Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo - Get Ripped [VHS]

It burns up to an amazing 800 calories an hour, and really works (believe me I speak from experience). I actually look forward to doing this workout every day. Plenty of high kicks, boxing moves etc. What I like best is on the dvd with Billy Blanks are people just like you and me, all different sizes and abilities. They even get the moves wrong sometimes like we do! At last a workout that makes you feel "normal". Highly recommended.

Warning, do the basic before the advanced. Even if you've done Tae Bo before. Billy is kicking and punching everywhere on the advanced. However, gradually i no longer looked like a galloping horse or fell over whilst trying to kick higher.
Billy even somehow motivated me to keep going everytime i wanted to drop out! Furthermore, some of the music sounds like a Jaz tune from a cheap Las Vegas movie which kinda highlights the workout.

WARNING:do the instructional workout before hand as Billy has new moves.

Anyway, if you're wanting to become more fit, toned, stronger with good co-ordination,and can not be bothered to go to the gym (like me) then this is the video for you!! It's worked for me already.Maybe i'll be as good as those 2 professionals behind Billy one day. (I wish)

I finally bought this video because I work full-time and study part-time so it's very hard to find the time to go to a gym or organised fitness classes. Workout videos offer the flexibility to fit in a quick session whenever you need it.

And this video really does offer a good workout! Having done some taekwondo and kickboxing in the past, perhaps I have a head start on understanding the techniques (which is really important, or you can injure yourself!) - so I would recommend newcomers to martial arts-style exercise should definitely start with the Instructional Workout (at the end of the tape).

Even if you think you're pretty fit and you're dying to get up a proper sweat, do the Instructional Workout first. I know it's a bit boring, but honestly it's a good idea!

Then the "Basic" workout... don't be put off by the name, if you're a bit of-out-condition (like me!) it'll be plenty challenging to begin with! ;-) And once it's getting easy, you can move up to the "Advanced" workout. As an added bonus, the tape starts with an 8-minute workout - perfect for when you're really pushed for time!

The presentation of the video is a bit cheesy, rather American, and some people might find Billy Blanks a little irritating. But he is a good motivator, and his constant exhortations to count along out loud are actually very good at helping you keep up and concentrate (not that concentration is a problem with this video... I find the time flies because it really is fun!)

And what's especially fun about this video is the variety of people behind Billy, doing the class with you - from the sickeningly super-fit girls at the front (in their crop-tops!) to the rather hefty men and ladies at the back. Quite often you can spot someone going a bit wrong, which is very encouraging as you struggle with your coordination! ;-)

All in all, I'd say whatever your size, shape and fitness, get a Tae Bo tape and have a go.