A few years ago I borrowed these tapes from my sister when I wanted to get in shape for a trip to the islands and decided to start with the basic tape. Let me start by saying I HATE jumping around and aerobics on a whole. I was not terribly out of shape but I had lost all my muscle tone and definition in my legs and [back]. Anyway, I started doing the basic Monday through Friday and let me tell you, within 3 weeks I changed my squishy [back] and thighs into sculpted thighs with NO cellulite and a beautiful [back] (not one line or lump or bump, smooth booty)it was a wonderful feeling to put on shorts or a bikini with so much pride and confidence. My abs were like a washboard...I recently decided to start working out again and I was looking through old photos and came across a pic of myself in a bikini shot that I took on that island and then I said to myself TAE-BO!!!! I have to laugh because I always refer to those days as my glory days and when people would ask how I did it I would say "tae-bo basic" and low carbs...anyway the point is that I know it works...trust me. Needless to say, the tapes were borrowed and never returned to me and so after googling them, I found them on amazon and I purchased the basic tape and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival (I mean literally twiddling thumbs in excitement). If you want a sculpted body and a relatively manageable (you can get throught it) workout tai-bo basic is for you. I had bought the tae-bo live a couple years ago to get the same effect but I couldn't follow through it was too hard, I felt drained after, that's why I am endorsing the BASIC ORIGINAL tape because I was able to stick to it. Anyway sorry for the long review but I just had to add my 2 cents. For all the people out there, especially the ladies that are fighting to get back muscle tone and are not afraid of a sculpted cellulite free body, do tae-bo ORIGINAL BASIC workout and eat healhty meals limiting the food you know is crap and you will see results, well I did so it's worth a try.

Like any exercise tape this will get old as you increase your strength. I enjoyed it when first starting kickboxing but now it is not hard enough. If you want to get into kickboxing I would recommend this Basic tape but if you can get it without having to buy the Instructional do that (try to borrow that as you won't use it long). The workout is about the right length for a beginner (27 minutes). One thing that really bothers me is Billys odd, revealing and embarrassing outfit. Overall a dated but good workout that got me addicted to aerobics. I would also recommend Tae Bo Cardio Circuit 2 which is an hour but very low key and more instructional in a newer (and better cuing) style.

I forced myself to watch this tape three times so that I could make sure I got the moves down. My ultimate recommendation is try to get it for ultracheap somewhere or rent it or borrow it from the library. You won't use it despite people recommending you got back periodically to review correct form.

This is the first workout video I've ever done, besides 8-minutes abs (very good by the way). This is only the basic video and it really gets you going. I had never done taebo before but now I love it and I just ordered the Advanced video. The music is cheesy but what would a work out video be with out the cheesy music. Billy is a good and motivating coach and now I can recommend taebo to anyone! It's a great fun way to get in shape!

Tae Bo works. IF you do it. And Billy Blanks makes it enjoyable, and gives you little pep talks too.

I've had back problems since 1992, and I'm fairly young, but 12 years later, I still have re-occuring back issues that occasionally temporarily disable me to the point that I have trouble moving around. I gain a lot of weight during these short periods, and a combination of Slim Fast, a temporary elimination of take-out, and Tae Bo, takes it right off.

The instrutional video is good - any time the people in the video are sweating as much as you are, it's a good sign. But I have to take a star off from Billy for bundling this as a legitimate exercise tape - the instructional doesn't have a real work out. You need the instructional, sure, but you're better off buying a four pack that includes the instructional, the 8 minute, the basic and the advanced. You'll barely use the initial video - though I think it could be used effectively as a teaser to get people to buy.

Once you see how easy it can be, and how fast the weight can come off if you use the video properly, you'd buy it based on the instructional alone.

received my order quickly and in great condition. THANKS

I'm still in shock about my results from this video. Over a period of 4 months I just about killed myself, but came out on top. The amusing thing is that I didn't really lose any weight (I think I traded fat for muscle) but I went from a size 14 to a size 8 (ladies, all of you know how huge that is). These tapes are gratifying and an incredible workout. That 30 minutes of Tae Bo really shows you what you're made of. Billy Blanks is an excellent instructor and, after a little practice, the moves are not at all complicated. I highly recommend this tape.

I wanted a different way to do cardio instead of the standard aerobics. This video is not alot of jumping around but using other methods to get your heart rate up like kicking your legs and punching which really works up a sweat! Personally, I don't like alot of jumping in my exercise which is why it works for me and will probably work for you!

