Tae Bo (Original 4 workout set)

Tae Bo 8 Minute Advanced Workout:

This is a quick 11 minute workout that is mostly cardio (the body of the workout is 8 minutes and there is a short warmup and cooldown, hence the 11 minutes). The workout is set in a small space with a bunch of background exercisers-some on the floor with Billy and some kind of elevated in the back. Billy's daughter Shelley is one of the background exercisers and is not as annoying in this one as she is in later ones- yelling and "whooing" in a really odd and overly intense way.

I really like using this workout as a quick add on to other workouts or as a warmup. I always skip the warmup and cooldown so the 8 min is perfect to add on to those 50 minute workouts to fill my workout hour. You wil see the normal kickboxing fare-jabs, cross punches, upper cuts, side kics, standing oblique twists, knee pulls, etc.

Billy does wear those super tight shorts he seems to love, I find them a bit too revealing but whatever. He doesnt always count evenly on each side but that doesnt bother me. They count in these too, 1-8 a lot, so if you think that will annoy you you might want to avoid Tae Bo in general. It doesnt bother me.

I like only a select few Tae Bo workouts. I love the idea of them, but often feel like Im wasting a lot of time working out w/ Billy (though not in this one at all). I have heard that the Advanced Lives are awesome challenging w/o's but havent had the opportunity to try them yet.

I do really enjoy this workout and use it often. It has a good

The tapes are difficult but that makes me want to work harder. I want to get faster and stronger. Anyone who feels like he is too inconsistent must not have a mind of their own. Do your own warm ups. If he took the time to show you how to stretch, it would be a waste of money, anyone can stretch. He gets right down to the nitty gritty. He makes you sweat. Inconsistent or no, it's a workout, plain and simple.

The four-part TaeBo series may seem, at first, like you will get 4 cardio workouts. This is not true, and if you happen upon any of the 2-part and 3-part series, you will miss out on the full cardio class.

The series probably has to be set up the way it is. These moves are probably new to most people, so the first video explains technique. The second introduces a little movement and A LITTLE cardio aspect to it. The Advanced video is the workout. And what a work out. (Michael Jordon is even in the background doing much of nothing!)

It does seem like quite a lot to pay for one workout. but, if you think of it as getting a beginner and intermediate lesson in kick-boxing before you actually do a cardio workout, the cost starts to seem justifiable.

I love the tapes. They are very challenging. I could not get through the advanced workout the first time I did it. So, it is challenging and not something that becomes old the second of third time you do it.

I am a fan of Billy Blanks nad of the videos!!! Try them.

First and foremost, I would like to respond to the reviews which criticize Billy for his bad habit of talking during the workout and seeming to lose track when it comes to equal repetitions for each side. It aggrevates me as well, but it is made up by his ability to make a person push themselves to the greatest of their ability, and when you complete this tape, you feel better about yourself, and you set higher expectations of yourself.

Many people comment on the danger of the exercise, and how it can affect the beginners. I think that those that attempt the Advanced workout without completing the Instructional and Basic are putting Themselves at risk, and it should not be his instruction to blame. The Instructional Video thoroughly teaches each exercise, and its proper form. The movements are taught slow and then "double-timed" in the rest of the tapes, and if you followed the first two tapes, and practiced good form, you should have no problems with the Advanced tape except for utter exhaustion in the end. This is the same as interval training in my opinion, which I find great because it gives me recovery time in between the fast movements, which help to raise my heartrate and really break a sweat.

Though he doesn't put alot of emphasis on equal repetitions, I think I would be less thrilled to have a monotone teacher who counts every last rep. I need his coaching, and his motivation, not endless counting. I guess the only way to get over that problem is to start on a different side each time. Also, it may be a good idea to stretch some before doing the tape, since the warm-up seems a little rushed for some, and less effective than the Basic video. I really recommend this series, but I do think that mixing it up with other aerobic activity will lessen the tendency to become bored.

This was my first kickboxing video and I thought it was pretty good. My biggest complaint is that it's too short. Only 25-30 mins total, with warm up and cool down included. What I end up doing now, is doing the video up till the cool down, then rewinding it and doing it again. As well, I find that the cool down is too abrupt. You're doing all these really fast, powerful kicks, then all of a sudden you're doing really slow tai chi. I need to cool down more gradually or I get headaches. I usually do my own cool down and stretch at the end of the video.

