Average Rating: 
Rating:  - 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!
Rating: - Great stress relief, FUN, and surprisingly simple!
Three months ago, I caught my boyfriend of 1.5 years sleeping with another woman... Yes, I dumped him big-time! :) Anyway, I was very angry, very hurt, very down on myself. My best friend comes over after about 3 weeks of listening to me whine, hands me a box with the 4-pack in it, and simply says, "Imagine his face while doing these tapes." I thought it funny at the time, but about 3 days later, I opened up the tapes, popped one in, and yes, despite myself, I started imagining his cheating face as I practiced the punching and kicking moves. Within a few minutes, I was laughing my heart out and having FUN. Who would have ever thought a WORKOUT tape would be SO MUCH FUN, not to mention help me work out (no pun intended!) my anger and pain? Here it is three months later, I've used these tapes SO MUCH! I have found NOTHING in my life as effective for stress and other emotional relief as these tapes :) I haven't lost a lot of weight - about 7 pounds - but I *have* lost NINE INCHES from around my waist, gone from wearing large leggings and t-shirts to small leggings and medium t-shirts (could fit small t-shirts but I like em baggy)... and I no longer am hurting and angry at the cheating idiot ... I've even started dating again :) With much more self-confidence, a body I'm becoming VERY proud of, and tapes that I throw in anytime life gets me down. Now, if only I could quit smoking... *sigh*...
Rating: - 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!
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