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This is the third DVD in the Billy’s Bootcamp series which is different than his traditional Tae Bo workouts. This workout isolates the abs starting from the standing position and finishes with the floor work.

Equipment needed
No equipment at all is needed for this workout. The Billy Bands which come as part of this set are not used at all in this workout.

The workout will finish up on the ground so an exercise mat could be used.

The Set
This workout takes place in the Billy Blanks studio. The room has the same setting as the previous workout in this series which is a red carpet and red and white fabric on the walls to produce a patriotic effect. The workout group is dressed in greenish brown workout clothes which are a little unbecoming to the group but the wardrobe does fit the theme.

About the DVD
Ab bootcamp is the second DVD in the 3 DVD Billy’s Bootcamp workout series. The DVD comes with the series or can be purchased separately. The release date for the individual workout is 9/6/05. The DVD is part of a 4 week training program. The DVD is to be used 3 times in week 3 and once in week 4.

The workout
I was surprised that this 35 minute workout began without an official warm-up. The workout is strictly abs so if you need a warm-up you could do so before the workout starts. I wasn’t sore the next day so I suppose the twists in the beginning and the initial moves are sufficient.

This workout doesn’t have a strong military theme like the basic training workout did. The crew was dressed in camouflage and the room was set up as a patriotic setting but the movements were totally unrelated.

The moves are simple enough to follow however knowing which foot and leg goes where is difficult to follow especially when trying to watch from the floor. The first run-through may be slow but once you have done the routine you won’t have to listen so closely.

It’s sometimes difficult to hear Billy because of the counting in the background and the counting from you. Now you better be counting at home otherwise you will owe Billy some push-ups!

The viewer is required to count out loud at home which is consistent in all of his workouts. He believes that counting aloud motivates you, gives you power and keeps you breathing correctly.

Billy
Billy spent a lot more time talking about correct form in this workout. It is very important to follow correct form to avoid back injury.

The theme in this workout was that you have to loose yourself to gain from this training. I understand what his point was but he didn’t express himself very well in regards to his theme. He always does a heart-to-heart at the end of his workout and this one was very simple and short.

Weight Loss and other gains
It is not scientifically possible to spot-reduce fat so keep that in mind.

I have found that this workout is great for strengthening the core of your body which really makes you look better and walk tall. My results show muscle gain before weight loss which is good because muscle burns more calories than flab.

The back muscles are also worked a lot in this workout.

Fitness Level
This workout is ideally suppose to be safe for the back and probably is when done correctly but I wouldn’t personally recommend this to anyone that I know who has lower back problems just because it’s not worth the risk. I don’t think this would cause a problem for those who don’t have back problems.

I think any fitness level could do this workout simply because you can fall out when you’ve had enough and still benefit. There is a variety of movements so you won’t miss out if you can’t do a particular move.

This does involve floor work so you’ll miss out on a lot if you are unable or unwilling to go to the floor and do traditional ab exercises like several variations of crunches and leg lifts.

I noticed that the individuals exercising with Billy were honestly struggling. You could hear it in the tone as they counted and even the seasoned crew sighed with relief when the reps are finished so you won't be feeling the pain alone.

Overall
I am happy with this workout but was a little disappointed that the workout didn’t use the special Billy Bands that are part of the set. I felt like my side muscles were worked A LOT. I felt the upper abs was worked nicely, but the lower abs didn’t feel like they were being challenged which was the area that I wanted to focus on.

As far as workouts isolation workouts go, this was pretty enjoyable. I really despise floor work and sit-ups so this won’t be a favorite. I think I will stick with bellydance workouts for a more effective workout isolating the abs. Isolating abs on a balance ball seems to be safer to me. This is pretty good, but not fantastic.

It does make sense to use with the bootcamp program and will strengthen your core. I would recommend the workout as part of the series. I think the workout is effective outside of the box set especially since the bands are not used.




Recommended: Yes

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