This is a powerful workout video that works every part of the body in only minutes. I have borrowed this video (instructional) from a friend and had difficulties giving it back. I have lost weight (visibly) within 2 weeks. I then began checking it out from my local library , but decided to get my own. Although rather expensive, this video gets you so pumped and motivated I bought the Advanced video which proved to be too fast paced and will throw out your back and/or pull a muscle because proper techniques aren't possible when trying to keep up. I am 30 years old and have given birth to 4 children and have never run across a video more worthy of investment (instructional video that is). Enjoy the instructional workout. Keep the stomach in and enjoy the new you.

This is a great tape combo (intructional tape & the actual workout tape) My suggestion is to pop the them both in and watch them before attempting it at all so you know exactly what to expect the first time around! For the days you missed the gym or feeling like you need an extra cardio workout....this will do the trick! I only wish tha Billy Blanks could be an instructor at my gym!

when reviewing the site it appeared the tapes had only been used once so I was expecting them to be in pretty good shape...they were obviously bought at a garage sale for 2.99 and sold to me at a much higher price. Also the basic workout tape had a broken piece inside which made it very difficult to play.

Although I am fit, work out with weights, and regularly do an hour or more of aerobics at a stretch, I had some problems with some of the movements in these videos. If you haven't done kickboxing or anything like this before, (I haven't), it's very difficult to keep up with certain exercises without compromising your form. I got knee and back pain from trying to keep up each time I did this video, and I finally put it on the shelf and went back to other exercise videos that don't leave me with injuries. If you don't have any physical issues, however, you may enjoy this workout.

I adore these workouts!! I just started and within 2 weeks saw and felt a HUGE difference. I had a baby a year ago and had a little trouble getting off this extra 10, but now.....wooooo hoooooo. Everything is feeling tighter and sexier. GET THESE TAPES LADIES AND GENTS!... Yeah the music and props are lame but WHO CARES!.. Turn down the TV, turn on your own music, and count for yourselves!... Just do it! I didnt buy the DVDs for the special effects and filming, I bought them to get FIT!...
Thank you Billy!... Your the man :)

This workout has saved me so many times. It is my fall back when I am feeling tired and don't want to excercise at all. I can always talk myself into doing the Basic video because it is short and sweet. Even though the cardio portion of the video is only 20 or 25 minutes, you can still work up a sweat and feel as though you've done a good workout.

I bought the instructional and Basic videos. The instructional was good and I did learn a few moves but the basic was or I should say doesn't look anything like suppose to. There are some moves that were never in the instructional and why did Billy Blanks say that he hoped I had aready gone through the basic video when I was waiting for the basic workout. The video my say basic but could actually be advanced? Anybody out there know for sure if the basic video is what says it is?

I like Billy Blanks, the concept of a kick boxing workout, and also all the various levels of age and fitness of the people in his "class." But I did not like these videos (I have all four) because the moves do NOT fit the music and the music is terrible! He counts off his moves at arbitrary times that have nothing to do with the beat or the phrasing, which is distracting and annoying if you have any rhythmic understanding. If you don't care about music, then the moves do provide a tough workout, but if you're like me, you definitely need a rockin' beat to help push through.

Also, an additional caveat -- I had to stop using these videos because I kicked my two year old daughters (twins)! These are not great if you have small children.

I like Billy Blanks, the concept of a kick boxing workout, and also all the various levels of age and fitness of the people in his "class." But I did not like these videos (I have all four) because the moves do NOT fit the music and the music is terrible! He counts off his moves at arbitrary times that have nothing to do with the beat or the phrasing, which is distracting and annoying if you have any rhythmic understanding. If you don't care about music, then the moves do provide a tough workout, but if you're like me, you definitely need a rockin' beat to help push through.

Also, an additional caveat -- I had to stop using these videos because I kicked my two year old daughters (twins)! These are not great if you have small children.

The reviewer that complained of the basic Tae-bo not being so great for her must not have read the word BASIC on the tape. It's not supposed to be the heart-pounding, can't-catch-your-breath workout that Advanced workouts are. Billy's Instructional tape provides much-needed information, then on to the Basic workout, which is simply for STARTING a Tae-bo routine. I used Basic tape until I felt I could handle the Advanced, which I then moved on to. And, what a workout! Once you try the Advanced workout, you can't ever get enough of an advanced Tae-bo workout. The buns workout at the end of the Advanced tape is a killer (even the rest of the class is screaming)...I get bored very easily with workouts, and Billy Blanks' motivational comments and energetic personality keep me buying more (I said I get bored...) You can't lose with these workouts!

I am not an exercise fanatic. I'm not even an exerciser. I don't like being sweaty, I don't like being worn out, and I don't like being around people who do like those things. Plus, I am just not the most physically coordinated person on earth. I remember a soccer game in gym class, my sophomore year in high school, in which I tripped over my own feet four times. Part of that was probably nervousness, but even now, nearly ten years later, I occasionally stumble into a doorway as I'm walking through it, even alone in my own apartment. I could fall down and somehow miss the floor, I'm so clumsy.