(TaeBo- Basic Workout)

Slightly difficult for me. I'm not very good balance. However, it needs to be longer!

GRADE: B+

Beginner Tae Bo

I am 17, and I have been doing workout videos since I was barely 16. My main motivation for the workouts is to burn calories and lose weight, although I love the toning aspect also. I want to submit a review of Beginner Tae Bo, which is the workout video I've done for the longest amount of time. Tae Bo (even just the beginner video) is very challenging at first, especially if you've never done video workouts before. On the roundhouse kicks, my legs used to shake, and I couldn't even get through them at double-time speed. However, after about a month of doing the video 3 times per week, I was a pro. The moves melt into each other in a comfortable succession, working from simple hooks/jabs/uppercuts to side kicks and leg lifts. You definitely "feel the burn" in your legs.

It's relatively short, so if you're feeling sluggish on! e day, it's easy to pop in the tape and get into it without losing interest. Tae Bo shaped me up like nothing else. From February of 1999 to June of 2000, I lost 45 pounds, due to a (mostly) good diet and Tae Bo. After awhile, I got sick of the intensity and repetition and now I do Tae Bo about once every month, mixing it in with dance-aerobics videos. It's challenging, but a GREAT way to get into shape and seriously tone muscles. I recommend doing crunches afterward to target your abs, which are the only body part that doesn't receive its own exercise. Great video for beginners.

Tae Bo Basics

I have a collection of tapes, and this is the only one that i have the patience to finish. Its not dance moves so you dont have to be graceful, and he doesnt keep adding to the moves so you'll get confused. What I like best about it is that after each move, you walk for 8 seconds. This gives you time to get ready for the next move. Time flys when doing this. Its not hard, but yet you work up a good sweat and feel toned and great! I love it! If you're looking for a video you can stick to and get results with, this is the one for you!

Tae bo: advanced workout

I LOVE this workout. yes, it has its flaws such as: an uneven number of reps on each side,and the short warmup.however, i feel that the positives of this workout outweigh the negatives. The acutally workout is really tough. I been doing this workout since May and it's still pretty tough. during the floor workout it seems like you are doing endless reps. but i have to say they after doing taebo i have more endurance and my body is in the best shape it has ever been. others have commented on billy's daughter,shellie, and i would like to do the same. She is really in great shape. It seems that she is the only one who actually complets the whole workout.She has great form throught the whole workout.The others are really drenched and struggling(just like me). Even with its flaws, the Taebo advanced workout will remain one of my favorites for a long time to come.

The price was right at my local sporting goods store and the hype had me curious. Unfortunately having done aerobic-boxing before, the instructional tape is a waste. They did a pretty good job on this one, so one viewing was enough for me.

I am at an intermediate fitness level and I enjoy the Basic workout. It's a good alternative on the days I don't have enough time for my usual hour of step aerobics. It's amazing that just 25 minutes of Tae Bo will get my whole body sweating and burning.

Billy does not motivate me to kick higher or punch with more intensity. He rarely, if ever, completes an exercise. He does one set and then stops to point out someone elses form. Fortunately, the incredibly ripped women around him motivate me. If doing this workout will help my arms look like theirs, count me in.

The video is a little short, but I think this is a very good starting point. Just from those 25 minutes, I sweat more than any other aerobic exercise I have ever done. I usually loose interest in aerobic videos quickly, but I am excited to do tae-bo. I have already noticed results in my abs, legs, and arms. I also appreciated the fact that a lot of the people in the video made mistakes and did not all have perfect bodies. I think buying tae-bo is the best investment I could have made.

Anyone who thinks that the advanced workout is not challenging is not being totally honest. I have been working out for 5 years and this is the most challenging, fun workout I have ever done. Like some of the other reviewers, I get bored rather easily but with Tae Bo I can't wait until I get to do it again. I used to be a "non-exerciser", but now I even do Tae Bo on the weekends as well as during the week. This is a great investment of your time and money!

Tae Bo 8-Minute Workout

This is a great add-on to any workout. It gets used a lot. It's really 11 minutes, including the brief warmup and cooldown. The only problem I have with it, is that I want it to keep going! Grade A.

