Search - Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo Cardio on DVD

Stacy R. from MARIETTA, GA
Reviewed on 7/8/2008...

I'd definitely put this in the beginner category. For those who are in decent shape, this video probably isn't going to be a workout, unless you want something just to get you moving and into the groove of exercising again. It's pretty low impact, good for my bad knees, ankles, etc. :), but does require some twists and turns that might be harder for people with bad backs. As with all of the Tae Bo videos, there are a lot of issues with which side you're supposed to be doing. Unless you find Billy particularly inspirational, it's probably easier to follow if you mute it and just mirror the video. You get better music that way, too!

5 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.

Great intermediate workout

Sundari | San Francisco, CA | 03/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tae Bo Cardio is probably the best Tae Bo workout DVD I've done thus far - and having done the classic, live, and get ripped series, that's saying something.What makes this Tae Bo DVD such a great buy is the greater attention to proper warm-up and cool-down, including ramping up the exercises gradually, instead of throwing you immediately into high-intensity moves that could cause injury or strain. There's also more of a focus on even movements, more attention paid to proper form, and of course, Billy Blanks's motivational speaking to keep you focused on the workout.It is true that the music is somewhat repetitive (it's a simple hiphop track), but it's simple to fix by turning down the volume and playing your own music. The other benefit of this particular soundtrack is a certain consistency lacking with the other Tae Bo videos. Billy Blanks, unfortunately, still has trouble making calls for the television audience, so you have to reverse the cues if you want to mirror the workout on screen. Also, if you're looking for an extremely intense workout, you won't find it here, unless you're a beginner (in which case, it will be intense).This 40-minute workout is great for a beginner or intermediate exerciser. For the beginner, it will provide a challenging yet balanced cardio workout. For the intermediate level, it will provide a solid workout that will leave you sweating, but not winded. For advanced exercisers, you might want to skip it, but I'd still recommend it as a great, easy workout for you. If you're intermediate-advanced and you want a really good kickboxing-based workout, try the Elite Forces DVDs.The bottom line with this DVD is, you'll get out of it what you put into it. If you put in a lot of energy and movement, flexing your muscles and really putting your heart and focus into it, you will really sweat and have a great time. Like any other workout video, if you just go through the motions, you'll only get a certain amount out of it, and will likely be bored with the soundtrack and annoyed by other less-than-perfect elements (like the directionally-challenged cues)."

What were they thinking with this one: How slow can we go??

D. Couse | United States | 08/31/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Let me preface this whole review by saying I'm a LOYAL Tae-Bo fan and have been with the program since the first infomercial ran and I purchased the 3 tape set. I also was with Tae-Bo through the pay per-view on DirecTv back in 2000 and have continue to purchase the Live series and Get Ripped videos as well.

So imagine my sheer disappointment to give this product 2 stars. Seriously, 2 stars.

My title says it all. This is the SLOWEST Tae-Bo I have ever seen. The original instructional video probably burns more calories than this tape does. This is a rental at best.

So what's wrong with it you ask? Let me tell you.

You spend half the video doing the "butterfly" which is nothing more than shuffling your feet. The first 10 minutes is stretching, the last 12 minutes are cool down and you do that insane "butterfly" the other half of the tape. It isn't until near the end (prior to the cool down) that you actually lift your legs off of the floor.

The music is simply atrocious. It is slow and boring and doesn't get you into the workout at all. What happened to the great days of the Live! series where you actually had songs to work out to?

So before all of you loyal Tae-Bo users give me negative feedback, hear me. I am a loyal user as well and we deserved MUCH better than this."

Favorite

Sundari | 01/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own several Tae Bo DVDs, but I'd have to say this is my favorite for one reason - not once did I have to come to a dead stop and say "oh come ON" because it was just too much and I was practically hyperventilating (and I consider myself in pretty good shape). It keeps you moving and sweating and definitely gets your heart going without being ridiculous. This would be the perfect one to start with if you own none of the others. Or if you find yourself flirting with a near heart attack in the others. I can see where it would not be as challenging for those who are used to the advanced workouts though."