To be honest, I can't see how a lot of people have given this workout 5 stars. I love the concept but this advanced tape is poorly done. First, the stretching at the beginning is ridiculous - way to fast for a warm up/stretch (practically gave me whip lash when I did the neck stretches). This was the biggest disappointment. Second, the double time movements are impossibe to do correctly (due to the speed) and dangerous. Third, the video quality is the worst I have ever seen and it seems like the routine was put together in one take without proper editing, cueing, etc.
That being said, I still love the concept. I quit doing this tape due to the above reasons and bought the Kathy Smith kickboxing workout which was put together perfectly, with proper stretching, warm-up, etc. However, I have not given up on Tae Bo because it is my favourite type of exercise and recently bought the advanced II in the hopes that it will contain all of the above mentioned aspects that a safe and effective workout routine should include.
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!
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!
This is an amazing, mind-changing video. I spent awhile opposed to "classic" forms of exercise, and then this came along. It appeals to the deepest parts of you, that want to SCREAM! and throw yourself at the mercy of your own adrenalin. It really, honestly doesn't feel like exercise. Although it did take me forever to finally make it through the whole tape without stopping to catch my breath and recover from muscle failure!
I would recommend completing the instructional and basic tapes first, to get the idea of what kinds of moves Billy Blanks will be using. He uses almost all the same moves from these two tapes, but at a much quicker pace and in longer reps.
If you are a martial arts student, you may either enjoy this and the other Tae Bo tapes immensely, or you may totally dislike it! I myself am a martial arts student, and while the technique he displays is not the one I am taught to use, I just remind myself that this video is for exercise, not instruction in self-defense. I even tweak it somewhat to retain my own muscle memory, when possible.
I appreciate the use of so many different kinds of people in the background...men, women, tall and skinny, short and muscular. But each person's physique is inspiring--you just say to yourself, "I want that!" And away you go!
I highly recommend this tape for advanced exercisers, or beginners who are willing to take it a step at a time until they can finish the whole tape. It will really make you scream out loud, and you'll feel GREAT for it!
Nowadays, I have been missing my gym appointments. Good thing I have the Taebo tape at home to perk me up. Nothing beats a sweat-pouring muscle-crunching workout after a tiresome day at work. & what's so great about this is that you get your cardio workout like in aerobics but at the same time you get to tone your muscles through all those punches & kicks.
I may sound like a paid-out person giving a testimony on a TV/mail-order product, but I instantly felt & saw results in my physique. My thighs/legs became leaner & firmer and I lost a few centimeters on my waistline.
Great work out! Common, squeeze those abs!
Good Concept, Too fast2004-02-13
A workout for martial artists2004-02-02
BRINGING IT!2003-01-15
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