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Billy Blanks wasn't always the master martial artist and superbuff fitness celebrity we know from his Tae-Bo video workouts. He grew up poor in a family of 15 children, had his education stunted by undiagnosed dyslexia, and was a sports washout because of tight tendons. Martial arts made him see that there were no limits to what the body could do--except be haunted by the limitations the mind imposed.

In The Tae-Bo Way, Blanks shares not only his workout but his philosophy and his personal story. The book takes you behind the scenes to learn the background of the man and the workout. It is also a companion to the videos, coaching you to do the moves correctly, explaining which muscles you should feel working and how hard to work out, and teaching you the mental principles that glue it all together. About two-thirds of the book is the workout, with each move described and illustrated clearly and contrasted with incorrect technique, so you learn the difference.

There's also a troubleshooting guide--if you feel discomfort here, this might be what's wrong with your technique. Tae-Bo is more than just an exercise program, says Blanks: "I created it to challenge not only your body but your mind, your spirit, and your will." He encourages you to push your mental as well as physical limits. --Joan PriceBook Description
Team up with the creator of Tae-Bo, the total body workout.  Strengthen your spirit, mind, and body!

Energizing and explosive, Tae-Bo is the hottest workout in America. It's fun. It's exciting. It's simple to learn. And best of all, it works! It's Tae-Bo: the future of fitness. And here's the book that teaches you the ultimate way to fitness for the new millennium!

Everyone from superstar athletes to celebrities to people of every fitness level has experienced the incredible transformational effects of Tae-Bo. Now, whether you are one of the thousands of dedicated Tae-Bo enthusiasts or are thinking of trying it for the first time, The Tae-Bo Way offers the key to the full spiritual, mental, and physical benefits that Tae-Bo offers.

For the first time ever, Tae-Bo creator and instructor Billy Blanks brings his unique theory of total fitness to the printed page. Using photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions, Billy Blanks offers an upbeat, inspiring, and easy-to-follow guide for both beginning and advanced pupils.

In The Tae-Bo Way, you will learn more about the program than any videotape alone can offer. Here are the inner secrets of mastering not just the fundamental techniques of Tae-Bo but the spiritual principles on which Tae-Bo is based.

With Billy Blanks as your guide, you'll learn how to get the most out of your workout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Not worthy of the hype...
Though Tae Bo's hype died out years ago, I decided to give this book a read and see what this 'revolutionary' training regimen could offer me.

As an experienced martial artist, a lot of the movements were familiar to me (though in the Tae Bo context, they are performed for fitness purposes and not fighting purposes). I received little extra benefit from performing techniques that I would otherwise do during my normal training time. In fact, to expect beginners or non martial artists to perform the techniques outlined would be dangerous.

Despite a lot of celebrity backing, I think the main reason why Tae Bo led to a couple of people losing a few pounds is that it gets people off the junk food and into some light exercise program.

Any exercise program can do that, and in my opinion, Richard Simmons has a much more effective system available which not only works for completely unfit people, but also for people who have training experience under their belts and want to pursue some different methods.

Excellent!
Great. motivational. Helpful.Not just about physical excercise but about defining and creating "will" that moves you toward success in all aspects of your life.

Fantastic; you must try Tae Bo!
Tae Bo will change your life. It certainly has changed mine. I am in better shape at nearly 40 than any time in my life. I find Billyinspirational and totally balanced in his advice (This is from a physician who is fed up of the rubbish out there!)
He is humble despite his outstanding life achievements. Why don't you find out how he has made the Tae Bo videos number one in the world; you have nothing to lose but your flab!

Everything explained
When I bought my Tae-Bo videos, I loved the workout but I knew I had some troubles with my form. I had trouble keeping by balance and one of the kicks would lead to a sore hip. I knew I must be doing something wrong. When I bought this book, I had expected the book to be about Tae Bo success stories. I didn't really know that it went through each of the moves step by step, explaining how to position your body and how to tighten your muscles. I was so glad that the book explained things. I definitely feel like I get so much more out of Tae Bo now that I'm sure I do it correctly.

a healthy addiction
I picked up this book because I just started doing a Tae Bo like workout at my gym.Though I have been a compulsive exerciser for years (biking, running, blading and lifting), this workout has reached all kinds of muscles and skills that I hadn't used before.The first time I did a kick boxing workout, I did an 1 1/2 class-- it was the best workout I'd had in years.There's something very satisfying and empowering about the punching and picking.For women especially, I think it's a great workout for the mind and body.This book is very helpful because it outlines how to do every move with the proper form.Even though I had been doing the movements, I didn't have the time to study how to do them better.Now I feel much more confident.Plus, I enjoyed the story of Billy himself -- no self pity here:he was one of fifteen kids, but felt very loved and appreciated in his own family.This man is an inspiration on many fronts.As a fitness book, this is very high quality. He also has a healthy attitude about eating and dieting - refreshing for an exercise book.The sections on warm up and stretching are also very well done. ... Read more