Customer Reviews

Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo Flex

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This Flex version focuses on different parts of the body. The most important feature is the timing and the counting, which the Blanks have rapidly improved over previous DVD's. It keeps the cardio tempo up, so you will sweat, but on the standard 8-count it will force you to freeze and focus on tightening up certain muscles througout the DVD. This is a good DVD for rotation, but do not expect an all-out jumping around, standard Tae-Bo routine, again it focuses on toning various groups and keeping your cardio up at the same time. I was not disappointed. And the Blanks have switched the technical aspect of the DVD to GoodTimes. You will see more of a professional presentation and organization. You will see a smaller room size and less group participation (10-12 total). Overall, I rate this one worth getting and putting in your current exercise rotation.

After doing this workout for a short time, I was amazed to look in the mirror one morning while getting ready for church, and noticed I actually had defined abs! I was stunned and thrilled. I've worked out on a regular basis for years and this is the first time, I've ever actually seen abs on my body. I don't understand the reviews that say you won't sweat and do not work your abs. Those people should touch their abs while holding one of the standing Flex positions and feel for themselves the engaged muscles.
I recommend this workout to anyone. It is difficult if you are not used to the moves, but you will pick up on them soon enough. And that's part of the fun of finding a new workout.

I've been doing Tae Bo for about two years, and have mostly mastered the serious cardio workouts (of which Tae Bo II: Get Ripped is the most difficult). I purchased Tae Bo Flex because I wanted a Tae Bo workout that would focus on muscle definition (particularly in my abs) as opposed to cardio endurance. For the most part, Tae Bo Flex delivers.

Tae Bo Flex is different from previous Tae Bo DVDs in that the moves are performed more slowly, allowing the class to concentrate on the desired muscle groups. Additionally, after a certain number of sets, a move - for example, a roundhouse kick - is held, muscles flexed (hence the title of the workout), in order to strengthen specific muscle groups.

In general, each move is performed as follows: two sets of eight normal repetitions, a held position for eight counts, another set of eight normal reps, and then a final round of a flexed pose. Then, on to another move. During the course of Tae Bo Flex, you'll do a number of moves in this manner, including the roundhouse kick, side kick, front kick, back kick, various punches, and some pseudo-speed bag. Most of the concentration is on your lower body, but the workout does include a few positions in which you're flexing your arms as well.

For the most part, I enjoy the workout; it's definitely something different than what I'm used to! However, it isn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. The cardio (i.e., the "normal" sets) is relatively light, and I never really work up a sweat. Also, you only hold the flexed position for eight counts - essentially, this only amounts to about eight seconds! - which isn't very challenging. And this is coming from someone who has a very poor sense of balance, mind you! In fact, some of the previous Tae Bo workouts, such as Get Ripped Advanced 1 and 2, feature longer flex times than this. Finally, at just 45 minutes, Tae Bo Flex is about 10 minutes shorter than many other "Advanced" Tae Bo DVDs.

Although I've owned this DVD for about five months, I usually only use it on my "off" days - those mornings when I'm just too beat to work through some of the more advanced Tae Bo videos. Nonetheless, newbies might find Tae Bo Flex helpful. The leisurely pace makes it easier to learn the basic moves, and the flexing does allow you to focus in on your body. You really gain a sense of which exercises work which muscle groups, because you can literally feel them in action. Overall a decent DVD, but I'm going to knock off one star because there really should have been more flexing!

This is my first teabo video and I have to say I got hooked right away, within the first two weeks I started to see the results especially in my saddle bag area and my upper stomach! The hardest part of this video is hopping around trying to keep my balance so I make sure the hubby isn't around to laugh at me while I workout but this is so much fun I am definately buying more teabo workout videos to mix up my weekly workout routine.

Yes I did. Figured, I would give this Tae-Bo thing a try. I've been practicing Martial Arts for nearly 20 years. With my weight going up and down after ACL reconstructive surgery...Physical therapy had been my only exercise (if you even call it that). So besides strenthening at the gym and some elliptical work, it got boring. I'm always into trying new workouts to "shock" the body. I want to be a healthy 34 year old man. So I figured I'd add this to my system of training/exercising. Wow...it gave me the same sweaty dripping workout as working over a heavy bag. Plus, the benefit that I see is the "flex"...It helps me re-strengthen, re-focus, and wake up those martial arts muscles again. I don't know what these negative people are talking about. But everyone has to have an opinion, that's what makes picking your own system great. I'd recommend this DVD. Especially to people trying to re-awaken their healthier self.

