Rating: - Gets RESULTS! Offers everything it promises!
I bought this set back in 1999, reluctantly. I had never found a good exercise video and was getting the four pack hoping that at least ONE would be good. Well, it's 2006 and I am still doing Tae Bo. I have expanded my collection of videos (and DVDs now) but I still love the originals! Billy is an extremely motivational instructor, and you really feel the vibe of the people in the videos. It pushes you to reach out and grab that little something extra, and when you do and you reach the goal, WOW, it feels AMAZING!

I can't afford costly gym memberships with two babies at home, nor can I find the time to go. Tae Bo gives me what a gym membership NEVER could! No weights required, no equipment to use, no worrying about other people watching you workout, haha. Within weeks, my body was toning up and shaping up in ways I never imagined. I love my Tae Bo body! Right after having my first and second babies, I got right back into Tae Bo at 5 weeks after their births and had my abs back in no time at all!

These workouts are not for someone just looking for a mild aerobic benefit. Tae Bo is for people seeking an exciting workout that WILL keep you motivated. Billy talks you through the whole thing, it's like he's right there on your shoulder coaching you along, and it is so motivating! Try it and you will be hooked. Not a program for the meek, but not too much to handle either. It is fabulous, wonderful, I just can't say enough! Hey, it's kept my interest for SEVEN YEARS! If you're willing to work hard and sweat, if you enjoy incorporating martial arts into an upbeat full-body workout that targets *every* spot you worry about, you have found your pot of gold here! You want that bathing suit? Tae Bo will get ya ready for it!

Rating: - Easy to follow & great workout
I'm not fond of exercising, so I'm not in great shape. But these tapes continue to be the only ones that I consistently go back too.

Why?

When you are doing the motions, he stresses doing them correctly, without "over" stressing or over explaining. He tries to get across the importance of keeping your muscles tightened, while doing the exercises for maximum benefit.

Easy motions. Easy to follow. I stick with the basic tape and resort to walking when I feel too tired. There's no need to do all the reps if you need a break. It's easy to jump back in and pick up again at any time.

It's short. In under a half hour you get warmed up, exercise and cool down. Sometime in there you gain a little confidence, even energy and feel like you are ready to take on the world again.

Cool video.

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Rating: - Whoa!
I ordered my first set of Taebo tapes when Billy Blanks' first infomercial came out. I started out with the Instructional tape; it is kind of tedious but necessary in order to get the moves down pat. I then started with the Basic workout, which was fun. One day I decided I was going to try the Advanced workout, but when I took one look at how fast Mr Blanks and everyone else was moving in the warmup; I sat down with my mouth hangin' open & thought "Billy Blanks is truly out of his mind," then did the Basic. Next time I actually did the Advanced, and.....GOOD GRACIOUS ALIVE!!!! I was sore & achin' right down to my toes! But know what? It was still FUN! My tummy went down in no time flat after doing the workout a few times, every time I do Taebo I feel so energized; then at night I sleep like a rock! Mr Blanks is such an inspirational person with a beautiful spirit. You can tell his heart is in this.

And for those who have complained about his workouts being unsafe, the instructional video is to teach the correct techniques so that you don't hurt yourself, so if you don't take the time to learn what you're supposed to then you only have yourself to blame....Billy explicitly states in that video to listen to everything he has to tell you...my advice is this: don't be hardheaded...practice the instructional tape; it contains advice that is absolutely necessary to heed!

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Rating: - Potentially unsafe
I'm a bit overweight, and bought this looking for an in-home exercise routine to help me burn some calories and shape up. A couple of times through the instructional workout and I had joint and back injuries. Research followed, and I have found page after page of people describing similar injuries as a result of the poor instruction and pacing.

This tidbit stood out: "the American Council on Exercise... ...advises that potential Tae Bo users should achieve a solid fitness foundation before beginning their workouts as even basic classes or videos require above average endurance, flexibility, and strength."

In other words, these videos are potentially unsafe for anybody who isn't already in fairly good shape, or for anybody supporting extra weight on their joints. Of course, it doesn't say that on the box or in the ads.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go put more ice on my knee.

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Rating: - I have had a hard time with these programs
The strengths are in the casting, the participants are not eye candy. Risky move.

He represents an age range between 18 and 45; we see both genders, people who represent the many lifestyles and etnic groups present in contemporary North America. This is an inclusive program.

If you want to look at cute people and a fashion parade, this is not the approach for you.

I think Billy Blanks is sincere with his program, but he is not a very good instructor. This system has been brilliantly marketed to ''everybody'' but his choreography is too complicated and detailed. He moves way too fast, and offers poor explanations of what is going on.

If you want a good workout, less is more. I am very coordinated, and I have almost tripped and pulled muscles. Sometimes his models get tangled up.

I don't suggest throwing out Tai Bo; I think it is a very good program if you have better initial instruction. I was quite impressed with another program called ''tai fit,'' the leader, Lawrence, is a much better instructor. There are a lot of kickboxing-kind-of-things out there, keep practicing.