How Billy Blanks’ Exercise Video Taught Me to Listen to My Body
I am a huge fan of Billy Blanks. I have his original Tae Bo exercise videos and have just recently purchased his Tae Bo AMPED exercise DVD’s. In fact, I just finished a Tae Bo AMPED workout. That is where I got the idea to post this review. Here is a sample of the workout:
As I was saying, I love his workouts. I love the motivation that he provides. I love that the workout is truly a total-body workout. It usually encompasses all body parts and includes both strength training and cardio. It eliminates the need to do other exercises (like crunches for my abs) in addition to the video because my abs are worked during the workout. I love efficiency.
Okay, so here’s my complaint: (Sorry Billy, you know I still love ya) There are times when Billy gets in “amped” mode or “cardio” mode where he encourages me to exercise in “double time”. Well, a) this 40+ body doesn’t do that mode so easily anymore, b) I’d much rather focus on my form and doing the exercise properly at the slower speed and c) there are times where I feel that just wouldn’t be safe for my back.
So what’s a 40+ exerciser to do (or someone at any age who just isn’t “feelin” the “amped” mode)? LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. That’s right. Just because Billy is an expert at exercise, doesn’t mean he’s an expert on your body. That’s YOUR job. Whether you’re listening to Billy Blanks or any other expert on exercising or eating right, pay attention to what your body is telling you. You need to become the expert on your body. You need to know what is going to help it and what is going to hurt it. You determine this by paying attention to how your body feels. Yes, knowledge from other people is good and necessary but don’t forget to engage your brain with the knowledge that you have about your own body. If something doesn’t feel right when you exercise, then modify what you are doing.
And that’s what I do. I modify my “amped” mode. Most of the time I just ignore the “amped” mode and just continue at a regular pace. Trust me, this is still enough to get an awesome workout in.
In summary, I love Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo AMPED workout videos. Great motivation. Great total-body exercises. And they come with a cool, 3 pound “Amplifier” bar that I also use for other exercises when I’m not doing the video workouts.
Word of caution: In my opinion, his “amped” mode is done too fast, especially if you are using the amplifier bar. If you feel the same way, just “listen to your body” and do it at your own pace. It is still a great workout and a good opportunity to tune into what your body is telling you.
Um… I was listening to my body as I did that twisty move from my desk chair and my shoulder was saying “Click… Click… Click…” Then when Billy got to Amped Mode it just clicked faster. I think my body was saying “Hey! Where have you been???” Amped Mode is definitely for pros, but otherwise, Billy does provide a good, solid workout - just have to get past the clicking and popping noises my body is making. I think I might even have an old Tae Bo DVD. Since I’m in “Baby Steps Mode” so I might go check out the DVD’s I bought and never took out of the packaging. I’ll keep you posted as to whether I actually put one in the player. Well, I can at least say that I worked out to Billy Blanks this morning (for a whole 10 seconds). Arrrgghhh! I felt the burn - and the clicks - and the pops! Lori, you’re amazing! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Lori,
I so agree about listening/paying attention to your body! Even younger folks need to take heed to this lesson.
I haven’t bought his new DVDs. I have everything he did up through 2005 though then switched my habit to the beachbody.com videos (particularly Turbo Jam workouts). But I remember how much the Ultimate Boot Camp kicked my behind. Billy still gets some love every now and then, though.
Carol
@The Friend - I am so excited that you were motivated enough to move along with Billy, even if it was for only 10 seconds. Maybe tomorrow you can shoot for 20 seconds and work your way up from there. As you work your way up I think you will find that the “one-man-band” sound eventually goes away. However, feeling the burn will remain. But the good news is that eventually you will come to love that too. In the words of the great philosopher, John Cougar Melloncamp, “It hurts so good.”
@Carol - I agree with you about younger folks also needing to listen to their bodies but they probably won’t because they are still in “I will live forever” mode. In addition to that if they push themselves too hard, the consequences they suffer are minimal in comparison to the damage I can do to my body by doing the same thing.
Turbo Jam is on my wish list. It looks like a great workout. Maybe I’ll need to get it - you know, in order to do a review on it. (Note to the IRS: Here’s proof that my exercise paraphernalia really is for “business use”)
I grew up with Billy — not literally. I loved his workouts, but you do need to stay tuned in. Great post.
…adding this to Fitness Web Tour for the weekend.
@Girl-Woman - Wow! I’m excited about being on tour. I’ll have to make sure everything is cleaned up around here. I’d sweep but my arms are a little sore from working out with Billy.
I love your blog. I’m going to have to tune in often. I’ve become a fashion dunce and I could use your help.
Thanks for including me on the tour. I feel honored.
I completely agree with you, for every kind of exercise you have to listen your body, it’s very important and sometimes you are in very good shape but in one particular day your body it’s not responding the way you wish to, so you have to decrease the intensity for that day, it’s normal we are humans.
Just one question, doesn’t bother you to watch videos with people smiling? I don’t think even Olympic athletes can do that
@Alex Costa - Yeah the smiles are annoying. It also annoys me when Billy tries to convince me to count out loud while I’m doing the exercise. I don’t want to count out loud! About the best I’m capable of producing are grunts and complaints while doing the exercise. The smile comes when I see a change in my body
I enjoyed your blog. I wish you well in your weight loss challenge. You’ve got some great common sense ideas. They will take you far. Keep at it!
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