This is the final workout in the Bootcamp series and the Billy Bands are used for about 18 minutes of the 55 minute workout. The resistance bands, numerous repetitions, and length of the workout really adds to the the intensity. This is a strong intermediate to advanced workout.

Setting
The workout takes place in the Billy Blanks Tae Bo Studio. The walls are draped with red and white striped fabric and the carpet is red and blue. The group is dressed in green or brown camouflage workout outfits. Billy walks out dressed like a drill sergeant from hat to combat boots which adds some fun for the viewer.

Equipment Needed
The Billy Bands are needed to get the most out of this workout. The Billy Bands come with the box set or can be purchased on Billy's website for $15. The Billy Bands are sold separately if you buy just this DVD.

The bands are very effective at bumping the workout up a notch. The bands created resistance and will help tone muscles without building bulk.

The Workout
This is the last DVD in the 3 or 4 DVD set. It is scheduled for three days on the fourth week of the training program. Be full warned that the workout is very similar to the Basic Training workout except this one is even harder.

The workout starts with a 20 minute warm-up and more warm-up type moves such as squats, slow combat jabs, circles, and more traditional items.

We finally got to the 18 minute section that uses the Billy Bands. I was looking forward to using the bands until a few minutes passed and reality quickly set in. The bands are very easy and comfortable to use. The moves are extremely simple to do. The challenge comes with multiple sets working an area. The first area that we worked was the arms focusing on the deltoids, biceps, and triceps. After that near-death experience we proceeded to the legs which involved kicking with some resistance followed by some strenuous push-ups, jumping jacks, jumping jack with roundhouse kicks, speedbags, and more jumping jacks.

After that can you believe that he takes the workout to the ground for tons of leg lifts allowing us to fully feel the burn then we go back to the standing position for squats and kicks.

Next the ab section begins with with twists then back down to the floor for more leg lifts, jogging in place with the knees high to jogging on the floor. Somthing interesting ws the push ups then roll across the ground to more push ups.

Finally after 50 minutes the 4 minute cool down finally happens and Billy and wraps up his motivational spiel.

Motivation
No pressure here but if you are messing up there at your house you are messing up the whole group! Billy does a lot of encouraging and pushing which is certainly required for such a workout. He stresses to stay with the program and not let your mind drift off to your plans for the day or think about your worries.

Billy wants us to change the mind, change the will. Billy gets up in someone's face a few times and plays the roll of drill sergeant which is entertaining.

Apparently Billy had the music custom made because within the beats you can hear motivational words like "no pain no gain common let's do it you've got the power." "You can do it, this is the ultimate." and other phrases that are bootcamp related.

As cool as the music is it's difficult to hear all that is going on. There's the music singing, the crew is counting allowed, and Billy is talking. It is not too much of a problem because you know the moves so you are not missing out on any instruction.

Overall
The workout is so hard that it really took the fun out of it for me. The workout will surely shed pounds if that is what you are looking for and will definitely tone muscles if used on a regular basis.

It is known that building muscles burn more calories so I suppose that is the "bottom" line here so to speak. There is tons of emphasis on the rear which is the largest muscle and uses the most calories.

Do not try this workout for the first time before going somewhere or when you need to get something done because you may need time to recuperate. Rubbery and weightless is an interesting feeling.

I would not recommend this to any of my friends with bad knees. Lots of possibilities to strain and irritate the knees but otherwise fine for someone without knee problems.

I noticed that everyone in this workout was in great shape. The somewhat out of shape folks did not appear in this workout. It is a very tough workout so if you are a beginner it may be too overwhelming. It is certainly a challenge. This is long and it is tough.

There was not a lot of standard Tae Bo moves in this work out other than roundhouse kicks and a few basic punches. Anyone could do these simple moves; it is not a lot of fancy dancing. I mean anyone can do the moves, but I do not know how many times you will be able to do the move, lol.

Would it be rude to take away a star from this workout because it's too hard? I am leaning more toward three stars at this point however it does go nicely with the other DVD's in the series and really gives a person something to work for and achieve. I would really prefer to be able to do the workout and enjoy working out. I did love the theme that he brought to the workout and all the motivational inspirations he used throughout the workout. I think everything was covered and it definitely has replay value. I think most will get tired long before they get tired of the workout. Even Shellie in perfect shape was screaming out it burns over and over.

I know that I will dread doing this workout and I probably won't do it much simply because it is just crazy to work that hard for entertainment purposes. This may be best for someone looking to really train for something or really shed the pounds quickly.


Recommended:
Yes

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