I've read many Tae Bo enthusiasts referring to this program as "intermediate," and I think that's a little bit misleading. Yes, it is shorter (45 minutes) than the older workouts, and its pace is slower.
But Billy really knows what he's doing. If you do this workout CORRECTLY, it is actually extremely intense cardiovascular work, along with tremendous trunk/core muscle training.
What MOST Tae Bo-ers don't understand is that your form is of paramount importance. I've taken several accredited Tae Bo classes, and I don't think I've ever seen more than three or four people who were really doing the moves correctly.
Almost everyone I've ever seen do Tae Bo relies on momentum to execute the moves, especially the kicks. If you bounce your way through it, you'll work up a nice sweat, yes. But you're not going to be doing the workout properly, and your core (stomach, sides, back and rear) aren't going to gain strength.
Tae Bo Cardio FORCES you to focus more on your form. And believe me, working muscles intensely is FAR more draining that hopping up and down, allowing momentum to flail your legs out in an approximation of a kick.
(...) I've worked it into my regular routine.
I've done Tae Bo classic, Live and Get Ripped, and the moves in this tape are familiar, with a few twists. The cross-corner punching, roundhouse kicks, knee raise, front and back kicks, squats and speedbag are all here. The "music" isn't very tuneful (pulsing video game music, basically), but it gives the beat which is important for aerobic workout. A bonus for me is a thorough cool-down that emphasizes not just stretching, but muscle control and visualization, something Billy's tapes are getting better at developing.
All in all this has become my favorite Basic workout! I've definitely gotten my money's worth.