As the wise, Bruce Lee says. . . "Be Water, My Friend."

First let me declare my unwavering devotion to Billy Blanks and the Tae Bo program. With TB I have lost all the fat on my torso and arms, and slimmed down my legs which didn't even need it. I am a dedicated Tae Bo warrior working out with the Cardio Circuit, Fat Blasting Series, and Get Ripped Series which is the best. I encourage everyone who wants to look amazing and fall in love with their workout routine to try those tapes.... Now to Tae Bo Flex. It is absolutely not for advanced exercisers. I was frustrated through the whole thing because Billy's cuing was off in a disastrous way (not the typical erraticness), and the intensity never went up. You kept anticipating something difficult to follow but it never came. If you enjoy the videos I mentioned do not buy this one. It is only for beginners. (and beginners, if you don't like this tape, don't worry. It's not as exhilarating and innovative as the ones I've mentioned)

Tae Bo Flex is very different from the past tapes that I own. I really like the flex aspect of this dvd. It focuses on your core and teaches balance and stability. I found that I don't sweat or pant as much as when I do the ripped series but I am just as sore if not more the next day. The tape is 45 min long which is a perfect time for me. I find that if you alternate the ripped series with the flex you get the best results. The ripped gives you the cardio and the flex narrows in on specific muscles and tones them. I have been doing tae-bo for about 7 years and am glad he has come up with something new. It is the pilates of tae-bo.

The Tae-Bo concept is wonderful, but "Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo Flex" is the worst sequel to come along since The Scorpion King. It's a major step down from the classic Tae-Bo VHS tapes I bought 4 years ago. First of all, I have to question if the "flex" aspect of the workout really does any good. I'm no expert, but just standing on one foot and holding a pose doesn't seem to be useful either from an aerobic or anaerobic perspective. But, whether or not the content is worthy, the presentation of it certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Billy Blanks' performance was pathetic. He kept screwing up his lines and had to be corrected by his assistant. This is clearly something that they whipped out in one take with few rehearsals, if any.

And then there's the brain dead formatting. This production of Goodtimes Entertainment (www.goodtimes.com) doesn't even take advantage of the fundamental features of a DVD! There is only one item on the menu: "Play." What's the point of that? It may as well just start playing. Better yet, how about a few more menu choices, like scene selection. Hello?! The 45 minute program isn't broken down into chapters at all, so the Skip Ahead button doesn't work. (You can't even use the Skip Back button to restart at the beginning.) This is supposed to be a DVD that we'll wear out watching over and over, yet they expect us to sit through the introduction every time. If it were up to me, I would have put in at least 4 chapter breaks: intro, warm-up, workout, cool-down, and credits. ( I don't need to be reminded how to warm up, and would rather do that while watching CNN, then skip straight to the workout.)

I bought "Flex" in a 3-pack with "Flex Express" and "Cardio." Cardio isn't as bad content-wise, but it's not compelling either, and it still suffers the same poor production quality.

I bought this just last week and tried it for the first time. I already feel that great ache that comes from having worked your muscles well. Also...the *flexing* helps release any tension you have. After this workout...you will be very refreshed. Also..if you are a beginner Billy goes over the moves slowly first so you can pick it up. All in all I'm very pleased with this purchase.

I think this workout is of value, but it's not perfect. I would give it three and a half stars if I could. You can see from the other reviews that people have some issues with it. If you have a Tae Bo workout or two and want a little variety, this might be a good supplement. That's how I like to use it. It's not as challenging as some, but I found the "flex" parts, for the lower body, to be good balance practice. I don't think it has the best warm up in the world, and I often click off the cool down to do my own and hop off into the shower, but it's a nice change for a day that one might not feel as ready to take on a full big workout but still want a little action. It is definitely not a good intro to Tae Bo. Get the Intro and Basic workouts first. The Basic is always a good workout. Check out collage video's website for lots of great workout video reviews.