Tae Bo revolutionized the way people thought about working out at home, and could be credited as starting the trend towards more extreme training from your living room. But was it just a workout fad or was there something to all of that punching and kicking?
Overview
These days it seems it’s all about pushing yourself past your limits, and Billy Blanks was one of the first fitness instructors that added an element of fighting and boot camp style training rather than the typical aerobics and other fitness programs that were the norm.
Today people are using programs that are meant for elite athletes, MMA fighters, and more in order to get that perfect lean body. But back in the day it was more about getting in general shape, losing weight, and feeling quicker and more agile. It’s all about matching yourself up to the program that’s best suited to you.
The Claim
Blanks claimed that his Tae Bo program would help you lose weight, get fit, and have fun while doing it. He’s since revamped the program a few times, and these upgraded systems are still being sold. Perhaps the most popular is the PT24/7, which takes some of the fundamental moves from Tae Bo and incorporates them into a more modern workout.
The Hype
When this first came out it was all the rage, and it was the workout that everyone was talking about. It’s not hard to see why since it was pretty revolutionary for its day. These days most of the hype has died down with programs like P90X and Insanity taking over the airwaves dominating the at-home fitness niche. But Billy is still selling his videos and using his brand recognition to try to get people interested in some of his newer releases.
The Cost
You can get some of the Tae Bo videos for $8, but if you want the classic version it’s $15. There’s also a combination pack that gets you many of the titles for $45. When you consider the cost of going to a gym, or buying a gadget to get fit, the prices seem pretty reasonable. Even some of the more popular DVD programs out there can be well over $100, but usually come with some sort of workout equipment, charts, nutrition guides, and more to justify the higher cost.
The Commitment
The premise of at-home workouts is that you’re removing all of the roadblocks to staying committed. Regardless of the weather you can pop in the DVD, hit play, and get to work. Even though this involves taking away a lot of excuses, it still doesn’t make it foolproof, and many people have unused workout programs and fitness equipment collecting dust in the attic. That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure that you have a strong desire to stay with this, and have proven to be able to motivate yourself to keep going when it comes to working out.
Evaluation
Tae Bo wasn’t just a super-craze, it actually worked, which only fueled its sales further and caused a positive buzz. There are now so many incarnations being offered that you can tailor it to your own goals and choose what makes the most sense. If you ever get bored with the classic version there are upgrades to keep you challenged, while staying within the boundaries of what you’re familiar with. Keeping the body and muscles guessing is a good thing, and you don’t want to become stagnant or hit a plateau because you’re doing the same thing over and over again. Always try to be expanding your abilities.
Unlike a treadmill or stationary bike this isn’t something that you can hop on and then watch your favorite TV program or read a magazine while you’re working out. It’s going to require your attention and involvement and you’re going to have to get over the learning curve if you’re not used to exercising in this manner. It might require starting off with a program that’s a little less intense so that you can build up to it. It’s still a bit fast paced, but not as grueling as some other programs like Asylum.
At-Home Workouts
To find out if you’re the type of person that can stick with an at-home workout, try starting your own and see how long you can keep it up. For example, you might make the decision to do a certain number of push-ups and sit-ups each day, or every other day. If you can keep that promise to yourself for a few weeks, you’ll probably have pretty good luck with an at-home DVD program. Also make sure that you have the space and the privacy if you don’t like working out in front of people. These are the main things that trip people up with at-home systems.
Final Tae Bo Review
If you put the work in, the Tae Bo system can provide results, and many people have lost weight with it and transformed their bodies. It’s a good idea to check out some of the free videos available online so that you can see Billy Blanks’ training style and see if it’s a match to the way you like to be taught. You can even try it out with these videos to see how well you can stick with it, and then go for the full program when you want something more structured.
Our Recommendation
Any fitness program will yield better results if you follow a healthy eating program while on it. If you’re still having trouble getting your eating under control, it might be smart to start with that first before trying to get motivated and get enough energy gathered up for exercise. Diet plays such a big part in the way you feel that it’s harder to start exercising if you’re still keeping up with bad eating habits. It’s counterproductive and can be demotivating. Try eating right for a few weeks and you’ll notice that you have more energy and desire to work out.
