After much deliberation I finally decided to buy the Billy Blanks Bootcamp. The first workout in the series is Basic Training.

I have done many of Billy Blanks workouts so I knew that his bootcamp training program would be difficult but I assumed that I would be able to glide through the “Basic Training” segment. Not the case. The bands really add a challenge to the workout and the routine was entirely different than his Tae Bo workouts.

The Set
Basic Training takes place in the Tae Bo Studio. The carpet is red and blue and red and white striped material resembling a flag is draped on the walls. The group is wearing blue camouflage workout clothes. The setting just seems really cool to me and puts me in the move of basic training.

Billy works in some military terms such as cadence, drills, combat jab, fighting position but it’s a little cheesy.

Equipment Needed
The Basic Training DVD requires the Billy Bands. The bands are used in most of the workout and really add to uniqueness and increase results of the workout. The Billy Bands are two separate tube bands that go around each foot and extend to the arms. Since they are not connected to each other you are free to move around. The bands cause resistance so works better to tone the muscles. Bands do not add bulk like lifting weights do.

The Movements
Many of the movements are different from the traditional Tae Bo workouts. Calisthenics is the theme of this workout. We do things like jumping jacks, push ups, squats, military press, and arm circles.

Typically all the moves in Billy Blanks workouts are done while standing. This workout requires the viewer to get onto the ground on several occasions. The warm-up requires sitting on the floor and stretching the legs. The workout requires some push ups and push up runs, reverse table top, leg lifts and bicycles.

Billy Blanks puts out workouts in a variety of skill levels. I felt that this was a good pace for me. There were maybe three sets of 8 reps for each movement. The movements were very basic like simply raising your hand over your head but with the resistance bands on that movement I was clinching my teeth by the last one.

I expected to feel sore the next day because I felt like I worked my muscles to the point of exhaustion. I felt stronger the next day and didn’t have any muscle fatigue.

Working with the Billy Bands
I didn’t feel over worked when I was doing the workout. I was able to keep up with pace and didn’t feel winded. I liked throwing the punches with the bands on. It feels like you’re bouncing off of a wall. When it was over I wasn’t even able to pick up a glass of water. My arms felt like rubber. The workout did incorporate some band workout for the legs but I didn’t feel much muscle exertion in the legs.

I was surprised how easy it was to use the Billy Bands. They never slipped or got in the way. I’ve tried about 5 styles of resistance bands and these are my favorite.

As part of the program
This is the first of three or four workouts in the series in a four week program. This workout is to be used every other day for a grand total of three times the first week. After that, the workout is on the schedule twice the second week. The idea is to master this workout before moving on to the next workout in the series.

This 55 minute DVD (or VHS) can be purchased separately (September 05 release date) or packaged in the Billy’s Bootcamp. The cover is blue. Remember if you purchase the DVD separately it won’t come with the Billy Bands. The workout will not be nearly as useful without the bands.

Billy Blanks
Billy spent a lot of time in this workout developing the theme of basic training. He uses the military terms loosely. Billy motivates the viewer to stay with the program. Loose yourself for me to help yourself is the theme of this workout and is reiterated a lot through the workout. His motivation is aimed for people wanting to make a drastic difference in their life which may be getting into shape, weight loss, or just to maintain your health.

Fitness Level
I think any fitness level could eventually do this workout and the DVD indicates that it is designed for any level. It’s not any easy workout by any means. It is intended to be difficult to challenge and push you to the next level. If you are a total beginner you may want to try it without the bands at first and then add the bands when you’re ready. The moves aren’t modified for those who can’t follow along. The viewer is expected to keep up as much as they can. This is a better choice for weight loss than other styles of workouts because muscle burns calories faster.

Most of the Billy Blanks workouts don’t involve floor work but this one does. That may be a pro or con depending on your feelings on it. My wrists hurt a lot so I find it too strenuous to hold my body up for numerous push-ups. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who isn’t physically capable of doing calestinics because those types of exercises irritate things like the knees, shoulders, and back. The moves have been modified to keep the direct shock from occurring and there are not too many repetitions of anything so it shouldn’t cause harm to someone who doesn’t already have problems. My opinion anyway.

Overall
The workout isn’t an introductory course to learn how to do the moves. Many of the moves are calisthenics so don’t need much explanation. The Tae Bo moves are pretty basic. Throwing punches, side kicks, round houses, and by the end moving around a little.

I think that this has a high replay value as long as you have the Billy Bands. I looked forward to trying the workout again. It wasn’t so hard that I dreaded doing it but it wasn’t easy. I didn’t feel like this was a replay of previous Tae Bo routines. This was totally original and therefore seemed interesting to me. The problem however is that I don’t want to do calisthenics anymore. They are hard on my body too so I probably won’t be doing this workout as much as other workouts.

The DVD does fit nicely in the bootcamp theme and complements the other workouts in the series.

My opinion and recommendation is based on using the resistance bands. The bands are sold with the set, not with the individual DVD's. Viewers who buy this workout may be disappointed without the bands because they are used a lot in the workout.






Recommended:
Yes

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