The Tae-Bo Way (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Billy Blanks wasn't always the master martial artist and superbuff fitness celebrity we know from his Tae-Bo video workouts. He grew up poor in a family of 15 children, had his education stunted by undiagnosed dyslexia, and was a sports washout because of tight tendons. Martial arts made him see that there were no limits to what the body could do--except be haunted by the limitations the mind imposed.

In The Tae-Bo Way, Blanks shares not only his workout but his philosophy and his personal story. The book takes you behind the scenes to learn the background of the man and the workout. It is also a companion to the videos, coaching you to do the moves correctly, explaining which muscles you should feel working and how hard to work out, and teaching you the mental principles that glue it all together. About two-thirds of the book is the workout, with each move described and illustrated clearly and contrasted with incorrect technique, so you learn the difference.

There's also a troubleshooting guide--if you feel discomfort here, this might be what's wrong with your technique. Tae-Bo is more than just an exercise program, says Blanks: "I created it to challenge not only your body but your mind, your spirit, and your will." He encourages you to push your mental as well as physical limits. --Joan Price

From Library Journal

Full of practical tips on the mind-body connection to maintaining physical vitality through Tae-Bo, this audio presentation by its creator, Blanks, is intended to accompany the actual workout tapes. But it also stands alone as a motivational tool for anyone interested in using Tae-Bo to increase flexibility, energy, concentration, and strength. Blanks's enthusiasm for fitness and confidence in the approach is very winning and convincing, as he narrates this overview of his method. Like yoga, Tae-Bo is more than an exercise program; it is a total fitness regime for which the mind, and its influence over the body, takes center stage. Highly recommended.
-Mark Pumphrey, Polk Cty. P.L.,Columbus, NC
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (October 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553801007
• ISBN-13: 978-0553801002
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #869,083 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Billy Blanks is Inspirational, October 20, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been working out for nearly 20 years. I have done aerobics, step, spinning, kickboxing--you name whatever fad that has come along and I have done it. When I say that Tae Bo is the best thing I have ever done--I really mean it. The aerobics portion of this workout is fun, original and helps develop your upper arms as well as tighten your stomach while moving your legs and pumping up that heart. The floor exercises are phenomenal, in fact, all the components for a great workout are there: warm-up, aerobics, floor exercises, stretch and cool down all moved along by Billy's inspirational comments. Within a month, after twenty years worth of exercise, I actually see my muscles getting firmer, my posture improving,and, best of all my lower abs, shrinking. The book is a great addition to the Tae Bo Live tape series--the forms are shown in photographs and explained in the text. Billy Blanks' story is a must for anyone like myself who has struggled with exercise, wanted to quit but just didn't, always being aware of that 'higher power' that could make it all happen. Billy Blanks speaks to that tenacious spirit in all of us who want to succeed. Great going, Billy! Take it on the road--most of us would love to take one of your classes first hand!

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answers all of the FAQs of the Tae Bo video series., October 20, 1999

By	Jay & Vickie Sesnon (Covington, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I have been doing Tae Bo regularly for nearly six months. During that period I have been thrilled by the results I've been getting, yet I have not always been confident of my technique or the level of my workout.

Finally, Billy Blanks has provided the answers to all of my questions in his new book. He talks about technique, optimum heart rate, and how to judge your fitness level. He weighs in on how often to work out and how many calories you will burn per hour.

This book is a motivator because it will enhance your confidence and make you an expert!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Comments, September 7, 1999

By A Customer

Billed as the "future of fitness" and hawked by numerous celebrities, Billy Blanks's Tae-Bo actually deserves much of the hype it's receiving. A mixture of boxing punches and martial arts kicks, Tae-Bo is fun and easy.

Personally developed by seven-time World Martial Arts Champion Billy Blanks, Tae-Bo blends your own hidden strength with the ancient arts of self-defense, dance, and boxing combined with today's great music. Tae-Bo is unlike any workout program you've ever tried before! See consistent, amazing results from your very first workout as Tae-Bo takes you to your next level of physical fitness.

Tae-Bo is easy to learn, with no complicated choreography. Tae-Bo is addictive, a workout you'll look forward to each day, without bulky, expensive equipments.

Muscle & Fitness rated Tae-Bo style aerobic kickboxing as the highest calorie-burning workout available today, burning an amazing 800 calories per hour.