Tae Bo Workout
Tae Bo Workout
Earlier this year, I made the decision that I wanted to get in shape and give myself a better body. I wasn't unhappy with the way I was, but I wanted to tone up a little bit, particularly in my butt and my thighs, but the stomach more than anything. I wanted firm abs. I took to the Internet to look for some fitness DVDs (as I'm too shy, lazy and financially-strapped to get a gym subscription) and came across a little something called Tae Bo.
I can honestly say that these workout routines have changed my life. After the first ten minutes with the first DVD I put in - "Abs and Glutes" - I felt my stomach muscles tightening and knew that it was exactly what I was looking for. Since becoming a loyal student of Tae Bo, I've learned more about it and definitely seen the benefits and results.
If you're looking to lose weight effectively, quickly and healthily, this is something that you'll want to check out. I literally started seeing results almost instantly, and that's no exaggeration. It's the perfect way to burn hundreds of calories in each workout, improve your overall fitness and confidence and, most importantly, HAVE FUN while doing it!
What is Tae Bo?
Tae Bo is an intense aerobic exercise routine made famous by Billy Blanks in the 1990's. Blanks came up with the idea in 1976, taking his experience in boxing and martial arts and combining those techniques with dance elements. Tae Bo was one of the original cardio-boxing exercises to reach commercial success and by 1999 an estimated 1.5 million video sets had been sold.
Tae Bo combines elements of tae kwon do, aerobics and boxing into an intense, full-body workout that will leave you aching for days while getting used to it! The workouts consists of using knee strikes and kicks taken from tae kwon do, and punching techniques and stances associated with traditional boxing. Blanks walks you through each technique to make sure you know that you're doing it correctly, as well as providing solid warm-ups, stretches and cool-downs to ensure you don't hurt yourself.
While some may think of it as outdated, Tae Bo is still popular today and continues to amaze people with the results it brings. Tae Bo is taught in gyms the world over as a way of increasing fitness through techniques and movements as opposed to grappling and fighting that is more commonly associated with martial arts. While the workouts do indeed teach aspects of self-defense, they are not intended for use in combat.
Tae Bo Clips
Here's a video that shows some segments from one of Billy's DVDs, so you can see just what Tae Bo is all about.
Benefits of Tae Bo
Due to its intense and focused nature, Tae Bo is a great way to lose weight and get yourself into shape and it doesn't take long to start see the results. The workouts that Billy teaches are especially effective in toning the muscles of the body, specifically the abs, glutes and thighs. I guarantee after your first workout, you will feel it working almost immediately. I know I did!
Tae Bo is also great for boosting self confidence and awareness in people with its association with martial arts and self-defense. With repeated practice, you will also see improvements in balance, coordination and stamina. As already mentioned, the workouts are intense, so don't worry if you can't make it through a thirty minute workout without stopping. With regular workouts, you will get there, and you'll be glad of it!
The best part of Tae Bo, in my opinion at least, is that it's GREAT FUN! I do it at home alone with my DVDs, but there are many people out there who go to group classes to get fit and have a blast together.
Perhaps one of the best benefits of Tae Bo, especially those who are looking to lose a few pounds, is the fact that a sixty minute Tae Bo workout will burn between 500 and 800 calories. That's almost double what you'd expect to burn from an aerobics class of the same duration!
"This is Tae Bo" Workout
If you want to "try before you buy", here's a 48 minute workout - "This is Tae Bo" - for you to try, so you can see just what you're getting into! Enjoy!!
Where/how do you prefer to exercise?
Do you prefer doing it alone or in a group?
Do I need martial arts experience to succeed with Tae Bo?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I first became interested in Tae Bo because I had trained in karate and kickboxing as a child, so it was something that I had a strong interest in. I'm not a dancer, so Zumba and many other aerobic routines didn't appeal to me at all. The idea of using martial arts as an aerobic exercise and getting fit sounded like the greatest thing in the world to me, especially when I could do it from the comfort of my own home and at my own convenience, and I'm more than glad I decided to give it a shot.
That's my story, however... There are many people out there who get started with Tae Bo who have no martial arts background whatsoever. Anybody can do Tae Bo. The techniques are simple and easy to pick up, especially with the way Billy teaches, and I have several friends who are now strong supporters of Tae Bo and have never taken a single martial arts class in their lives.
Tae Bo Ultimate Collection
Other great Tae Bo workouts
The Ultimate Collection is just one of many Tae Bo DVD sets out there. Below are a few more that you may be interested in.
What equipment will I need?
You don't really need anything to get started, other than the DVDs and comfortable, loose fitting clothing. In some workouts, Billy and his class will use weights or "Billy Bands", but they aren't necessary and you can still achieve results without them. One thing I will suggest to fellow females out there who want to begin, though, is to invest in a good sports bra! It is CRUCIAL! (I found this out the hard way, haha!)
FOR THE LADIES! - Shock Absorber Sports Bra
As stated above, a good sports bra is definitely needed if you are to begin intense workouts such as Tae Bo. Shock Absorber is the brand I would recommend for quality. I'd be lost without mine. They're firm and comfortable, without restricting movement, and there are several that you can choose from.
Are you a fan of the Tae Bo workouts? What other fitness exercises do you do?