Customer Reviews

Crunch - Tae Boxing, Workouts: Kickology & Tae Boxing Jam [VHS]

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(46)

 

 

I was just reading through the reviews and have to say, I agree with most of the 1 or 2 star ones...One "viewer from New York" loved the tape {well, great, if it motivates you - go for it!} and stated that those who don't are either "doing the workout wrong or just can't keep up." I beg to differ! I'm an experienced exerciser [and I have a complete fitness video library, including my favorites Gin Miller, Kathy Smith, & Karen Voight] who can more than "keep up" with the tape -- in fact, like other viewers, I often find myself wishing he'd do more reps of a move instead of abruptly stopping and "walking it out." As for doing the workout "wrong," -- there's such poor cueing and little explanation, it's hard to do it "right" because we never really know what "right" is! There is no attention to FORM. Video-wise, there is way too much focus on the background group [because Billy pretty much marches through most of it] including the overeager "Garrett" and the little posing, pony-tailed, sashaying brunette. The editing is bad, particularly in "Tae Boxing Jam" during a certain punch sequence that halts almost as quickly and mysteriously as it appeared. Billy himself is not annoying at all, like some instructors, and, to his credit, his is the only kickboxing video I own [and I have many] that actually has an explanation and demonstration as to how to use it in self-defense at the end. However, you do get the feeling that the 'team' behind him is following a choreographer behind the cameras because no matter what Billy says {"doubletime, guys, doubletime!"}, they do their own thing!

My advice, in short, is this: If what you're looking for is a 'quick' kickboxing workout, I suggest Denise Austin's "Power Kickboxing" which contains 2 20 minute pumping routines. She can be a little grating, and sometimes lack cueing, but she's good. Or use Billy's other videos...This early Crunch video does him no justice.

5'4 165
I first used this tape, and after being lazy(Got tired just getting up in the morning and taking a shower) for a long period of time I could only do the first workout. It was very easy to follow. Billy does a move 3 times slow enough for anyone to be able to follow, and then he does it quickly for 8 reps.
Almost a week later I was attemping to do both together for a total of 45 minute workout.
Well, 4 weeks later I do the whole video 2 times a day. It has become very easy although I do sweat alot. I can not wait for the other videos to come in.
I have also lost over 12 inches that is measuring one side of my body, and 8 pounds. I drink tons of water and have started eating things such as spinach, which a little while ago I would have not done. To top everything else even to top that I also quick smoking and have not gained a pound, I dropped my heart rate from high 80's to high 60's. I am on my way to a healthier life. Sure it is hard, but it is the hard things in life that make you better, stronger and happier, take the easy road and your not using yourself to your full potential, and before too long it will be even harder for you to get off your butt.

I totally agree with others who gave this video a poor review. One person mentioned that by the second part the background people were on "auto pilot", without any introduction of what the heck we were doing. It was hard to keep up and Billy didn't really seem to know the correct and reasonable time in the music to start the reps, so a couple times it was off the beat which got annoying. It was sort of bizarre how right after the warm up the people on the video were sweating like pigs, and I wasnt even winded yet. When he DOES decide to explain the moves, he spends so much time doing them slowly and then only does it like once fast. He seemed to like to show off too, all his fancy kicks and such, and I can't get through the beginning without cracking up, where the camera goes down the people in the line, and ends on him with that robe thing on and he says in this serious voice all the stuff about "kickology" and stuff. Its a bad video, dont buy it.

This video is very poorly produced. It is not a good workout for even the intermediate exerciser. Many times Billy is just standing there and you have to try to figure out what the rest of the group is doing. There is not enough repetitions of any set of exercises to make it truly effective. There is not good cueing...which I'm sure you'd get used to after viewing it several times, but it's just not worth it. Even my 10 year old was disappointed!

While I enjoy Tae Bo videos from Billy Blanks, this one is not only difficult to follow, but very choppy. Billy doesn't lead the class; he throws the viewer off because the class is doing a workout without any direction as to how many reps they're doing or what's next, all the while, Billy is talking. Add to it poor filming (I'd rather see technique rather than how cute someone is) and you've got a workout video not designed for the less graceful or coordinated. Still, Billy Blanks knows his Tae Bo and the last part of the video is a good workout.

As a Fitness & Nutrition Specialist, I truly believe this workout video is a great buy. Not only is it available at a great price, but it also gives you such a wonderful workout. Unlike the Tae Bo tapes in his Tae Bo series, this video offers a good amount of stretching for warming up and cooling down, which helps to prevent injury.

I think that Billy Blanks has had bad reviews due to the strain involved in the workouts in his Tae Bo series. They don't offer nearly as much stretching or emphisis on proper form as this video does.

Save money and time buying this video instead of the ones from his series, and you'll be on your way to a stronger and toned body!

I'm 14 years old and got this video as a gift. At first it was hard to do but then I watched it a few times and learned what I had to do. Now I try to do it everyday. I liked the kickboxing part so much I'm taking a kickboxing class this winter. It's not only fun it works. I have flatter abs and it tones your body.

Don't waste your money, this tape is hard to follow and confusing

I purchased this tape with the impression that is was going to be a high-energy, challenging, fast-paced workout. Well, it was energetic. It was challenging to follow due to MAJOR lack of instruction. Banks neglected to instruct the proper positions on many sets. It was extremely difficult to follow and I found myself lost. I liked regular tae-bo and wanted a quick tape for variety....this Definately is not it.

This is a very solid workout tape. The first workout is focused more on the body with several punch and kick combinations. All of these are fresh and fun to do. And I can feel results. Do like Billy Blanks says and use a pound wait in each hand and really focus on throwing good punches. I've been doing Tae Bo videos (original and live) and this is a welcome addition. I like this video alot, it works, and it teaches you some combinations you can also practice when the tape is off. Why people have given this poor reviews I do not know. The moves are easy to follow and Billy gives excellent cues and directions. This is a serious work out tape at a value price. Well worth the money!