Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Feel like the Tae-Bo craze passed you by? Maybe you think you're a little too old or slightly too out of shape for the rock-'em-sock-'em moves of the high-energy aerobics class. Well, Billy Blanks hears you, and he's created a fitness tape just for you: Tae-Bo Gold. While this program says it's geared for the "mature" crowd (which apparently in youth-oriented Los Angeles means those over 40), the easier pace and gentler moves make it appropriate for anyone who doesn't have the stamina for Blanks's other Tae-Bo tapes. There's less hopping from foot to foot and the moves are simpler. And for a refreshing change of pace, the workout class is populated with some folks who are elderly and some who aren't in the peak condition of the exercisers in the other Tae-Bo videos.
But don't let these things make you think you aren't going to get a real workout, because the mixture of boxing punches and martial arts kicks will get the heart rate pumping. Mixing in five tunes from the 1950s and '60s with Blanks's own less-than-wonderful music, this 35-minute video shows modifications for those with less balance or who need to take things slower or just can't quite reach their toes. Blanks, as always, is supportive with constant admonishments to get that glass of water or march in place if you need to. This video does, unfortunately, have some drawbacks, the most notable that it can be difficult to hear Blanks's instruction over the loud music. While the moves do begin slowly, you may wish to do a more complete warm-up before the video. And with all of the Tae-Bo videos, you should first carefully watch the Instructional video, available separately, to learn the proper form for all the moves. But disadvantages aside, Tae-Bo Gold proves you're never too old to get into shape, and this is a terrifically fun workout, for folks of all ages. --Jenny Brown
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