Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

I feel (physically) that this is a great workout but it is a little different than Billy Blanks traditional Tae Bo workouts. Some may like the change, others may not. I liked it but it was pretty easy (I say now that I’m done). This would be great for a beginner but a Tae Bo enthusiast may not be as interested in it.

Equipment
Do you see any balls in the picture or in the description of this workout? I didn’t either but both of the workouts incorporate two red squishy balls which are a half pound each. The balls are not included in the purchase of the DVD and I’m not sure where you can get them at. I did find that they are included in the box set called, Tae Bo Capture the Power Kit which includes 4 workouts and the balls for around $30. This 2 in 1 DVD retails for $20. Here is my review for the other two workouts in the set: Foundation/Energy

I had to improvise and I think it worked out for me. I made a ball out of a sock which seems to be the right size and is squishy. Better than nothing.

Strength Workout
The workout begins with a 10 minute warm-up which loosens the areas that are worked in this DVD. This is a little different than his usual workouts. He really slows down the movements in this workout so that you can concentrate. I really like that but not everyone will.

This is not a cardio workout so don’t expect to be dripping with sweat or out of breath. The workout didn’t even seem too difficult but I know it was effective because my arms and thigh muscles were definitely exhausted after the workout. If you cheat and don’t contract your muscles and squeeze then you won’t get as much out of the workout as Billy is offering.

One of my goals for this quarter was coordination and balance. This workout gave me a great opportunity to see how far I’ve progressed. Many of the moves require standing on one leg with the other leg raised to the waist and extended. A lot of muscles are used in this position and it isn’t easy. It takes a patient mind and a strong body to support yourself on one leg for at least 8 counts. A lot of the group on TV was fumbling to stay on balance so it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Billy doesn’t modify the exercises however recommends having a chair close by for a little help for balance if needed. He also stresses that it’s okay to lose your balance, just get back up and continue.

It you’ve never used a Billy Blanks workout before you will be able to do this workout just fine because he slows way down and teaches the moves and steps. There are several routines that we do such as multiple japing in conjunction with a kick, moving across the room and straight into squats.

I liked this workout despite the fact that I didn’t have the balls that are used with it.

The theme of this workout is foundation, energy, strength and power. The foundation is the center of your body. When it’s strong you will be able to maintain balance with you leg lifted. Energy is called out when the movement picks up the pace to double time. And strength is called out when a muscle is being isolated or flexed and preparing for power which is in the following workout.

Again, it would be easy to cheat while doing this workout. If you do it with muscles squeezed and focus on muscle isolation it won’t be easy.

Power Workout
This is the 4th and last workout in this series.

This workout takes place in the same Tae Bo studio as the last one did. Wow there’s a lot of individuals working out behind Billy Banks in this one, about 20 I think. The room is full and they come together in the workout to kick together.

You may notice that Billy says, “What number is this?” and the exercisers say "1" when they are on count 7 or 8. The one reflects what was learned in the Fundamental DVD. Each type of move was given a number. Punch with the right hand is a "1", punch with the left hand is a "two" and a kick is a "six". So for some fancy footwork you might be instructed to do 1, 1, 1, 2, 6. This workout does stand on its own and the viewer really didn’t need to see the first one to benefit from the two workouts on this DVD.

The 5 minute warm-up has some of the same warm-up moves as the Strength workout. Billy explains Power is like an iron. The energy surge gives you strength and gives you the ability to own your power.

The balls are used in this workout as well. The workout takes off with twists for the waist and lots of punches, in and outs, presses, and lots of arm work. Nearly all the moves are used in this workout. High and lows, roundhouses, forward and reverse kicks and more.

When Billy yells out energy the movement goes to double time otherwise they movements are a normal pace in counts of 8.

The workout slows down to some squeezing exercises with the ball.

The workout finishes up with a 5 minute cool down and motivational remarks by Billy.

Overall
I can’t stand to do the same workouts every day so I thought this added a nice change and I feel that it was worth my time and felt like my upper arms and thighs benefited a lot. The workout did move slow in a few places when new moves were being introduced which may be a problem if you plan on using this workout a lot. Probably less of a replay value than a cardio workout would be.

The first workout is strength training and the second workout is more of a full-body cardio workout. The power workout was a traditional Tae Bo workout which emphasized a lot of punches and ran though all the Tae Bo moves. You don’t have to go down to the floor for either of these workouts.

I wouldn't recommend this to my friends with knee problems because the kicking and squats are things they often complain about and there's lots of that in this workout.

Both of these workouts are long workouts with a total of 1 hour 33 minutes for the DVD so you get quite a lot of training. The DVD goes well with the series and would be mostly recommend viewers who are beginners because Billy takes the time to explain the moves and slows it down. Typical Tae Bo fans may find this too basic. I enjoyed the slower pace for a change and thought it was still a great workout.

Reminder: The DVD doesn't come with balls unless you order the box set.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older