I really enjoy the video and so do my children.The music isnt the best and neither are the outfits but the workout is good. I have been doing it for a month now and havent seen lots of results but I feel alot better about myself and I enjoy doing the workout. I have lost two inches from my waist and three from my hips but I just thought I would see better results.

Very good workout for whole body, stomach doesn't get worked out much unless you tighten it throughout whole workout. Takes a long time to see results.

I am still a teenager, so I don't have any experience in aerobics or martial arts, but being overweight, I tried running, and lifeting weights, but I had motivation to do those things at all. To lift weights I would dress thinking of the time I could spend doing something else instead of my boring routine, and to go running, I would secretely think of excuse not to, even though I knew I was just being lazy. Sometimes I would even pretend that I forgot. I did lose weight doing those things but it wasn't that obvious, because it took a really long time.

After reading so many AMAZING comments about Tae-Bo from people who lost hundreds of pounds or 8 dress sizes, or from people who were simple addicted to doing taebo 5 times a day, I was finally ready to get my own tapes. There was hope for the REAL success, but mostly there was curiousity.

Just doing the instructional video I was sweating (shows my really fit level, huh?) I loved Billy Blanks style of teaching, and had a great time accomplishing my kicks and punches! But when I did the basic tape alone, it seemed to be too short. I am not saying I did it all perfectly, in fact, I had a hard time finishing it, but I just felt as if I didn't have a workout I could or was supposed to have. BUT, unconsiously, I still think of coming home every day and doing taebo. I still wonder how high my kick will go this time. I still turn my VCR with excitement every day!!! And even after my short work out I still feel my arms get stronger, my abdomen tighter, and my legs toned!!

Tae-Bo is awesome. It makes me feel as if I can protect myself, as if I am fit (I am not, YET), as if I look good and I am worth something. It's great that Billy Blanks lets you get there slowly. He understands you won't do everything perfectly, but he is just a person who radiates energy!! He makes you feel like you can do it, you deserve to be beautiful, and you will be. And you really will if you stick to his workout!!

I'm not going into detail what these tapes are I think the previous persons covered that beautifully.

I'm a tall woman with flat butt - no - double butt. Cheeks under my checks. For those with this problem you know exactly what I mean.

I used only the instructional for two days. Now the basic for 3 wks. My hats off to the instructor. I'm now double-butt-less.

The workout was great! I myself am already thin but, since graduating High school I've been pretty lazy. I use to do alot of cheerleading, Dance and Pom-pon which are all great full-body workouts. However none of them compare to Taebo in means of toning I've felt a difference within 2 weeks. I've been doing this for a month now and this is the first workout I have stuck to longer than 2 days. The music sucks but, I just turn the T.v. down and jam to my radio. I give Taebo an A+++++

I've done a million workout videos - once. I've done TaeBo a bunch of times now ( lost count already!) and I think it's fantastic. High energy, though not always killer, and fun. I, unlike some other reviewers, really liked the fact that the tapes are no-frills, basic stuff (Hey, this is about the workout, not the soundstage, right?). The workouts keep me interested in coming back since I have so much fun doing them, and while some other videos may have me sweating a bit more, or aching more the next day, I think having fun will keep me coming back to TaeBo - and consistency is what gets the results. Cheers to Billy for a job well done.

I am a college student and i use the Advanced video of Tae-bo. i am not a fitness guru but i am no slouch in the gym. i found this video to be extrememly challenging. i sweat like a mad dogg. my abs have never felt so tight and my bum is hard like it was when he touched that girls in the video. Also, i love the pregnant woman ab excercise...i scream like i am going into labor, not that i have ever given but i'd imagine it would hurt this much. my friends and i do it everyday and we better see results real soon since bikini season is right around the corner...so billy if you see four angry 19 year olds running after you...your video didn't work. but so far..i love you mr. tae-bo!!! you are my daddy!!

I'm surprised to find so many great reviews of this. I am sorry that I blew $40 on the instructional and basic tapes. I'm letting my neighbor use it now so she can avoid the same mistake. After that I'll give it away or give it to the library so people can try it before wasting their money.

