question about tae bo
- Thread starter lwseymour
- Start date
Hi Lisa, just a little something I want to tell you about Tae-Bo. Now I have been working out for almost 20 years and I did Cathe's Cardio Kicks and Kickbox tapes and never had a problem. Well I did the Tae-Bo Live Tape around 3 months ago and ended up spraining my lower lumbar spine. I had to go to physical rehab and finally I am back to normal. I use Cathe's Kickbox tapes all the time still and have no problems. I think Tae-Bo is too fast-paced and you can really injure yourself. I don't know what the other tapes of Tae-Bo are like but I thought I would just give you a warning on my experience.
Good Luck!
Pam
Good Luck!
Pam
H
honeybunch
Guest
I love Taebo and have been doing it for over a year and a half. It's VERY important to pay attention to your form, and do those instruction tapes more than once. I even had a Chuck Norris tape to get me prepared for the Taebo kicks and punches. I've not experienced an injury yet.
My personal Taebo favorites are Advanced Live 2 & 3, and the two advanced tapes in the QVC package.
My personal Taebo favorites are Advanced Live 2 & 3, and the two advanced tapes in the QVC package.
Cruncholi
Cathlete
Hi there,
I used to do Tae Bo a lot! In fact I have the 4 original tapes plus the first 10 volumes of Tae Bo Live Advanced. Let's just say, I'm looking to sell them on ebay right about now! The first time I hurt my lower back doing Tae Bo, I thought it was just because I have a bad back anyway and was out of shape. The second time I hurt it, I was in much better shape. I had my sister take a look at the tapes (she is a personal trainer) and she thinks the moves are "too fast-paced" and dangerous. Also, Billy does not warm you up very well or stretch much in the beginning. Also, all of the tapes seem the same to me. Not much variation, etc. If you want the original 4-pack to try it out--it's yours! Let me know.
Cruncholi
I used to do Tae Bo a lot! In fact I have the 4 original tapes plus the first 10 volumes of Tae Bo Live Advanced. Let's just say, I'm looking to sell them on ebay right about now! The first time I hurt my lower back doing Tae Bo, I thought it was just because I have a bad back anyway and was out of shape. The second time I hurt it, I was in much better shape. I had my sister take a look at the tapes (she is a personal trainer) and she thinks the moves are "too fast-paced" and dangerous. Also, Billy does not warm you up very well or stretch much in the beginning. Also, all of the tapes seem the same to me. Not much variation, etc. If you want the original 4-pack to try it out--it's yours! Let me know.
Cruncholi
*MichiganMom*
Member
HI!
I am a Tae Bo junkie! I have all the basics, advanced, and the new Get Ripped series. I have never experienced an injury. Form is crucial. If there are moves which I can't complete in good form at Billy's speed, I just slow them down and do them at a pace I can manage.
If you're new to Tae Bo you MUST get an introduction/form tape. You may get bored with it, but do it until you're confident that your form is correct. Then I would move up to a basic for a while. They are a little shorter and slower paced. Once you've got the hang of it, your options are endless! Definitely go with the LIVE series or Get Ripped, not the old ones.
As far as a comparison to Cathe's Kickbox and Cardio Kicks, the moves are similar, but I feel like I'm really learning fighting form with Billy.
My results have been terrific. Until I increased my cardio by adding more Tae Bo the scale was pretty stuck. Now I'm down 15 pounds and am losing in those tough spots like saddle bags and outer hips. Cathe's tapes have been a huge help as well, but there are certain places which I credit directly to Tae Bo. I get a burn in muscles I never knew I had, especially with the floorwork!
I'm really, really excited because next month I'm going to Billy's World Training Center to take a class! I hope I can keep up!
So there you have it, my not so unbiased opinion! ;-)
Becky
I am a Tae Bo junkie! I have all the basics, advanced, and the new Get Ripped series. I have never experienced an injury. Form is crucial. If there are moves which I can't complete in good form at Billy's speed, I just slow them down and do them at a pace I can manage.
