Customer Reviews

Billy Blanks: Basic Training & Ultimate Bootcamp

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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This is not a cardio workout. This is a workout designed to stregthen and build muscle. You can do the workout without the rubber workout bands but if you want a true workout GET THE BANDS. If you do have shoulder problems do not do this workout. Alot of this workout is designed to strengthen you shoulder muscles. I had to stop doing this workout for awhile because I hurt my one shoulder-joint.

Now there are a few minor problems. Number one this workout is an hour long. Unlike previous workouts. So give yourself some time. Number two is that not all of the people doing the workout are doing it right. When it comes to shoulder workouts you should never jerk your reps or over-extend them. Some of the people on the dvd do this. It is very dangerous and could result in a bad injury.

All in all a solid work out. It goes good with a cardio workout. If you do a cardio one day and the boot camp the next you will see some major changes with in a short time. And trust me you'll need the break of a day between doing this workout just to give your muscles time to heal.

I bought this workout pack 2 weeks ago after seeing it showcased on the fitness channel. I've tryed a lot of workout tapes before and never liked any of them. This stuff is different. To start off with, you don't bounce around. Ladies, this one won't leave your chest hurting. Every move is very precise. Second, it works. My first week, everyday and without the bands (I hadn't bought any yet)I did one of the videos. I lost 5 lbs, 3% body fat, and 4 inches. I now have the bands, and the workout is really tough with them. I can't finish most of the sets with them on so I toss them off my hands when I have to, then pick them back up next round.

The downsides: Billy sometimes says one more set and then starts talking and three sets later you're thinking "shut up already!" Shellie, however, does a great job on keeping the count steady. Next, you gotta buy the bands, and that sucks. And finally, The one dvd, Basic, is really just to teach you technique and strengthen you enough to be able to do the heavier tapes. It serves it's purpose well, but anyone beyond that point will think that one was a waste of their money.

All told, I love it. I'm still losing weight and feeling great and I plan to get more of the Billy Blanks dvds.

Ive only done the basic training dvd so far and that was a great workout! I think I will stick with that for awhile before I try the next one. Even if you dont have the bands it is very tough! Lots of cardio, and stretching. Great all around workout!

I have several BB series, it's the only exercise routine have been able to stick too - I can't dance worth beans and don't like traditional aerobic programs ! BB is more calisthenics and I've been able to get male friends into it because of that too. This particular series concentrates on heavier arm and shoulder workout, and I noticed a difference when carrying heavier items I was much stronger in that area. And it's a more intense workout than some previous ones.

Down side: recommmend if you buy this to do it thru BB direct - I bought this series and the newer upgraded BB band set thru a retail store that soon after went out of business - w/in several mos of normal usage both sets of bands busted, and was told by BB customer service they not do exchanges because it wasn't purchased directly from them. Yikes.

I bought the entire set of Billy's Bootcamp tapes and the Billy Bands (it was about [...]) and they really do all they say they will. After a week or two you feel stronger and more energized. I really really recommend these DVDs, especially if you're looking for something to really challenge yourself. When I began the tapes, they was pretty much kicking my [...], but now I can do every single exercise, including squatt thrusts which gave me the most trouble! It still challenges me, but I can't believe how far I've come and how much it has changed my physique! Billy is also a really motivational trainer. I can't wait to try Bootcamp Elite! (Another bonus: after you do the tapes for awhile you can use them about once a week (while keeping healthy eating-wise, of course) and you won't see a change in your results! They sculpt your entire body!)

I've been doing Billy Blanks' videos on and off for about 5 years, and faithfully now for the past 3 months. I am now a college student, I played varsity basketball and soccer in high school, and I am still amazed at how intense of a workout Billy can put together. The first few times were quite hard to keep up, and left me sore afterwards.

The Basic Training workout is very good and works the shoulders, arms, legs, and abs very well. The Ultimate Bootcamp workout is my favorite of Billy's so far, and has exceeded my previous favorite "Bootcamp Elite Mssion 2: Maximum Power" which is also a great workout. Ultimate keeps you busy the entire time, got sweat pouring down my face during the entire workout, and worked out the exact areas I wanted.

I've found that doing these workouts 3-4 times a week also enhanced my performance in basketball by increasing my vertical jump by a few inches, helping me stay low in my defensive stance, as well as helping me be able to run faster and longer than any of my teammates. It has also helped my hand-eye and foot-eye coordination. I believe that using the bands and focusing on control was beneficial for when I played soccer as well.

Billy is also very encouraging and fun to workout with. I suggest setting up a regular time to do it several times a week, and try to get someone to do it with you too. You will not be disappointed, whether you are an athlete to stay in good shape, or a normal working professional looking to stay in the best shape of your life.

I have this two-disc set. Billy Banks Ultimate Boot Camp is both good cardio and good strength training for me. It's a little less girly than a lot of my videos, as it doesn't include dance steps. And it's harder than any of my other videos. In fact, it's the only one of my videos that I have to drop out of for the last few reps sometimes. BB has enormous upper body strength, much more than I. I use just regular fitness bands, using the lighter gauge in the set on my left side, and that works fine. It does have some high impact moves, including jumping jacks, which I hate, but I really like the kickboxing moves. There's some floor work, even rolling on the floor between pushup sets, so make sure you're ready for that, and have something to protect your knees for some of the floor work. The ab work is brutal. I can't get halfway through, and I'm the only woman in my kickbox class that can do all the ab work there, so I think it would be hard for a lot of people. Not, of course, the extremely ripped people in the video, though.