The production quality (set, music, lighting, clothing) was poor in my opinion. I prefer fancy sets (or at least a beach!) and good music. I thought the music was silly. The intermittent strobe lights were also silly. All-in-all, it made me laugh, and I could only do it about twice before getting it out of my house! The workout did make me sweat and breathe heavily, though. I felt unsafe about several of the moves (the warmup, the fast kicks, the abrupt cooldown.) I knew I didn't care for "boxing" type exercises, but saw Tae Bo featured on so many of my favorite health TV shows (including Rosie O'Donnel show), that I was compelled to get it out of curiosity.

I'm glad that some people like it, though. Give me yoga or ballet or t'ai chi any day over this!

I've only been doing the video for 4 days now but I definitely can feel the difference. I can feel muscles that I didn't know existed. And I look forward to doing the tape now. It's such a fun workout, and the 27 minutes just seem to fly by! And since I'm a college student, this is the perfect length. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to be fit!! *_*

I personally really like the videos. I purchased the two tapes which included the instructional and basic for $40. I am what most of the reviewers call a beginner. This is my second week using the Tae bo video and I see a difference in my waist and abds. I know many critics will try to tear this video to pieces but this is the only video that builds up your confidence with your body. Everyone knows if your mind is not condition the rest is absolete. I will continue to do the basic video 6-7 days a week every morning and will be looking forward to more Tae bo videos in the near future!!!!

I teach kickboxing so when I saw the infomercial, I was pretty excited thinking the videos would be a great reference for me. Luckily, I didn't have to spend my savings on the video, and I watched a friend's. I was surprised when he demonstrated a jab as always going across the body (has he ever watched a boxing match?). Also, his hook and uppercut are over-reached. These punches should be kept closer to the body with the momentum coming from the shoulder, back and torso, not an open swinging arm. When he started kicking, again, I was surprised that his "roundhouse" was nothing more than a side kick. It also seemed that all of the women in his class led their kicks by sticking their butts out to the side first. It is just weird form. I don't even need to mention the lack of warm-up/cool-down, or those Jane Fonda donkey kicks and fire hydrants. I smell a back injury! Because of my training, I can modify the video and get a pretty good workout but it is too dangerous for the average or unknowing viewer. If you ask me, go to your local gym and take a kickboxing class. You won't get bored or a back injury.

I teach kickboxing so when I saw the infomercial, I was pretty excited thinking the videos would be a great reference for me. Luckily, I didn't have to spend my savings on the video, and I watched a friend's. I was surprised when he demonstrated a jab as always going across the body (has he ever watched a boxing match?). Also, his hook and uppercut are over-reached. These punches should be kept closer to the body with the momentum coming from the shoulder, back and torso, not an open swinging arm. When he started kicking, again, I was surprised that his "roundhouse" was nothing more than a side kick. It also seemed that all of the women in his class led their kicks by sticking their butts out to the side first. It is just weird form. I don't even need to mention the lack of warm-up/cool-down, or those Jane Fonda donkey kicks and fire hydrants. I smell a back injury! Because of my training, I can modify the video and get a pretty good workout but it is too dangerous for the average or unknowing viewer. If you ask me, go to your local gym and take a kickboxing class. You won't get bored or a back injury.

Great! I am also a Power Kicks fan, and I like (love!) both of these equally well. Tae Bo Advanced contains both an aerobic workout and a tough floor workout for legs and abs. The floor work is harder than the leg work in Power Kicks. I have a problem with the kneeling leg getting tired while the other one is working, but I'm getting used to it.

Billy shows great form. He executes the moves with such ease. And no, the counting doesn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, I like it. I usually count along with them -- it reminds me of a live class atmosphere.

Some reviewers have commented on unequal working of the sides. There is so little of that, that I don't think it's even worth mentioning. I doubt that I'd have even noticed if I hadn't read about it here.

Billy's daughter, Shellie, is also in this video. If you saw the recent pictures of her in Fitness magazine -- let me tell you, those pictures don't do her justice. She is one tough, awe-inspiring lady. She's just as good as her dad, kicking and punching so perfectly and easily. I watch her a lot during the video, maybe more than I watch Billy. (She's not in the Basic workout, and I missed her!)