If you're new to Tae Bo you MUST get an introduction/form tape. You may get bored with it, but do it until you're confident that your form is correct. Then I would move up to a basic for a while. They are a little shorter and slower paced. Once you've got the hang of it, your options are endless! Definitely go with the LIVE series or Get Ripped, not the old ones.
As far as a comparison to Cathe's Kickbox and Cardio Kicks, the moves are similar, but I feel like I'm really learning fighting form with Billy.
My results have been terrific. Until I increased my cardio by adding more Tae Bo the scale was pretty stuck. Now I'm down 15 pounds and am losing in those tough spots like saddle bags and outer hips. Cathe's tapes have been a huge help as well, but there are certain places which I credit directly to Tae Bo. I get a burn in muscles I never knew I had, especially with the floorwork!
I'm really, really excited because next month I'm going to Billy's World Training Center to take a class! I hope I can keep up!
So there you have it, my not so unbiased opinion! ;-)
Becky
amyjohauge
Cathlete
Hey Lisa,
I agree with everything that Becky said. I am also a Tae-bo fan, not as much as I am a Cathe fan though. I do a Tae-bo at least once a week along with Cathe's tapes. I found that I need a day or two between Tae-bo work outs because it is fast paced. But make sure you watch the instructional video first to get your form down. The Tae-bo get ripped series is by far the best. And I too feel a major muscle burn during the floor work, my glute really hurts the next morning. Good luck, its worth a try, Amy Jo
I agree with everything that Becky said. I am also a Tae-bo fan, not as much as I am a Cathe fan though. I do a Tae-bo at least once a week along with Cathe's tapes. I found that I need a day or two between Tae-bo work outs because it is fast paced. But make sure you watch the instructional video first to get your form down. The Tae-bo get ripped series is by far the best. And I too feel a major muscle burn during the floor work, my glute really hurts the next morning. Good luck, its worth a try, Amy Jo
Hi Lisa,
I seldom post, but I am a HUGE fan of both Tae Bo and Cathe. I do both almost every day. Those that were injured may have been doing an advanced tape when they weren't quite ready for it, didn't watch/do the instructional, or their form was off that day (fatigue will sometimes affect form and can lead to injury). They are right however about the warmups; Billy's warmups are far too short and the warmup stretches inadequate. I do my own warmup before any Tae Bo workout (usually 5 to 12 minutes on a recumbent cycle with post warmup stretches) and I also do my own cooldown and stretches. The first time I tried Tae Bo, I too injured myself. I'd done the old original instructional (ONCE) and then tried an Advanced tape thinking I was an advanced exerciser, so I should be able to handle the advanced tape. Right? WRONG.
You really do need to do the basics for awhile to learn the correct form and prevent injury. And when a move doesn't feel right or good to you, modify it. There is nothing wrong with modifying a move to make it work for you. I have a lot of arthritis throughout my body, so there are lots of limitations to what I can and can't do, especially range of motion. I modify LOTS of workouts. The speed of some moves ARE very fast in the advanced Tae Bo tapes, so when trying an advanced Tae Bo for the first time, be sure to go at your own speed! Find a rep speed that you are comfortable with and build it up gradually as your confidence and ability increases. The other thing to remember (your first time through a Tae Bo workout) is, you don't have to complete the entire tape. There is no need to totally wipe yourself out trying to finish. Besides, if you go too far and are exhausted, your form will falter and you risk injury. Be SAFE. Stop when you know your form is slipping.
I find Tae Bo FUN and Energizing! I really really love it! Done properly, it is a GREAT workout.
Carol
I seldom post, but I am a HUGE fan of both Tae Bo and Cathe. I do both almost every day. Those that were injured may have been doing an advanced tape when they weren't quite ready for it, didn't watch/do the instructional, or their form was off that day (fatigue will sometimes affect form and can lead to injury). They are right however about the warmups; Billy's warmups are far too short and the warmup stretches inadequate. I do my own warmup before any Tae Bo workout (usually 5 to 12 minutes on a recumbent cycle with post warmup stretches) and I also do my own cooldown and stretches. The first time I tried Tae Bo, I too injured myself. I'd done the old original instructional (ONCE) and then tried an Advanced tape thinking I was an advanced exerciser, so I should be able to handle the advanced tape. Right? WRONG.
