Tae Bo combines a variety of martial arts, boxing and dance moves to provide a high-impact aerobic workout. Tae Bo stands for "total awareness excellent body obedience" and is available to consumers through videos, books and TV infomercials. According to Vanderbilt University, when done correctly, Tae Bo can be an effective cardiovascular and calorie-burning workout.
History
Billy Blanks invented the exercise routine in the late 1970s. Blanks is a world champion karate expert and holds black belts in six martial arts. He opened the Blanks World Training Center in Sherman Oaks, California, to showcase the workout he developed in his basement. Blanks' popularity grew by word of mouth and he released his first four-part video package in 1998.
Potential
Blanks built the Tae Bo exercise routine on the premise that in order to maintain optimum health, you must communicate with your body and incorporate self-awareness with practical physical exertion. The routines have the potential to train the mind and the body to respond with speed and power. The punching and kicking techniques incorporated in the workouts are meant to serve as self-defense tactics.
Features
Tae Bo includes kicking techniques found in boxing and classic martial arts movements. When combined with high intensity dance moves, the energy and rhythm can improve coordination while increasing the heart rate. Tae Bo builds endurance, strength, mental focus and technique. Blanks created an updated version called Tae Bo AMPED that increases the fat-burning and muscle-toning features of the workout. The newer form of the routine adds pivoting, punches, new stances and combinations of the moves to the workout.
Benefits
Banks encourages beginners to perform his routines in front of a mirror to make sure they're doing the moves correctly. According to the American Council on Fitness, you can burn up to 400 calories an hour doing the cardio kickboxing routines of Tae Bo. The workout is a full-body exercise that improves strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness.
Warning
The American Council on Fitness warns that you must be physically fit before doing Tae Bo to avoid injury. They advise beginners to take it easy when starting out. Consult your doctor if you are not sure the workout is appropriate for your condition. Some common mistakes made by beginners include extending the kicks too far and locking joints when punching and kicking. Holding free weights or wearing ankle weights while doing Tae Bo can cause injury as well. Finally, don't give in to peer pressure to finish an hour-long workout if you are feeling fatigued or in pain.
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