There are many potential benefits of Tae Bo, as most of those who have already tried this type of workout can tell you. This workout does not only help you burn fat and build muscle, but it is also lots of fun and even empowering. In the following, we will look at the benefits of Tae Bo and what makes it such a great workout plan.
1. Upper and Lower Body Muscle Training
One of the most important benefits of Tae Bo is that it’s a complete exercise plan, covering both lower body areas – hips, thighs and buttocks – and the upper body muscles in your chest, arms and shoulders. The name itself exemplifies this – “tae” (meaning “foot” in Korean) representing lower body movements, and “Bo,” being an abbreviation of the word “boxing,” pointing to upper body movements.
2. Core and Cardiovascular Workouts
One of the main assets of Tae Bo is that it also covers core muscles, such as abs, obliques and spinal erectors, offering a complete muscle workout. It is known to build strength and make for a great cardio workout as well – combining dance moves and aerobics with martial arts and boxing workouts. So good for you and so much fun!
3. Calorie Burning
If you’re looking for a workout to help you burn calories more quickly, you’ll find that one of the major benefits of Tae Bo is just this. It has been shown that an average person weighing 150 pounds can lose as much as 700 calories after a 1-hour Tae Bo workout session.
4. Easy-to-Follow Workout Plans
There are currently several trainers that have developed enhanced versions of the original Tae Bo workout plans developed by Billy Blanks in the '70s. These have been designed to be easier to follow, and with the help of DVDs and easy to use visual references, you’ll find you can quickly get into the fun. But to be honest, out of all newer versions I've tried, I still love Billy's videos the most. He has this contagious "good vibe" about him that makes me keep going no matter how loudly my muscles are screaming!
5. Never Boring
Speaking of motivation, one of the most important benefits of Tae Bo is that it's really hard to get bored of it. The moves are so engaging and fun that an hour of working out flies by without you even noticing it. Plus, as a bonus, if you go for Blanks' original videos, the workout clothes he's wearing in some of them will surely put a smile on your face.
6. Do Your Workouts Wherever You Are
Another great advantage is that you can perform your Tae Bo exercises practically anywhere you are. There is no need for complicated or expensive workout equipment, and you can easily do regular sessions at the gym or in the comfort of your own home.
7. Tae Bo and Self Defense
While increasing your confidence, strength, flexibility and endurance, Tae Bo also integrates self-defense moves that, together with all its other benefits, can be an introduction into simple techniques to fend off possible assailants. You could say that Tae Bo is the “fun way” to get acquainted with basic self defense. However, the key word here is "basic," as this is still designed to be just a workout, not a martial arts class.
Experts consider that most of the advantages of Tae Bo far outweigh those of basic aerobic exercises or jogging. Have you tried out this dynamic type of workout for toning or weight loss? What do you think are its most important benefits from the ones mentioned above? Or have you noticed any cons of Tae Bo?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly is Tae Bo?
- Tae Bo is a high-energy workout that mixes martial arts, boxing, and some seriously fun dance moves. It's a great way to get your heart pumping and have fun at the same time!
- Can Tae Bo help with weight loss?
- Absolutely, Tae Bo is fantastic for burning calories and helping you shed those extra pounds. It gets your whole body moving and works up a serious sweat!
- Are there any specific fitness benefits to doing Tae Bo?
- Yes, Tae Bo improves your cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, enhances flexibility, and boosts coordination. Plus, it can be a great stress reliever!
- Can beginners do Tae Bo, or is it just for the super-fit?
- Beginners can definitely do Tae Bo! There are plenty of videos and classes tailored to all fitness levels. You can start slow and work your way up as you get more comfortable.
- Are there any drawbacks or risks to doing Tae Bo?
- Like any workout, Tae Bo has some risks, especially if you push too hard too soon. It's important to listen to your body and maybe consult a doctor if you have any health concerns. But overall, it's a pretty safe and fun workout!