You really do need to do the basics for awhile to learn the correct form and prevent injury. And when a move doesn't feel right or good to you, modify it. There is nothing wrong with modifying a move to make it work for you. I have a lot of arthritis throughout my body, so there are lots of limitations to what I can and can't do, especially range of motion. I modify LOTS of workouts. The speed of some moves ARE very fast in the advanced Tae Bo tapes, so when trying an advanced Tae Bo for the first time, be sure to go at your own speed! Find a rep speed that you are comfortable with and build it up gradually as your confidence and ability increases. The other thing to remember (your first time through a Tae Bo workout) is, you don't have to complete the entire tape. There is no need to totally wipe yourself out trying to finish. Besides, if you go too far and are exhausted, your form will falter and you risk injury. Be SAFE. Stop when you know your form is slipping.
I find Tae Bo FUN and Energizing! I really really love it! Done properly, it is a GREAT workout.
Carol
kathryn
Cathlete
Tae Bo
I've always had a kind of "love/hate" relationship with Tae Bo. Now I'm in the love (with modifictions!) phase (most of my modifications are in counting sets, as Billy STILL can't count! He'll sometimes have you do 5 sets of a move on one side, and 7 on the other. It really varies from tape to tape).
I've used the original 4 tapes, Tae Bo advanced live, and most recently, Get RIpped. Here are my observations, some of which have already been mentioned:
1) Warm-ups/cooldowns really vary from tape to tape. Some warm-ups are way too short, and have what I consider to be risky moves (like fast head rotations). The same with cooldowns (he calls his final stretch a cooldown). SOme are just 3 or 4 tai chi-like moves strung together, others have nice leg stretches. It seems like the ones that NEED long stretches are the ones that have the shortest ones!
2) The later tapes (Live) seem to have taken out most of the really fast moves (there are some exceptions--I find the leg and butt work done on the floor too fast. But it's just as effective, in my opinion, done at half the speed they go, so easily modifiable).
3) "Advanced" means advanced at Tae Bo or martial arts, NOT just advanced exerciser. After previewing the Get RIpped basic tapes (which I just put up on Ebay, since I won't use them) as well as the advanced, it seems to me like there is a rather large gap between the basic and the advanced workout. What helped me get into the advanced workout was NOT Tae Bo basic, but other kickboxing videos. I particularly like PowerKicks by Aaron Lankford. Strong moves, lots of kicks, nice balance, powerful but not too fast, lots of emphasis on form. Aaron isn't as flashy as Billy, and his background exercisers are sometimes laughable (but, they will make you feel more confident if you can't keep up with Aaron, at least you'll feel like you're doing better than they are).
4) My favorite Tae Bo tapes are Advanced Live 4, 6 and 8. I think I will also like the Get Ripped advanced (did 1 already), but they are only available as a set with basic. (If you want them, go to QVC.com, where they are less than at the Tae Bo web site.
5) With so many "space hog" tapes out there, it's nice to see a high intensity tape that doesn't use up a lot of space.
I've always had a kind of "love/hate" relationship with Tae Bo. Now I'm in the love (with modifictions!) phase (most of my modifications are in counting sets, as Billy STILL can't count! He'll sometimes have you do 5 sets of a move on one side, and 7 on the other. It really varies from tape to tape).
I've used the original 4 tapes, Tae Bo advanced live, and most recently, Get RIpped. Here are my observations, some of which have already been mentioned:
1) Warm-ups/cooldowns really vary from tape to tape. Some warm-ups are way too short, and have what I consider to be risky moves (like fast head rotations). The same with cooldowns (he calls his final stretch a cooldown). SOme are just 3 or 4 tai chi-like moves strung together, others have nice leg stretches. It seems like the ones that NEED long stretches are the ones that have the shortest ones!