Soo…I’ve been having an affair (aiming for marriage) with his workout DVD set for over 15years. Can’t really complain as it does what it says and gets me back in shape the quickest. My only one fault with his new DVD’s (not the original) or should I say a piece of advice for those doing his new workouts is…Do not follow his countdowns while working-out as it will only end up frustrating you, especially when he keeps rigging the numbers to add another layer or two after claiming it to be the final round! (I can hear the screams in the background and the one my butt cheeks have to keep making to remind him its too much). Long story short, create your own countdown and you will reach that finish line peacefully (with a smile and not a frown).
I like many others started using taebo about 17 years ago, I’d just had my 2nd child and taebo challenged my body in such a way that I was back to my pre pregnancy weight in just 3 months. I joined a gym and started lifting weights to get really toned and long story short, I’ve lost my excitement for fitness and gained a lot of weight in the process. I gave my workout history some thought and remembered how much I LOVED Taebo and decided to look up some taebo videos on YouTube about 2 weeks ago, I’m so glad I did. Now I’m actually excited to work out again & im sure I’ll see results soon enough, I’m just happy that I’ve rekindled with a workout that I actually enjoy. Another thing that I really like is that taebo gives me a lot of steps on my Fitbit 😊
I love these workouts and still do. I first tried doing them in 1998, and the results were excellent. 20 years later and I am now 41, I still see the results. Not boring at all.
Yes. Billy is a legend for a reason. Do one of his workouts everyday -pick one that’s 20 minutes) for a week and you’ll love how it makes you feel. You’ll probably enjoy doing it too. This article is correct- you may have trouble understanding one or two of the moves the first time you watch but as you do these workouts, you really learn tae bo. Also it will actually transform your body and you’ll recognize it- very rewarding. Also I think , as a woman, this gives you your best looking results because it slims you right down and tones all over. Good luck!
I too first began working out to Billy Blanks about 15 years ago. It not only worked on my body, but vastly improved my self esteem. Many personal and physical issues later I’m back up to 170lbs, so not a good look on a 5ft tall frame. So I’m back, and only on day 2 but already starting to feel better! It’s truly awesome, and the best part? No two or three thousand dollar machine that will inevitably become a clothes rack! 🙋🏽♀️
I lost a lot of weight and got in shape with the workouts from Billy Blanks. They really do work and for me personally, they were the best because in a video he always changed the moves, there were no intervals like in other workout which really bored me. Billy manages to make the videos fun and entertaining.
It works. And If U look, So many other programs have copied off Billy.
I started doing Tae Bo in 1998 as a 280 pound man I dropped down to 196 pounds within a year. Every time I gained weight I would use taebo as a go to exercise to lose it again now I am NOT smoking I am NOT drinking I am eating better. Tae Bo helps my breath control. Props to Billy
I love the moves, the music and the personality of the trainer, Billy Blanks. It’s fun, energising and working. Everybody can adapt to the programme. It’s also easily available. I love it.
I love it, I love it,i Iove it.it really works
I used TaeBo to get in shape after I had my first child (she is now 15). 3 more kids later, I find myself way more out of shape than I was at that point in my life and I have recently repurchased some Taebo videos. When I purchased the 1st time, there was one VHS tape with 3 workouts on it (if I remember correctly). Now I don’t even think I can count all the videos available, many of which can be viewed via youTube. It worked for me the first time around, and I’m sure as long as I can keep my toddler from grabbing my legs as I work out, it will work great this time too.
Reading this review makes me regret selling my Tae Bo video set a couple years ago. At the time, I was looking for something new and fresh (and a few bucks) but now I’m thinking I’ll go back to this awesome fitness program. I loved the videos – they were fun, energizing, and a challenge, without being too complicated and hard to follow. I love Billy Blanks….his personality is strong and charismatic – not annoying like so many video trainers. If there’s one thing for sure, this program works! And, like I said, I think I’ll be popping over to Amazon.com to check out the DVD’s so I can get back to it.
Tae Bo’s pretty awesome actually and although I can’t say that you might like it, I can tell you for sure that I love it. You get great workout out of it and it’s really fun. You might want to get some friends into it though, because it eventually becomes somewhat repetitive and it’s great if you can do it with friends. It adds to the competitiveness and just working out in a group is a lot more energizing.
If I’m not mistaken the first time I watched a tae bo video was like 15 years ago lol and yet it is still in the market and it is as hot as ever. If a product’s been around this long than it could only mean one thing, it works. It’s cheap and you don’t need any equipments, I don’t see why I shouldn’t give it a try.