Customer Rating: 
Summary: Billy Blanks has done it again
Comment: Several years ago, I lost about 30 lbs with the original Tae Bo video series. Now, at 32 (and with a slowed-down metabolism), I have about 7-10 lbs to lose again--and as soon as I saw this DVD, I knew that this was the way to go. I love Tae Bo because it's never boring--I've tried countless at-home fitness video/DVD workouts, and Tae Bo remains the only one I've ever stuck with. It's very high-energy, and he changes up the moves often enough to keep you challenged and entertained.
I consider myself to in moderate shape. For years, I've been fitness walking 3-5 times a week for 30-40 minutes. However, this DVD kicked my butt. I only made it through the first 15 minutes on my first try. As before, I know that I'll slowly have to work up to the speed and length of the workout on the DVD.
Right now, since I'm just starting, I'm doing the workout without the resistance bands. You do NOT need the bands to do this workout, especially if you're a beginner. In fact, several of the people featured in his workout are not using the bands, either, so that you can see how it's done. Once you can get through the entire workout without the bands, then you may want to challenge yourself by "relearning" the workout with the bands. And again, that's why I LOVE Billy Blanks and Tae Bo--it continues to challenge you and give you something to work towards.
I've just started with this DVD, but I have no doubt that it will be as successful for me this time as it was in the past. I call this Billy Blanks--Back and Better than Ever.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Best for beginners/jumpstart weight loss
Comment: I walk a lot daily and post baby find that my metabolism is a litle slower. Do dieting and walking aren't cutting it. So instead of a costly gym membership (and the likelihood I wouldn't want to travel there daily) my husband got me this dvd. I was terrible, laughed at him and said 'Awesome, the hyper informercial guy! YAY!' but I changed my tune once I did the dvd. Most exercise tapes are annoying with god awful music and shrill instructors. Billy focuses on warming up properly here and encourages you to stick with the cool down too. Beginners feel it not necessary but it is to avoid injury. Very key- also a few moves I felt like a clutch they aren't complex but for someone like me unused to such instruction it took a few extras days to feel like I had the hang of it.
Just push pause and take your time if you need to.
One thing mentioned here is the constant counting. You tune it out after the first few times and it's not a big issue. He's motivationg, very down to earth not cutesy/hyper/cloying like most video instructors. I was so impressed I just ordered the Bootcamp to advance. I think the key is to get a few of his videos and rotate them to work all the muscles.
He's very positive, seems really genuine and he melted my cynical,sarcastic little heart haha. I look forward to doing it and that is HUGE in sticking with a dvd. You feel motivated like you're in an actual class not at home.
Strongly suggest this. After a week my husband noticed I look way more toned (with good dieting this really works) and I am a Billy convert!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Billy's done it again!
Comment: As most other reviewers have said, this two DVD set really does provide a great workout! I bought some of the Elite (weighted) Billy Bands and when used with both DVDs they make for a really awesome cardiovascular exercise! I've been doing Tae-Bo for around ten years and I suppose I would describe myself as Intermediate/Advanced; consequently some of Billy's workouts are a little too short or not enough of a challenge but these two are definitely hard work!
I am amazed at the difference the Bands make; I've got muscles and (good) bulges where I never used to so I would recommend getting hold of some bands if you can!
At 46 minutes the Fat Blasting Cardio is a great length and quite easy to fit in on a daily basis. The Total Body Fat Blaster runs for 55 minutes and I suppose some people might find this hard to fit in to a busy day; however I think it is certainly worth making time for it!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: Fat Blasting Cardio & Total Body Fat Blaster
Comment: Excellent!!! This product is very good. I recommend it 100%. The results are seen in few weeks .
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fat Blasting Cardio is great for beginners
Comment: Let me start this review with this: I started this workout at 412 lbs, and I'd never worked out before. Never. I would get winded walking up a flight of stairs. So when I popped in the Billy Blanks' Fat Blasting Cardio DVD, I didn't think I had a chance in the world of making it through the entire workout--let alone half of it. The first few days, I was only able to make it through 15 minutes (including the 3 or 4 minutes of stretches), huffing and puffing like mad. After a few days I was able to force myself into doing half an hour. Wthin 2 weeks, I was able to make it through the entire 45 minute workout.
How did I do it? The key for me was pacing myself. I didn't punch too hard or kick too hard, and if there was a workout that I thought would do damage my body (such as the jumping jacks--bad for my knees), I substituted that section for a different move, such as jogging in place. Once I got more stamina and could keep my wind, I would punch harder, kick harder, and exert as much energy as I felt I could sustain. It's good for beginners, but also good down the line when you have the stamina to put more energy into it.
This video is great for beginners who need little breaks to catch their breath. Billy does a few sets of the technique slowly to make sure you have it down, then a set or two quickly, then you walk it out and move on to the next move. You won't be going strong non-stop for a full 45 minutes.
The moves are simple enough for anyone to do. You do punches and kicks and knee raises, with just a few jumping jacks thrown in. Jabs, hooks, uppercuts, speedbag, front kicks/back kicks, side kicks, all in different variations. It's cardio designed to keep your heart rate up, but it won't wear you out. I have yet to purchase the bands, but the workout is great even without the bands! On the video, there's even one guy in the back who doesn't use the bands, so they aren't absolutely necessary.
You'll only need about a 3' x 5' area in front of your television to do this workout. I just push my desk chair to the side and have plenty of room if I adjust my body a certain way for left kicks and right kicks. Just be careful not to punch or kick anything!
As someone who began Fat Blasting Cardio at over 400lbs, I definitely recommend this for beginners looking for a do-able workout routine. Billy will keep you motivated and excited to keep going. Definitely worth the money!
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