2) The later tapes (Live) seem to have taken out most of the really fast moves (there are some exceptions--I find the leg and butt work done on the floor too fast. But it's just as effective, in my opinion, done at half the speed they go, so easily modifiable).
3) "Advanced" means advanced at Tae Bo or martial arts, NOT just advanced exerciser. After previewing the Get RIpped basic tapes (which I just put up on Ebay, since I won't use them) as well as the advanced, it seems to me like there is a rather large gap between the basic and the advanced workout. What helped me get into the advanced workout was NOT Tae Bo basic, but other kickboxing videos. I particularly like PowerKicks by Aaron Lankford. Strong moves, lots of kicks, nice balance, powerful but not too fast, lots of emphasis on form. Aaron isn't as flashy as Billy, and his background exercisers are sometimes laughable (but, they will make you feel more confident if you can't keep up with Aaron, at least you'll feel like you're doing better than they are).
4) My favorite Tae Bo tapes are Advanced Live 4, 6 and 8. I think I will also like the Get Ripped advanced (did 1 already), but they are only available as a set with basic. (If you want them, go to QVC.com, where they are less than at the Tae Bo web site.
5) With so many "space hog" tapes out there, it's nice to see a high intensity tape that doesn't use up a lot of space.
Cruncholi
Cathlete
HI Lisa,
Apparently, my tae bo tapes are not on ebay quite yet because I got an e-mail from ebay saying there was a problem signing my credit card information on as a seller? It sounds wierd to me, and I stopped trying to work it out with them for a few days since I was taking the bar exam and didn't have time to deal with it! In the meantime, I would sell you any of the LIVE series you would like (I have 1-10) and I will give you the instructional tape. I'm not looking to make money on them, I just need to free up some room for the tapes I use now! And I'm moving, so the fewer tapes I have to move the better!
Also as to the message that the people who got injured weren't ready for the advanced series. When I first started doing TaeBo about 4 years ago, I was a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, teaching classes 2 days a week and taking classes 4 days per week, so I doubt that not being ready caused my particular injury. I really think you should be careful if you try TAe Bo. I am a good salesperson aren't I? Anyway, let me know what you would like.
Cruncholi
Apparently, my tae bo tapes are not on ebay quite yet because I got an e-mail from ebay saying there was a problem signing my credit card information on as a seller? It sounds wierd to me, and I stopped trying to work it out with them for a few days since I was taking the bar exam and didn't have time to deal with it! In the meantime, I would sell you any of the LIVE series you would like (I have 1-10) and I will give you the instructional tape. I'm not looking to make money on them, I just need to free up some room for the tapes I use now! And I'm moving, so the fewer tapes I have to move the better!
Also as to the message that the people who got injured weren't ready for the advanced series. When I first started doing TaeBo about 4 years ago, I was a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, teaching classes 2 days a week and taking classes 4 days per week, so I doubt that not being ready caused my particular injury. I really think you should be careful if you try TAe Bo. I am a good salesperson aren't I? Anyway, let me know what you would like.
Cruncholi
Amy Steppe
Cathlete
Tae Bo
Expect to hear Billy Blanks talk non stop, expect a very BORING workout. Expect to see some reps performed too quickly to the point of danger. Expect unclear demonstrations of move. Expect to see an example of glitz over true workouts.
I got rid of all my Tae Bo workouts. Even the advanced was a waste of my precious work out time.
Tae Bo is NOT Cathe Friedrich by any stretch of the imagination. Blanks is an actor -- Cathe is a true fitness expert/instructor in every way.
Expect to hear Billy Blanks talk non stop, expect a very BORING workout. Expect to see some reps performed too quickly to the point of danger. Expect unclear demonstrations of move. Expect to see an example of glitz over true workouts.
I got rid of all my Tae Bo workouts. Even the advanced was a waste of my precious work out time.
Tae Bo is NOT Cathe Friedrich by any stretch of the imagination. Blanks is an actor -- Cathe is a true fitness expert/instructor in every way.
