Customer Reviews

Ab Bootcamp

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Ab BootCamp is part of Billy Blanks's newest (circa 2005) Tae Bo series, Billy's BootCamp. I've been a Tae Bo fan for about two years now, and own many of his early DVDs, including the original 4-pack, Tae Bo II: Get Ripped (still my favorite), Ultimate Abs/Butt, and Ultimate Upper/Lower Body. While I love the early stuff, the Tae Bo workouts that he's produced since switching studios (from Ventura Distribution to Good Times Entertainment) seem more stylish, but considerably less difficult, than his earlier work. I was especially disappointed with Tae Bo Cardio and the Tae Bo Capture the Power series. However, I found myself growing bored with what I had, so I bit the bullet and bought the Tae Bo BootCamp series. I'm happy to say that I don't regret my decision one bit!

Unlike the other BootCamp workouts, the Ab BootCamp does not require the "Billy Bands" (a pair of elastic bands that loop around your feet and hands, thus adding considerable - almost impossible - resistance to your workout). Thus, you can purchase this one DVD on its own and not have to worry about buying extra equipment.

The workout runs about 35 minutes in length - and boy, oh boy, what a butt-kicking 35 minutes it is! As always, Billy starts out with some stretching and warm-ups. Next up are calisthenics, including a series of squats with pelvic thrusts that I've never seen in Tae Bo before. The class also spends a good amount of time in horse stance (squatting, butts thrust towards the floor), arms up, torsos twisting from side to side. This REALLY allows you to concentrate on your abs and work the waist. Billy has introduced this particular exercise in many previous workouts, but never in this much depth or for such a long period. You can really feel your abs and legs working here. Finally, it's down to the floor for a series of crunches and similar ab exercises. Thankfully, Billy mixes it up a bit and allocates some time for stretching, which definitely takes the edge off the more extreme ab work.

I've only done Ab BootCamp about five times now, but I already notice a difference in my abs. I'm adding this one to my regular rotation, no doubt. Since it's also slightly shorter than many of the other DVDs I own (by 15 to 20 minutes), it's good for those mornings when you're running a little late but still want to squeeze a decent workout in. A must for anyone who wants to work their abs (and who doesn't!?). Five stars all around!

This is the only ab workout I have ever done, and believe me, I have done alot, where I have actually seen results. The floor excercises are intermediate to difficult. Billy does alot of crunch-like exercises in which you must tuck your chin to your chest and keep your shoulders off of the floor. In other words, you must always keep your abs contracted. I never knew it, but this is the secret to getting great abs.

Further, after doing this workout for several months, I can actually see the muscles in my stomach. I can't believe I may actually one day have a visible six pack. I never thought it possible.

Another thing I like about this workout is there is about 15 mintues of stand up ab excercises. These exercises consist of alot of twisting, which slims your waste. My waste has gone down one whole size from doing these on a regular basis. Besides the twisting, Billy also does some stand-up ab strenghening excercises which are not as hard on your back as the floor exercises. If you are a beginner you will find this workout challenging, especially the floor exercises. But don't give up. Each time you do this workout you will definitely notice that you have stronger abs and after a month of doing this workout on a regular basis you will definitely see results!!

This is by far the best and most effective ab workout I have ever done.

This is definitely a good ab workout, especially for intermediate exercisers. I run about 4 miles every other day, and I use this alongside Billy's "Favorite Moves" in between running days. The ab workout is 30 minutes long, and there's a lot of focus on your waist. There are moves for your lower and upper abs too, but it's definitely waist-intensive. Most of the moves are done standing up which is a HUGE plus for me because I hate ab moves that put any strain whatsoever on my neck. Unlike Billy's Bootcamp videos, this ab workout does NOT require any extra equipment whatsoever--just a soft floor.

I have been using Tae Bo for about six months now. In his cardio workouts, he does quite a few "slimming" exercises, but I bought this video, because I wanted even more results. It delivered. I have lost inches in my abs and torso. Also, because the moves work your back too, my back fat has disappeared. It is so effective because he combines slimming exercises--which are done standing up and involve twisting, leg raises, and contracting the abs. You then continue to the floor for strengthening exercises that involve crunches and other challenging moves. The video is only 30 minutes so you can do it alone or combine it with other videos. If you are ready to work..it will benefit you.