I know this review is just a mish-mash of various thoughts, but since it's been reviewed numerous times before now, I don't need to repeat what everyone else has said. I'll just give it my grade: A++!

Great! I am also a Power Kicks fan, and I like (love!) both of these equally well. Tae Bo Advanced contains both an aerobic workout and a tough floor workout for legs and abs. The floor work is harder than the leg work in Power Kicks. I have a problem with the kneeling leg getting tired while the other one is working, but I'm getting used to it. Billy shows great form. He executes the moves with such ease. And no, the counting doesn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, I like it. I usually count along with them -- it reminds me of a live class atmosphere. Some reviewers have commented on unequal working of the sides. There is so little of that, that I don't think it's even worth mentioning. I doubt that I'd have even noticed if I hadn't read about it here. Billy's daughter, Shellie, is also in this video. If you saw the recent pictures of her in Fitness magazine -- let me tell you, those pictures don't do her justice. She is one tough, awe-inspiring lady. She's just as good as her dad, kicking and punching so perfectly and easily. I watch her a lot during the video, maybe more than I watch Billy. (She's not in the Basic workout, and I missed her!) I know this review is just a mish-mash of various thoughts, but since it's been reviewed numerous times before now, I don't need to repeat what everyone else has said. I'll just give it my grade: A++!

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.

I have just started the work out and I am already hooked. As a women this type of excersising makes me feel stronger and safer in situations when I am alone. I have learned how to punch and kick and that will help me god forrbid I incounter any need to use it. I also like the fact that you can go at your own pace. When he instructs you to do double time , just go normal if you cant handle the vigoris steps. The people in the video are of all ages, races,shapes, and sizes. My church has started a class 2 nights a week and the people are just pouring in because the workout is so fun and benificial to a healthier lifstyle. I would incourage everyone to give it a try, what do they have to loose ( a few pounds).

I am a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Physical Therapist, and I LOVED Tae Bo!! I have a great time! BUT, I am extremely disappointed that the video was made so poorly. The repetitions are very unequal, the tempo varies from right to left, and the more you watch it, the more mistakes that you will find. I understand tha t mistakes happen, but----to massively sell these videos with these kind of crucial mistakes blows my mind!!! You could do 4 sets of 8 on the left leg, and then 2 sets of 8 on the right!!! For beginner exercisers, for which I feel this video series is targeted for---IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!!! Please consider making updated videos that are correct in form, reps, and tempo. Thank you!

There are only about two or three of the people working with B.B. in the video, that are actually doing the moves correctly. I watch the thin girl in the blue outfit, and the young girl in the front with the bobbed hairstyle (she kicks very high).

My goal like I said, was to do each move as accurately as possible. I went very slowly. I have been doing Tae Bo for about three months now, and I have still only done the first two tapes.

Yet.... I have had major results. My abdomen is a lot more toned, and I even see some chiseling. How?

I found his music boring. So I created my own 45 min routine using my CD-ROM changer. I do one move after another, dicated by the song. I only have brief 10 sec breaks during this time. I took the different moves from the two videos, and created sort of a dance routine- with multiple reps to the point where the involved muscles are aching. As he always advises, contract your abdomen with each move. One of the CDs from which I use at least three songs is C & C Music Factory. I prefer their music because it is very up-beat, motivating, and the individ. songs are very long. For example, 'Gonna make you sweat"

It's a great work-out program. I think that I have master the moves (in at least the first two videos), better than some of the people in his marketing show. And I definitely have results.

I'm not in a rush to go to the advanced video yet. At some point, I'll have to vary my routine, because my body will have adapted to my current workout. That's when I'll move on.

To those not seeing results, remember, proper eating is very important, and consider incorporating a couple of days of week of weight training. Muscle burns fat even when you're not working out. I do Tae Bo twice a week. Treadmill/Stat. Bike twice a week, and Weight training twice a week.

I watched the instructional tape just to see what it was about. I have been doing some cardiokicking boxing at my gym so none of the moves were new to me. I felt pretty comfortable that I could do the tapes without further instruction.