Hi Cruncholi,
I think I want to try Volume 4. (What a hard decision!) And of course, I would love to get the instructional one also so I don't hurt myself. I plan to take it slowly.
Please let me know how much $ you want for the above.
I leave for a 7 day vacation this afternoon and won't return until Aug. 3.
my email is [email protected]
I will email you back when I get back.
Thanks so much
Lisa
I think I want to try Volume 4. (What a hard decision!) And of course, I would love to get the instructional one also so I don't hurt myself. I plan to take it slowly.
Please let me know how much $ you want for the above.
I leave for a 7 day vacation this afternoon and won't return until Aug. 3.
my email is [email protected]
I will email you back when I get back.
Thanks so much
Lisa
H
Hippychick
Guest
I LOVE TAEBO!!!
As I said in my response to another message, Taebo is a basic but very effective workout.The kickboxing moves are athletic rather than dancy. So if you're the type who prefers complex dancy choreography, you'll really get bored. Well, I am not bored at all because Billy is inspirational and the music is fabulous! What's more, I lost 32 lbs because of Taebo. I am 5'4 and I presently weigh 115. My goal is 110. Variety is the key. Do the step aerobics of Cathe(Im still new to her videos but I ordered most of the DVDs - still havent tried all of them though), kickboxing and weight training. Next time, I will check out GIJabb of Katalin Zamiar. I hear she's a very good instructor in kickboxing. I like Taebo #4,6,8 and 9. Why don't you read www.taebofans.com. There are reviews to most of the 12 Basic and Advanced Workouts. Some reviews include the music.
Anyway, I hope I'll get to do all the Cathe DVDs I bought. Sad to say, I have two left feet when it comes to complex choreography. I easily trip the step and I'm anxious that I might sprain my ankle doing her workouts - I really hope not. I enjoy working out daily and would dread ending up with sprained ankles!
As I said in my response to another message, Taebo is a basic but very effective workout.The kickboxing moves are athletic rather than dancy. So if you're the type who prefers complex dancy choreography, you'll really get bored. Well, I am not bored at all because Billy is inspirational and the music is fabulous! What's more, I lost 32 lbs because of Taebo. I am 5'4 and I presently weigh 115. My goal is 110. Variety is the key. Do the step aerobics of Cathe(Im still new to her videos but I ordered most of the DVDs - still havent tried all of them though), kickboxing and weight training. Next time, I will check out GIJabb of Katalin Zamiar. I hear she's a very good instructor in kickboxing. I like Taebo #4,6,8 and 9. Why don't you read www.taebofans.com. There are reviews to most of the 12 Basic and Advanced Workouts. Some reviews include the music.
Anyway, I hope I'll get to do all the Cathe DVDs I bought. Sad to say, I have two left feet when it comes to complex choreography. I easily trip the step and I'm anxious that I might sprain my ankle doing her workouts - I really hope not. I enjoy working out daily and would dread ending up with sprained ankles!
Amy Steppe
Cathlete
Down with Tae Bo
Dangerous moves.
Is it MTV circa 1985 or is it a fitness video?
BORING, UNCHALLENGING!
Tae Bo is right down there with Denise Austin IMO. Perhaps even lower.
After doing Cardio Kicks, Tae Bo seems like a B movie. And God, I wish Billy Blanks would lose his voice! I absolutely can't stand him or Shelly, his daughter.
Tae Bo is nothing but a bunch of Hollywood glitz with little substance and lots of dangerous executions.
Dangerous moves.
Is it MTV circa 1985 or is it a fitness video?
BORING, UNCHALLENGING!
Tae Bo is right down there with Denise Austin IMO. Perhaps even lower.
After doing Cardio Kicks, Tae Bo seems like a B movie. And God, I wish Billy Blanks would lose his voice! I absolutely can't stand him or Shelly, his daughter.
Tae Bo is nothing but a bunch of Hollywood glitz with little substance and lots of dangerous executions.
H
Hippychick
Guest
Amy Steppe why do you hate taebo so much?