I am a huge fan of Billy. I have all his DVD's. I found myself with split ab muscles & a huge flabby belly after having 2 babies within 3 years. I was a size 2 frame with a 32" waist! I tried cardio workouts for 2 years without improvement. Doctors told me a tummy tuck was my only option for shape because my muscles were split. They told me to avoid ab exercises because I could get a hernia.
The video-
The video is divided into standing ab work & then floor work. About 2/3 is devoted to standing. I only did the standing work because I was afraid to do the floor work because of my muscles. The music is upbeat. Billy gives great instructions.
I did this video every day. I did 1/2 hr on the treadmill first then I did the standing portion of this video. I was shocked that this video made me sweat. I've never done an ab workout before that got me heated. Results= I lost 4" on my waist.
Extra:
I disagree with prior reviews stating Billy uses bad form. I did notice some soreness initially in my back that improved as my muscles got stronger. You need to do it for awhile before giving up. As with any workout video or class you need to modify it to fit your level of fitness. I did not do the floor work on it & I still got great results. I also skipped a move where he flops his arms around like a helicopter because I did feel pulling on my back, but my husband did the move without any problems.

I have done my share of Ab videos and most of them are fun and challenging but show no results. After the very first time I used Billy Blanks' Ab Bootcamp, my obliques were sore and were very hard my abs began to show and I was totally encouraged. I would recommend this video to anyone. I think beginners could easily follow along although it may be a little challenging. And it is still extremely challenging for even the most dedicated exercisers. I love this video and I plan to buy many more of Billy Blanks' products!

I love it! 30 min of AB defining exercises! Billy doesn't break your back or neck! He walks you through the exercises and shows different or modified performances. Whether you are experienced or not this is an awesome workout!
Personally I FELT and SAW a difference after the 1st time!I love it! I llook forward to my AB workout!

I've been doing Taebo for a long time and normally hate his ab stuff. In other videos that I own, I feel like his ab work gets a little out of control when he has you pick up the pace. Not to mention, Billy can be a little uneven in his counting. This workout is completely different. It's a slower paced workout that makes you focus on what you're doing. Even though it doesn't have a cardio element to it, I still manage to sweat because you're so focused on the moves it takes a lot of strenght and concentration. Of all the ab workouts I've done, this is the best so far.

I've recently begun to climb back on the wagon and get myself into shape. A couple of months ago, I purchased a bowflex and have already seen dramatic results. This past week, I started running again in an effort to attack body-fat. At this point, I'm a far cry from those high school track and field days as my legs feel like a mixture of lead and brick as a plod through my neighborhood with my dog.

Getting something to target my abs seemed like the next logical progression, and although I have no doubts this DVD will do the trick, let me share my thoughts after just one work out so that perhaps you can be better prepared.

First, I would suggest this for those who have been doing some sort of cardio work for a while. At 35 minutes, you will not keep up if you're just setting out--even if you're in what you believe to be relatively good shape. Stamina is the key word here, and a slim or muscular physique doesn't always equate to it.

Second, I read a few reviews first before purchasing the DVD where they said Billy starts with some warm-ups and stretches. FALSE! He does not. You need to take 5-10 minutes to warm up before starting this routine, unless, of course, you're incorporating into a part of a larger routine where it's not the starting point.

Third, give yourself some space. I have a cramped 1 bedroom condo and was able to do the exercises without moving anything. An 8' x 8' area would be most suitable (think in terms of an office jail cell... er, cubicle).

Speaking of cramps, I could not complete several of these exercises because my abs severely cramped up. Not the cramp-type associated with drinking too much fluids/eating, but the actual involuntary muscle contraction that isn't very pleasant feeling. I associate this with some of the exercises I'm already doing with the Bowflex, but be forewarned.

Finally, I think the key to this exercise regime is balance. There is a lot of one-legged thrusting which will require most of your weight to be planted on one leg. This is another good reason why you will need to give yourself some room. I'm pretty coordinated and was an all-star athlete in several sports back in high school, but still found some of these exercises a bit awkward the first time around.

As with most exercise programs, technique is most important, so make sure you're stable (I suggest wearing shoes--I didn't the first time and found some of the stances difficult), warmed up and have stretched prior to starting. You may not make it through the first round if you're just starting out, but hang in there--that burning you'll be feeling in your mid-section is a good thing!

I purchased Billy's infomercial Bootcamp series and I love it because it is EXTREMELY challenging and it makes me feel like a buff and confident woman! Well this abs workout reallys "kicks your abs" I definetely felt it when the workout was about over. It is such a great feeling when you know you've worked something to the max, and that is just what it does. I would recommend this dvd if this is an area you know you need to work on or even if you just want a great ab workout!