's back to the fast repetitions. The combinations are never complex, but they're always intense, and Blanks gives technique tips so you can focus on doing the moves for maximum effectiveness and safety. Both workouts are tough and relentless, working the whole body, burning calories, building muscle endurance, and conditioning your heart and lungs. If you do advanced Tae-Bo regularly, this set will give you two new workouts at the high intensity you prefer. --Joan Price ... Read more

Reviews (49)

The Best of Tae Bo
These have to be the best Tae Bo videos yet. I am an aerobics instructor who teaches Kickboxing and I find these tapes to be quite challenging. They have also held my attention longer than some of the other Tae Bo tapes--I tend to get bored very quickly with exercise videos. I have been doing them faithfully for about a week now (I have cut back my teaching schedule because of conflicts with home schedule) and I will tell you--I see a difference in my abs and hips already. Especially the abs!! The Advanced tapes are definitely too much for a beginner--so if you are new to Tae Bo--do the Basic Tae Bo II tapes first. I have been combining this with the focus Abs & Glutes (which is very challenging also but VERY fast paced) and really like the results that I have gotten in such a short time. I highly recommend these tapes to Tae Bo lovers and advanced exercisers.

Tremendous workout
The Tae Bo II Get Ripped tapes are not for beginners. These are far and away the two hardest, most varied workouts I have ever done in my life. The first one in particular is almost unbelievable the first few times you do it, but the feeling of accomplishment once you master these puppies is well worth the pain. An hour of Tae Bo is SO much more effective than an hour of running, spinning or cycling. Your abs and glutes will get worked in ways you never realized were possible.

Two things to remember, though:

1. Tae Bo will not make you look "ripped" unless you are combining the program with weight training, which will give you muscles to ripple. Nothing is a complete exercise program without upper-body resistance work.

2. Don't do these things more than three times a week, and take a couple of days off to rest! Billy advises people about this in his book, and it's really worth repeating. This is too intense a workout to do on a daily basis. You'll end up hurting yourself by not giving your legs, abs and rear enough time to rest and regenerate. Just like with working your arms with weights, you CAN'T work your abs every single day. And believe me: Tae Bo II is the most intense ab work you're likely to find. I put it on par with the best Pilates instruction, as long as you do it correctly.

No Pain, No Gain
I was appalled at some of the "reviews" I saw, like the one saying this workout is horrible and "leaves you tired." NO KIDDING! That's what exercise is supposed to do! And someone else wrote something like "no one really gets ripped with these tapes, and it's all a marketing ploy." What this person doesn't realize is that NO amount of exercise will do you good if you're not following a balanced diet and if you're not putting your all into what you're doing. The reason there's a 95% diet failure rate in America is precisely because of attitudes like this; you have to work hard if you want to be rewarded, and you've got to make the OVERALL effort, and that means doing both aerobic and anaerobic exercise on a consistent basis and combining it with smart eating.

With that being said, Tae-Bo II: Get Ripped! is a very rewarding experience if you do the moves correctly. Billy is always an inspiration and keeps you on your feet the whole time. Trust me, during vigorous workouts like this, it's easy to give up long before the tape is over, but you owe it to yourself to do as much as you can without hurting yourself. I've been doing various Tae-Bo workouts for several months now and I haven't gotten bored with the routine because it WORKS, and I'd rather get bored with something that works for me then get excited with something that really doesn't give me the results I want. I found Tape 1 to have more strength training (particularly a lot of kicks to strengthen thighs), while Tape 2 had more cardio with great routines geared toward abs and glutes.

Have fun!

Excellent workout
I started doing Tae-Bo when the tapes first came out and I've been doing kickboxing for years-- this is definately the most intense workout I've done so far. I've ordered so many other tapes only to find that they moved way too slow and were completely useless. You do have to know your own limits with these tapes though because the tempo can be very fast at times. The music isn't the best, but this is an excellent workout and the time goes by so fast. Larry Lam's XKO is also an excellent workout, but not quite as challenging as this one.

Tae Bo with ADD
I do not like these workouts. I have the original Tae bo workouts, and find them much easier to follow along to. In Tae Bo II Blanks moves so quickly and doesn't spend enough time on each move. It is like watching a person with ADD do a workout. There are also so many people as back up people that it's hard to follow. Too many faces cause much more confusion. If you're new to Tae Bo I highly recommend the originals. ... Read more

Product Description

Billy Blanks introduces you to Tae-Bo Live. Blend your own hidden strength with the ancient arts of self-defense. ... Read more

Description

Forearms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest - all these muscle groups are included in TaeBo’s Ultimate Upper Body. This workout targets each individual muscle, with a variety of different workouts. The video is geared to tone and tighten the complete upper body with an all-in-one workout, so there’s no need for anything else. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tae Bo Ultimate Upperbody
I love this tape as much as the others. This is a great one for those days when you don't have the time for a strength training routine. It has it all built in, you use your own resistance, but still get a great workout, combine this workout with the others and you will have a great total body workout. I do this tape about 3 times a week, it is a complilation of several great videos. If you are a Tae Bo video collector, you will have to have these. I have every Tae Bo video made, and I love them. This is a must have for anyone new to Tae Bo, you are gonna work but you are also gonna have a great time. And before you know it your gonna look great in no time at all. Enjoy!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Sloppy Production
I love Billy Blank's tae bo- but "flex" smacks of shoddy work. Billy is often off count, the camera is often off him when he is saying something like "you can also do it this way" To top it off the instructional part of the flex DVD comes AFTER the workout, not even as a second chapter. I do NOT recomend this for beginners- not only is it a low-cardio work out with difficult to hold pilates type moves, it also may just turn you off to tae bo, and that's not neccesary.

Great addition to my workout library!
I've included Tae Bo as part of my workout routine for over four years, and I, like many others, have been waiting for a new Tae Bo video. This one was definitely worth the wait. The cueing is much better than any previous Tae Bo video. The pace is slower than in the advanced or Tae Bo II workouts, but I like it that way. It makes the workout a great energizer. Also, the extended warm up and cool down really eases you in and out of the workout. The only thing missing is a good stretch segment at the end, but I just do that on my own. I definitely recommend this as an addition to anyone's workout video library.

Excellent Workout!!!!!
I have been waiting for Tae Bo to come out with a new video for quite a while now. Believe me, this one is worth the wait. I especially like when Billy has us holding the pose on the eight
count. You can really feel your muscles working. I have been doing Tae Bo for 3 years now and am so glad I purchased this tape.

Ouch! But that's a good ouch
I just got done with my first go at this video, and it was great in a painful way. The basic premise of Flex is that Billy takes you through a fairly typical set of moves, but he ups the ante on the eighth rep of alternate sets. There, you freeze in the middle of the move, hold the position, then SQUEEZE and FLEX as hard as you can.

Believe me, it's tough! And I've been doing the advanced Live and Get Ripped tapes for a good couple of years now. I'm not a Tae Bo novice, in other words.

Great price, great workout. This is a very nice change of pace from the previous tapes, which are all pretty similar, except for Advanced Live 5 and 10. I highly recommend this. ... Read more