Motivational Kickboxing type exercise video

After watching all the late night informercials on Tae Bo, I finally decided to grab this 2 tape (4 workout) package on Tae Bo...

My package was consisted of 2 VHS tapes consisting of Foundation & Energy / Strength and Power.

In short, it is a moderately effective exercise program that Billy Blanks has miraculously developed himself. As for workout efficiency/safety; I do have some concerns.

This 2 tape / 4 workout package consists of 4 x 45-60 min exercise segments.

Foundation - This really is the foundation; it demonstrates the 8 moves that you will be doing in the rest of the show - but I found it to be overly long. It ends with a stretch routine. There is no real cardio exercise in this segment.

Energy/Strength/Power - These 3 exercise routines run about 45 min. each and although the exact exercises do differ somewhat; I believe it is fair to review them together as the same techniques and basic pattern of exercise is modelled/taught in these 3 videos.

The exercise videos have a lot of motivational segments / down time where I found my heart rate dropped. I think this is good for a beginner but if you are looking for a compact exercise regiment, I found that 25 min. with Kathy Smith's Kickboxing to be more intense than 45 min. with these exercise programs.

I was disappointed in that although Mr. Blanks is obviously very talented, Tae Bo really is much more of a marketing success than anything else. Tae Bo is marketted really well and has become quite well established in the exercise world; but Billy Blanks is quite prolific in producing new exercise videos. There is a bit of a cult following to Tae Bo and I think that is is well supported and quite a commercial success.

Oh yes, about the exercise program... I digress...

I have 2 main concerns with the program. 1) Tae Bo is moderately high impact and the moves that are used can certainly lead to injury and 2) although there is a lot of motivational talk/segments, this actually detracts from the exercise routine/keeping your heart rate up - this leads in less than ideal calorie burn rates; however, if you are a beginner; these segments will let you catch your breath.

Overall, I truly believe that any exercise is better than none; but this would not be my first choice in exercise videos (I've sampled/used videos from over a dozen instructors).