You won't believe this--I can do Tae-Bo.

The moves are easy. I mean, E A S Y. It's an incredibly efficient system of very basic punches and kicks that truly do work the entire body. I've been doing the Basic workout now for just under a month, and I can see muscle pairs developing that I have never seen on myself. Not only that, but I can do this workout, every day, in my living room, without tripping myself up. Or knocking anything over. Or even stepping on my cat.

You will get tired, and sweaty, but after all that's the point of an aerobics workout. I find Billy Blanks a lot less annoying than most the people on these kinds of tapes; he has a an engaging presence and takes the workout seriously, but not too seriously. This is the first experience I've had with doing anything athletic where I felt real success, and I recommend it to people whenever the opportunity arises. If you decide to try it, I suspect you will, too.

I got a good work out and it was easy to follow. The music is a tad corny but I didn't buy it for the music.

I did these workouts for a month and a half, and I noticed a small difference. These two workouts are just right for beginners. They also have a smooth flow in thw way they make the workouts. I definitely reccomend this to anyone who wants a good workout.

The video's are great and the instruction complete. For a beginner, they are a challenge (huff, puff, puff - albiet a fun one).

The free 8 minute workout video that you send away for (a coupon is enclosed with this set) was back to me within two weeks.

Dissapointing. Not a very good workout, and I just could not get pass how cheesy the whole thing was. The stage looked like it was slapped together real quick with bad lighting, women with lots of make up and bad workout gear, and Mr. Billy Blanks topped it all off with very 80s leotard/legwarmers that made it hard not to cringe. His interaction with the camera and with the women on stage, compounded with the bad music, was horrible. If it was a really good workout, maybe I could just ignore all these wierd elements, but it wasn't agood workout. Not at all. And I've had m share of kick boxing. Oh well. No more Billy Blanks.

Billy Blanks really has created a great workout that is fun and effective. It can be done even in a hotel room or a small apartment, and it takes no equipment other that a VCR or DVD player.

This tape can be done by nearly anyone, with the warning that the high side kicks can hurt a bad back. So naturally, if you have any physical limitations, you should check your doctor or physical therapist. However, in the instruction tape, Billy Blanks tells you a number of times that it is more than OK to do just what you are able to do.

Even if you skip the dramatic, Tiger-and-Dragon style high kicks, and just punch and move your feet in time to the tape, you will be sweating and having a great workout. This is truly exercise for nearly anyone. No wonder it's a hit. This is fun and effective, and Mr. Blanks is a warm, encouraging, inspiring presence.

I was an exercise-hater until a friend told me to try this. Without going into a long story - I've lost over 50 pounds, and I give a lot of the credit to the video since it got me moving. I never even did the instructional video since I borrowed the tape, and it was still easy. At first I did everything really low-impact, and as I got stronger, I picked up the pace. The video grew with me, so to speak.

No, the set and the music and the video quality aren't up there with Kathy Smith or others, but Blanks is a good instructor and isn't intimidating to someone who has logged a lot of couch time (i.e., myself).

Although your first run through of the Tae Bo workout might be awkward, within a few sessions you really feel the results. It really is FUN, exciting, and makes you feel badass when you're punching and kicking the hell out of the air! It really is fast and furious, and kind of tricky to get the hang of the complex moves, but that's what the instructional and basic tapes are for. Try it!

It was a great workout and I would give this 4 1/2 stars if I could. I did it for the first time today. I am very heavy and out of shape and could not keep up with the double times in the tape but what I did do was when I finished, I rewinded and did it again, that way I was able to keep my intensity and kicks low (thus not raising my heart rate out of the fat burning region) and still be able to burn a significant amount of calories. It does take alot of personal willpower to keep your abs contracted and your movements controlled but that I am sure will come with time. I borrowed this from a friend but I have to have this tape. The one thing I really liked is that there were none of those complicated dance steps that I can never keep up with in the aerobics videos!!!!! And just went you think you won't be able to do anymore he takes you to a marching rest. It was perfectly timed for me.

I HATE to exercise! It is something that I know I MUST do, but just really hate. Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo, however, turned the tables! I LOVE it! I actually look FORWARD to it every day! I feel guilty and unfulfilled if I don't get to do it for a day for some reason. It is a great cardio workout, AND it helps tone muscles at the same time, if you do it correctly. You have to pay attention to what you are doing to get the full benefit, but Billy helps with that by reminding you as you go along. It never gets boring, and is FUN FUN FUN!!! I HIGHLY recommend it, especially for you people who hate exercise!