The basic tape was not at all what I expected. I was a little disappointed because the workout was very short. I didn't get the good sweat that I had expected from Tae Bo. So, I added the 8 minute tape and that was a sufficient workout. The warmup and stretching at the beginning were very short as well. I did not however, twist my neck at the break neck speed that Billy Blanks was suggesting. I took into consideration that he is a martial arts expert not an aerobic instructor so I always exercised common sense when doing the various "exercises" of which I wasn't completely sure of their safety.

The advanced workout.......I felt like I had died and gone to (not heaven). This was the hardest exercise video I had ever done in my whole life and I loved it. I had to drag myself to the couch after I completed the hour long advanced workout. Again, some of the exercise had questionable safety, but overall it had my body feeling like I had really done something. I will only do the advanced workout from here on out. My ability to perform higher kicks and to maintain my balance for longer periods of time will be excellent measures of my improving physical condition. The only bad thing I can say about the advanced workout is that the morning after my body felt like I had been sleeping on a bed of rocks. My body hurt in places that I didn't even know I had muscles.

This video is an excellent example of an intermediate to advanced video. I am an Aerobic Instructor & Conditioning Specialist. The moves are fun & exciting. I have a great time with each workout I do. However, I feel that this workout could very well be toned down and taught in a slower pace to accomodate the people who are new to exercising or are older and need a slower pace. Billy Blanks tells you to go at your own pace yet sets the pace too high for a beginner. The advanced is really too fast and risk of injury is very high unless you are very accomplished in Tae-Bo. I have many people ask my opinion of Tae-Bo and I tell them that if you are experienced in aerobics or Martial Arts, then purchase the tapes. Otherwise invest in a class to see if they can tolerate the pace & the moves before they purchase the tapes.Perhaps Billy Blanks will come out with a Beginner workout to accomodate all the people that want to receive the great benefits this workout has to offer without becoming discourged with trying to keep up with the fast pace. Again, I personally love the workout for myself.

I have always worked out at home, I'm not a gym person and have quite a large and diverse collection of tapes. I was hugely dissappointed in these tapes. I still do them because it is the one workout I can do with my husband, who has a black belt in karate. The instructional tape was good, but really you will only do it once or twice - MAX. The Basic is my favorite one, but way too short if you are the least bit fit. I then tried the Advanced and literally felt nauseous. There is a huge gap between beginner and advanced. The basic does not come close to preparing you for the advanced. You would have to be able to do the basic at least 3 times in a row to be able to move to the advanced and frankly I wouldn't do it because doing the basic three times would be...boring. The only way I see of making the transition from basic to advanced is to start with the basic (it has a good warm up) then stop it just before the cooldown, put the advanced in when you are already really warm and ready to go. Everyday we try doing just one more section and eventually get through the whole thing, then we go back to the basic cooldown. I would skip the floor work and stick to some good basic weight lifting/pushup type tape to finish off. Even if you always do the basic and advanced to the end you are still only getting about 40 mintues of cardio, which is average, then every second day, so weight lifting for 20 minutes (I usually use Kathy Smith). As good as TaeBo is for your whole body, I don't think it can replace weight bearing exercises to build bone density which is very important for women coming into menopause. I think it's a lot of money for really one or two tapes. Especially if you are Canadian, we pay over $100 for the set and at $50/tape, it's a bit pricey.

When I first got Tae Bo and did the basic tape, I didn't understand what all the excitement was about or why everyone seemed to LOVE this video set. It annoyed me that Billy did everything opposite and his nipples peeking out of his bright blue spandex suit were over the top for me. ha! HOWEVER, I recently decided to give Tae Bo another try. I did the basic tape about three times a week for 2 or 3 weeks, and I found myself enjoying it more and more every time. I think part of the reason I didn't like it initially is because I didn't have the leg strength to do some of the work! It is very intense.

I must admit that I have grown to enjoy Billy's teaching, even with the mistakes, and look forward to his motivational words.

Yesterday, I did Tae Bo Advanced for the first time. I had completed the entire basic tape a few times and decided I was ready for a larger challenge. Whew, am I sore!!!! The Advanced workout was difficult, but I had no idea I would feel like this the next day! It is testiment that this workout really is TOTAL body! From my head to my toes, I am totally sore -- back, shoulders, arms, butt, inner and outer thighs, etc.

