Tae Bo is a physical fitness regimen invented in the 19802 by Billy Blanks, a former martial arts champion. Blanks invented Tae Bo by incorporating dance moves and tae kwon do into one workout. The workout's popularity spread and many celebrities began to use Tae Bo including Wayne Gretzky, Paula Abdul and Bruce Jenner. Although kickboxing is an effective workout, Tae Bo has certain advantages over it.
Background
Tae Bo incorporates not only elements of kickboxing, but those used in ballet, karate and hip-hop dancing. Troy Obrero, a trainer in San Francisco, tells Natalie Greer at the Vanderbilt University website that a one-hour workout with Tae Bo can burn up to 800 calories. The MotleyHealth website points out that kickboxing workouts can burn up to 500 calories. Tae Bo is also a highly effective cardio workout.
Sparring and Equipment
Many kickboxing classes require sparring with a partner. The punch and kick maneuvers performed in a Tae Bo workout are used as calorie burning movements rather than attack and defense tactics. Sparring can also cause injury. You may need gloves and a punching bag for a kickboxing workout. Punching bags can be expensive and difficult to find outside of a gym. Blanks' workout requires no special equipment and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Speed and Intangibles
Kickboxing classes often stress good form with punches and kicks. This may cause the workout to take more time. Tae Bo workouts are done at a fast pace and force your mind and body to make the movements accurately as they rapidly change throughout the workout. Tae Bo teaches the mental and bodily control used in martial arts, the rhythm and smoothness of dance, and the strength used in boxing, boasts the Team Tae Bo website.
Considerations
Tae Bo and kickboxing share many similarities and are both effective workouts. If you are looking for a workout that is high-octane and stresses bodily toning and cardiovascular fitness, Tae Bomay be the workout for you. However, if you're searching for a workout that stresses punch and kick technique and allows one-on-one battles with an opponent, kickboxing is the better choice.
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