If the word "addict" describes my attitude after two weeks of using the Basic workout tape, tattoo it on my brow! I purchased this set before Christmas, and used the instructional video. Two weeks ago, I started the Basic workout, and I wake each day looking forward to my daughter's naptime which is MY workout time. I absolutely love this way of life. I looked in the mirror this morning and noticed a marked improvement in the tone of my shoulders. My daughter is fourmonths now, and I look forward to toning up for the summer and playing on the beach -- maybe not a supermodel at 5'4" -- but in shape and feeling great. This set has made a great difference in my mental attitude toward exercise. I cannot recommend it strongly enough!

I think Billy Blanks is one of the best instructors I have come across. I live in the countryside, far from any city exercise classes and have to rely on tapes to keep me motivated. I had been doing Pilates for a year but realised I wasn't getting the CV workout I required. Tae Bo is certainly good for getting the heart and lungs pumping! I look forward to getting up to workout,even on a cold winter morning... speaks for itself, I think

With over 770 reviews already written, why write another? Well, I have my opinion on things that may have already been covered in other reviews but I'm too lazy to read 770 of them.

The first complaint is that this comes only as a two tape set. It appears that the reason is that one tape is supposed to be the instructional tape to get you started before moving on to the basic workout. Well, the Instructional tape serves fairly well in that capacity. Aside from the sweet blonde in the back who's not featured enough (okay, a frivilous remark), the tape has other flaws. It does show how to do the punches and kicks. It doesn't tell you how to loosen up to be able to do the kicks better. Some stretching and flexibility suggestions would help. The other factor is that according to the opening notes, one should be able to do this tape before moving on to the Basic Workout. Well, this is NOT a workout tape. Blanks often just does the exercise on one side of the body and doesn't repeat on the other. So, the Instructional tape is somewhat disappointing. Besides, several people I know went straight to the Basic Workout without ever viewing the Instructional tape and have done great.

As for the Basic workout, it is good. Not great. Good. As a newcomer to this exercise, I am able to follow it well enough and get a decent workout for a beginner. I don't like the special effects used during the double-time segments. It distorts the speed of the exercise. Some of the combination moves are challenging and take time to nail. Blanks also takes breaks during the routine under the guise of instructing. Personally, I don't see the need for the little comments he makes and my cynical nature feels he just needs to "take five." Not fair.

Since this is two tapes, the price is high. If it was for two useable tapes, it would be alright but since only one tape is really needed, it is too much. Blanks should either market these separately or make the Instructional tape more useful. In the end, it seems like a good introduction to Tae-Bo or cardio-kickboxing or whatever you want to call it and provides a decent workout.

I love Billy Blanks workouts! I bought the original tapes from the infomercial, and then subscribed to his monthly issued, live workout tapes. I find him extremely motivational, and love his heart and spirit. I have had the best results from working out to his tapes; I used to work out in a gym 5 days a week and have had much quicker results from this. It is too bad that there are so many poor reviews of his tapes, one person's ceiling is another's floor. If you find the basic exercise tape boring, move on to the intermediate and then the advanced. Do pay attention to your body, you won't get hurt.

I have been doing the Basic TaeBo workout for one month and I have lost 16lbs. I am very surprised by the bad reviews. This workout tape is the best out there. For the people complaining about the production, it is not a movie you are supposed to be concentrating on your own movements. I am planning on starting the Advanced workout by Christmas and I can't wait. I would recommend this workout to anyone who wants to see significant results.

Being a guy, I never really felt comfortable doing aerobics, although these tapes are different. There are poblems with the set, the music, and Blanks often makes you do more sets on one side than the other because he's always talking. However, the workout you get is extremely fun and you will sweat like never before. After switching to the advanced tapes, I became instantly aware of muscles I did not know existed before. If you follow the instructional tapes, you will not get hurt, and if you can stomach the bad music and even worse set, you will definitely lose weight and inches off your waist. I have been doing the workouts 3-4 times a week now for three months, and have lost 25 lbs. and 4 inches off my waist. I am now just slightly above my ideal weight, and owe much of it to these videos. The negative reviews must be from salepeople for other workout videos because Tae Bo really works.

I am shocked by all the bad reviews I'm reading about this workout. My husband is a red belt instructor in Tae Kwon Do, has watched the tape with me and agreed that it is a very good workout. I lost 20 pounds on it and felt great! It's a hard workout, and if you lock your joints or over extend or push yourself too hard, of course you are going to get hurt! That's why Billy stresses you to go at your own pace, which I did during the "double time" segments when I first started. Now I can get through them with no problem, but I'm also using correct form... which is very important in any workout, not just this one! I am very inspired by this, find the cool down very relaxing, and enjoy Billy's encouragement the whole way through telling you to take it at your own pace, that it's okay if you need to slow down, etc. I highly suggest this video, but you MUST do it correctly, as with any video.