Overall, I really am enjoying Tae Bo these days. It is an excellent workout and is challenging because of all the muscles that go into completing each move. I would definetly recommend the set and am considering buying the new tapes (so expensive!!) :)

When I first got Tae Bo and did the basic tape, I didn't understand what all the excitement was about or why everyone seemed to LOVE this video set. It annoyed me that Billy did everything opposite and his nipples peeking out of his bright blue spandex suit were over the top for me. ha! HOWEVER, I recently decided to give Tae Bo another try. I did the basic tape about three times a week for 2 or 3 weeks, and I found myself enjoying it more and more every time. I think part of the reason I didn't like it initially is because I didn't have the leg strength to do some of the work! It is very intense.
I must admit that I have grown to enjoy Billy's teaching, even with the mistakes, and look forward to his motivational words.
Yesterday, I did Tae Bo Advanced for the first time. I had completed the entire basic tape a few times and decided I was ready for a larger challenge. Whew, am I sore!!!! The Advanced workout was difficult, but I had no idea I would feel like this the next day! It is testiment that this workout really is TOTAL body! From my head to my toes, I am totally sore -- back, shoulders, arms, butt, inner and outer thighs, etc.
Overall, I really am enjoying Tae Bo these days. It is an excellent workout and is challenging because of all the muscles that go into completing each move. I would definetly recommend the set and am considering buying the new tapes (so expensive!!) :)

I'm only on the first level, but it's truly the first video that I've ever been motivated to do more than a couple of times. I think that the movements are very impowering, and though I've not been at it for more than about a month, I do feel more balanced, energized and as though I'm doing something beneficial for myself.

Wonderful -- Obviously, its no comparison to working out at the studio in LA -- but the tapes are wonderful. You will see results from doing them. The challenge me physically as well as mentally and if you want results you will see them. I have lost 60 pounds and I am a whole new person because of Billy Blanks. I read a lot of the comments that people wrote -- the negative comments are obviously from people who dont want to challenge themselves physically. Tae - Bo is awsome!!!

Music could be a little better. I would like to see a small part of the tape, toward the end, that would have some of his success stories. And the fact that some of the choriagrophy is not in sink, just makes me believe him that much more.

Loved the tapes have used them 5 times and plan on using them for a while. If you are unsure yourself please rent them from Blockbuster video before you buy. Thats what I did and now I know exactly what I'm buying. Remmember no workout tape will please everyone we are all on different levels if this tape works for you than do it do it you have everything to gain and nothing to loose. Good Luck

Overall, the workout is a good one. I find the production quality to be on the low side however. There are many mistakes in counting, some of the participants make obvious mistakes in the routine and the sound quality isn't great.

While I enjoy the overall experience, I am glad that I didn't spend $60 on this set. Go for the cheaper versions available.

I'm very pleased with my purchase of "Taebo". I love the 8 minute workout the most, especially when time is short. I've noticed alot of focus is on the arms. I use light arm weights with all the punching, just for that extra resistence. The music is great, yet poor choice of outfits. I wonder who Billy's advisor was on those leg warmers and that blue unitard. Hopefully, I start seeing a difference in my abs and arms.

I was able to purchase the videos in a 2-tape set (instructional and basic) for $38 with a coupon inside for a free 8 minute workout tape (totally bypassing the advanced workout),which, from what I've read on this board, I should be happy about!

I'm not in great shape by any means, and find that the basic workout tape really works for me and for my own personal plan I think if I just do the basic workout and add the 8 minute workout tape to the basic I should get a good advanced workout when I'm ready for that point.

I really enjoy the tapes and love the option to buy the two at an affordable price.

I have been an Aerobic instructor for nearly 5 years and last weekend I became "certified" to teach kickboxing. I visited Billy's gym in Sherman Oaks in February to confirm my thoughts about the workout. The videos are less intense than the live workout. He really scaled it down to bring it to the masses. In the studio, the cardio workout is 45-50 minutes.

As for the videos, I alternate the Basic and the Advanced. I still use the Basic to improve my form. The slow speed allows me to concentrate on my punches and kicks.

The advanced tape is becoming manageable. I've added additional reps to even out Billy's cueing. Here's the AMAZING part: I own at least 40 videos and I get bored easily - - I am not bored with TaeBo. I have been doing this workout since the beginning of Nov. I own Stephanie Steele and Lisa Gaylord's tape. I have done them 2-3 since owning TaeBo.

