Tae Bo, which is an acronym for Total Awareness Excellent Body Obedience, was developed by Billy Blanks in the late 1980s. It is a combination of martial arts and dance, which is usually set to hip-hop music. Blanks is a seven-time world karate champion who holds a black belt in six martial arts. His top-selling videos don't just provide a kick-butt workout; he also engages mind and spirit to motivate viewers from the inside out.
History
Billy Blanks was the fourth of 15 children. He was dyslexic and had a hip problem that affected the way he moved as a child; both problems contributed to trouble in school and in sports until he discovered his love for martial arts. Blanks eventually became a champion martial artist, and then he translated his fighting skills into an acting career. As Blanks was training in his basement, he began combining moves from different schools of martial arts and setting them to music. He began to teach this style of exercise to others, and the phenomenon took off when he showed the workout to singer and dancer Paula Abdul. He has since produced many DVD sets, and has toured the country to promote his workout.
Benefits
According to the American Council on Exercise, or ACE, exercise physiologists originally estimated that a kickboxing workout like Tae Bo would burn about 500 to 800 calories per hour. Later studies indicated that a more realistic expectation is a calorie burn of 350 to 450 calories per hour, which is equivalent to an hour of brisk walking or light jogging. The participants in ACE's studies maintained a heart rate well within the recommended level for aerobic exercise. According to ACE, cardio kickboxing will also improve flexibility, strength and mental awareness.
Cautions
Tae Bo is not a beginner's workout. According to ACE, you should have a good base level of fitness before you start. Even the introductory-level DVDs require more endurance and flexibility than many people have. Be careful not to overextend your kicks, don't lock your joints when punching or kicking, and do not start off with extra weight --- like hand-held dumbbells or strap-on ankle weights.
Considerations
With a DVD, you don't have a live instructor around to let you know when you are performing an exercise incorrectly and exposing yourself to risk of injury, so it's up to you to make sure you are following instructions correctly. Listen carefully to descriptions of proper form. Watch the participants on the DVD and, if possible, exercise near a mirror so you can check your own form. When you first start out, understand that this is a tough workout. Listen to your body so you don't overdo it or injure yourself. If you can't do the whole thing the first time through, at least you know you have a DVD that gives you room to grow and get better.
References
- Vanderbilt University: Tae Bo: Fitness Craze or Effective Workout?
- The 700 Club: Billy Blanks: Get Fit the Tae Bo Way
- American Council on Exercise: ACE Research Team Counts Calories, Confirms Benefits of Cardio Kickboxing
- American Council on Exercise: ACE Helps Exercisers Kick Their Way to Fitness with Cardio Kickboxing
Member Comments