Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo 5 - Active

The advanced workout was hard!!! Definitely not for a exercise or tae-bo newbie. The claim that tae-bo burns 600 calories an hour is not unfounded when you are working this hard. I felt the ab and but section for at least a week after doing it the first time, but Marge the 70+ year old doing the workout gives you the impetus to carry on, if only to put you to shame.

The upper body and leg section were suitably heart racing. My advice since I have been doing this workout for over a year is to make sure you know your moves. Since this is an advanced workout he does not stop to explain moves as the assumption is that you already know them, so a lot of the workout is at breakneck speed. Therefore, take advantage of the improved instructional section and do the basic workout until you can complete it comfortably and then move on, but please persevere because when you complete the workout you belive strong and empowered.

Since this DVD I have got the two ripped DVDs, which are also brilliant. I can't wait until he brings his new Cardio and Flex series out in the UK.
(Word of warning the Energize DVD is the same workout as this one.)


Not very good   September 11, 2003
L. Smith (UK)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

I bought this video having owned the Tae-bo 2 video and needed something a lot more advanced. I did get the advanced bit, it was almost too fast, perhaps dangerously so (as I developed a strain in my neck after the fast abdominal exercises and my legs hurt in the wrong places from doing kicks too fast). I wouldn't have minded that so much, but Blanks kept stopping between moves to teach you how to do it and then did it a few times, then went on to the next move - I would have preferred it to be like aerobics where you add things gradually and end up with a good fluent sequence so it keeps your heartrate up. The aerobic stuff didn't last that long either, only about 20mins in total, and was broken up by strengthening exercises in the middle which was annoying, having to get my mat on the floor and off again quickly. The moves were all a bit obscure too. All in all not that high energy and not really worth the money.


A truly up-lifting workout!!   May 15, 2002
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

WOW! I'm new to Teo-Bo but thankfully not new to exercise. You've got to be pretty fit just to take on the basic workout. I recommend that before pressing play on the video, you do a good warm-up as Billy goes into the workouts quite quickly. However, once started, you just can't help pushing yourself harder and harder to keep up. A fun, fast, addictive workout that leaves you feeling quite up-lifted!


'Ab Fab'   April 18, 2002
harri@ancinternational.com (UK (Birmingham))
25 out of 26 found this review helpful

I've been a taebo fan for about 2 years now, i thought the advanced was excellent; however the music, coordination and pace of Taebo active has had me addicted since the day i got the video.

The first part is excellent, about a 30 mins work out that just flys by, by the end of it your wondering where the time went. He keeps you motivated and makes you work harder and want to work harder.

I've lost inches in just a week of doing the first part. The second part is an advanced version, although the way billy takes you through the moves you feel more confident and empowered.

This video is an absoulute gem, theres no doubt in my mind that taebo works both on the outside and on the inside.


An absolute must for all Taebo Fans!   April 6, 2002
lbswigan@hotmail.com (Surrey, UK)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

Taebo Active is packed full of explosive new moves that will not only test your physical fitness, but also your coordination and your will power. It contains both a basic and advanced workout and is an absolute must for all Taebo fans. The basic workout is one of the toughest yet, and is set at more of an advanced pace, with Billy Blanks giving you little time to catch your breath. Although this is not really suitable for those new to Taebo; for those looking to test themselves, or progress onto an advanced level – this is ideal. The advanced workout is broken down into four sections and really does give you a total body workout. Firstly you work on your upper body, then it’s down to the ground to get those abs in shape, before moving up to set those buttocks on fire and finally getting into some high energy kicking. The workout is rounded off nicely with a relaxing cool down. All the old faces are there, along with some new ones, but as always, Billy and the Taebo Team provide you with all the enthusiasm and motivation you need to push yourself to the next level of your fitness.