I love the way my abs have responded to Billy's kickboxing workout. I have suspended my tummy tuck savings plan. Step will never do this for you. I have dropped a size without changing my eating habits. I feel great.

As others have mentioned, there are problems with his cueing and counting. Those problems are not as evident in a live class. I'm sure that future videos will be smoother. Just as The Firm and CIA improved with time.

I would say I am the average couch potato. And, I have tried many tapes over the last 10 years; only to discard them or trade them.

I think instructors need to learn from BB about : 1) passion for your endeavor 2) interest in the consumer 3) and leader- ship through your motivational style.

There has been absolutely too much emphasis on beautiful graphics, beautiful studios and beautiful people in the exercise field. People want to be motivated by someone who seems interested in their subject and in the consumer first.

So I say, learn from BB how you can make a better presentation and forget the phony lovely perfect presentation. Remember Jack LaLane of the 50's; he had that star quality to motivate and yet there was no phoney outfits and stages.

As far as instructions: well anyone exercising should have the common sense to go to a dr and take a proactive stance to learn about their body and limitations. I don't care what exercise program I use; I do only what my body is capable of doing comfortably.

People in this society need to learn to question all authority;You can't take an exercise tape and do "all" of the moves just because the instructor says so. This is true of anything in life; you need to learn about developing your own style.

In sum, I have found the tape to be the "absolute best" in that it keeps me coming back for more and the more fit I get the more workout I get from focusing on my form and working out at my own pace.

So, if you are reading this and you are not a fitness fanatic, I recommend you do only the exercises which seem doable and work at a pace you're comfortable with. And periodically review the instructional tape to make sure you are doing the moves correctly and trust your intuition when it comes to the stretches and do some of your own individually designed stretches.

I was so excited to get Tae Bo, but very disappointed when I actually tried it. I was really hoping for a challenging aerobic workout, which the commercial seems to portray, but the advanced tape was only moderately difficult. I am only an intermediate aerobic exerciser, but it just wasn't very hard. Maybe it had to do with my background in karate, but I just don't think Tae Bo is all that it's cracked up to be.

I think I'll stick to Kathy Smith's Aerobox when I want a real challenge.

I just recieved taeboe about a week ago, and have been doing it every day. I have already did the workout with alot of friends, and now they bought it. It really makes your heart pump, and gets the blood moving. After a week I already see results. My body feels tighter, and I feel stronger.I have been working out for 5 years, and I finially found what I need to get results.I think that all the punching and kicking is fun.I think the choreography is easy to follow.I can't talk enough about it.I look forward to do the work out everyday, no other video has done that for me.

Believe me it's the best you won't regret buying it.

I have been working out since I was 19 and I am going on 45. I am going on my third grandchild, and I don't think I am ready to slow down, yet!! I started out jogging, aerobics, running ( 4 miles ), free weights, & a lot of home workout tapes, starting with Jane Fonda, Kathy Smith, Cher, Jen Miller, Kelli Roberts, The Firm, (which I still do), and NOW THE BILLY BLANKS TAPE!! I don't have it, yet, but I did this tape this weekend with my sister, LOVED IT!! I am going to buy this tape this week. Can't wait to get started!! Thank you Billy Blanks for being so inspirational !!!

I borrowed the set the first time I used it, and ordered it that night. I am a professed non-exerciser and hate almost all things that get my heart rate up. EXCEPT this.

I have done all of the tapes and look forward to sweating my butt off every night. His instructional video is the best. It took me two or three times to get the moves down, but once I did there was no stopping the VCR. This is the only tape that I would recommend to any of my non-exerciser friends.

The motivational nature of the tapes is well worth the money.

I was so excited to get this video but in the end was very disappointed. I wanted to do something that was a tough workout but not step. The instructional video just broke down the moves, the basic video didn't even get my heart rate up, and the advanced video barely got me sweating. I was hoping it'd be really tough but to me it wasn't. I was bored from the constant repetitions. Maybe if you're a beginning or moderate exerciser, it'd work for you, but it was a waste of time and money for me (I did return it). Grade: D