You already aired out your negative views about Taebo. I just responded with my own success story about Taebo. But you had to react so negatively. You aired your views. I aired mine. So why do you need to respond back as if you're so angry with Billy and Taebo? We all have our preferences. So to each his or her own. It's like you want everyone to hate Taebo and Billy. And for your information, if you think Taebo is so dangerous then I should have been in the hospitable by now. It is important to understand the Instructional Video. If you're bored with it then that is your view( and we are all entitled to our own personal views) but you don't have to be so negative and harsh to Billy and Taebo who has done a lot in helping people get back in shape. Take it easy...we're just talking about fitness videos for chrissakes))
You already aired out your negative views about Taebo. I just responded with my own success story about Taebo. But you had to react so negatively. You aired your views. I aired mine. So why do you need to respond back as if you're so angry with Billy and Taebo? We all have our preferences. So to each his or her own. It's like you want everyone to hate Taebo and Billy. And for your information, if you think Taebo is so dangerous then I should have been in the hospitable by now. It is important to understand the Instructional Video. If you're bored with it then that is your view( and we are all entitled to our own personal views) but you don't have to be so negative and harsh to Billy and Taebo who has done a lot in helping people get back in shape. Take it easy...we're just talking about fitness videos for chrissakes
))
Amy Steppe
Cathlete
RE: Amy Steppe why do you hate taebo so much?
Grow up and let others have the floor too --
Your taste in fitness is quite different than yours.
Yes, I hate Tae Bo. And I loathe Billy Blanks.
Grow up and let others have the floor too --
Your taste in fitness is quite different than yours.
Yes, I hate Tae Bo. And I loathe Billy Blanks.
Amy Steppe
Cathlete
RE: Amy Steppe why do you hate taebo so much?
Little Hippie Chickadee,
I am so glad you've not been in the Hosptiable due to Tae Bo!
LOL!
Back off now, Doodle Bug.
You too have made it abundantly clear you Like Blanks. GOOD! Go to it!
Read other posts about the injuries others have suffered due to his hideous methodology.
And I can't even break a sweat with his workouts!
Maybe I'm above your fitness level!
Little Hippie Chickadee,
I am so glad you've not been in the Hosptiable due to Tae Bo!
LOL!
Back off now, Doodle Bug.
You too have made it abundantly clear you Like Blanks. GOOD! Go to it!
Read other posts about the injuries others have suffered due to his hideous methodology.
And I can't even break a sweat with his workouts!
Maybe I'm above your fitness level!
Amy Steppe
Cathlete
RE: I LOVE TAEBO!!!
Hippie Chickadee,
I am a former dancer; perhaps that's why I prefer Cathe to Blanks. I am able to negotiate complex choreography and you are not!
Hippie Chickadee,
I am a former dancer; perhaps that's why I prefer Cathe to Blanks. I am able to negotiate complex choreography and you are not!
H
Hippychick
Guest
RE: Amy Steppe why do you hate taebo so much?
Of course I like Billy Blanks because he inspired me to lose 32 lbs It was his videos that made me work out again. Anyway, I really don't know why you're so argumentative. Each of us has a right to share our experiences with different videos. And now you're even bragging that you're fitness level is way above mine. Well, then good for you but no need to brag.
Anyway, this will be my last time to respond to you because you're such an argumentative and negative person. The people I have encountered in this forum are very friendly. They give good advice without being harsh and demeaning.
So if you want to respond in your most sarcastic way. Go ahead. I guess that will make you happy!
Of course I like Billy Blanks because he inspired me to lose 32 lbs
It was his videos that made me work out again. Anyway, I really don't know why you're so argumentative. Each of us has a right to share our experiences with different videos. And now you're even bragging that you're fitness level is way above mine. Well, then good for you but no need to brag. Anyway, this will be my last time to respond to you because you're such an argumentative and negative person. The people I have encountered in this forum are very friendly. They give good advice without being harsh and demeaning.
So if you want to respond in your most sarcastic way. Go ahead. I guess that will make you happy!