2 of 5

Write now Article Tools

"Double Time, Go!" Billy Blanks instructs in a number of his workouts. Blanks is also the creator of the Tae-Bo workout series, which took off in the 1990s. This unique routine mixes cardio, dance, and martial arts moves designed to make you fit: both body and spirit.

Billy Blanks is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has won other important titles in his lifetime. In 1989, he coined his workout routine that he had been teaching in a few classes. The concept really took off after he moved to Los Angeles and several celebrities swore by his program. The workout videos released a few years later gave Tae-Bo even more national attention. This revolutionary series contained four workouts: Beginners, Basic, 8-Minute, and Advanced.

In 2006, Billy Blanks launched the Boot Camp workout series, which took Tae-Bo to the next level, by combining weights and resistance bands with the tried and true moves that have proven to be effective over the years. The Boot Camp series was even used by some of the troops in the military and proved to be a new kind of challenge for them as well!

I have personally done Tae-Bo workouts for the past ten years as part of my regular exercise routines, as my friends will tell you! To help mix it up, there are new workouts that are released all of the time, to keep you challenged. Nothing I have tried compares. There are a number of benefits I have personally experienced as a result of Tae-Bo:

CARDIO

Believe me, your heart rate will go up within minutes of a Tae-Bo workout! With that being said, it is important that you start off slow with a beginner's workout so you don't over-do it. I once had an extremely athletic friend try an advanced workout and he couldn't even make it through! It is a different type of exercise that will really work you!

WEIGHTLOSS

A few years ago, I had a health problem in which I wasn't able to exercise for months and messed up my metabolism. Once I was given the go-ahead to begin working out again, those extra pounds came off in a matter of a few weeks! Better yet, I have kept it off! Tae-Bo has also been effective for women who are trying to get rid of post-pregnancy weight.

STRENGTH AND MUSCLE TONING

When incorporating the weighted resistance bands in the Boot Camp workout, you get the benefit of a strength-building workout at the same time as your cardio workout. Not only does it keep you challenged, but it saves time as well!

SELF-DEFENSE

I know, you're probably laughing and saying to yourself, "How can an exercise routine teach you self defense?" Remember that the core to these workouts is martial arts moves. Not only are you exercising, but you are learning correct techniques for various kicks and punches, as well as proper coordination. Thankfully, I haven't had to defend myself in such a matter yet, but if I ever did, I know that knowing some of these moves will help!

SELF CONFIDENCE

There is a reason that Tae Bo is said to be "for body and mind". Not only will you be in tune with your physical being, but your spiritual being as well. You will feel stronger and more confident to take on more challenges that will come your way.

I know that some exercisers or wannabe exercisers are skeptical as to whether Tae-Bo would be a great routine for them. You don't have to be a Tae-Bo addict like me, but I encourage everyone to at least try a workout. You will be amazed with the results, and will feel fabulous!

Source: www.billyblanks.com

Learn more about this author, Kristeen Mandak.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tae-bo for fitness?
We want to hear your view. Write now!