Link to Review of Tae-Bo Tapes

(3/14/99)

There's a hot new exercise craze sweeping the nation. It's called "Tae-Bo." Only a few people nationwide are certified to teach the trademarked workout. One of them is here in Utah. News Specialist Pamela Davis has more.

You've probably seen those TV infomercials for Tae-Bo videotapes. It's a workout that combines aerobic exercise with martial arts movements. They're marketing it on videotape for people to use in their homes. But Utah has one instructor who is licensed to teach live classes.

A Tae-Bo class consists of a great deal of kicking and punching. It requires a good warmup and cooldown.

Tae-Bo is a combination of martial arts, kickboxing, and a little bit of dance. Where'd they get the name? "Tae" comes from Tae Kwon Do, and "Bo" is short for boxing.

Most Americans are experiencing Tae Bo by purchasing a set of videotapes made by martial arts expert Billy Blanks. But Utah also has one "real live" instructor who is certified to teach it.

Instructor Anne Emde says, "It's the new, hottest thing."

She teaches Tae-Bo in Park City and in Salt Lake. Her classes attract some young students... and some not-as-young.

Some hardbodies -- and some who are working hard to get back into shape.

First time participant, Jill Gibbons-Orschel says, "I just had a baby not too long ago, so it's a great way for me to get back into it."

Tae Bo enthusiast, Paul Reed says, "As you get older, your body slows down, and I want quality of life. I don't want to be sitting on some couch like a potato."

Tae-Bo is promoted as a workout that will help you build muscle and lose weight, plus teach you to find your "emotional center." But some people are skeptical of ANYTHING that's sold on an infomercial.

Kelly Chard says, "My roommate has the tape, and I was kind of skeptical at first too, but I came to visit here to see my girlfriend in Park City and she said, 'Hey, we can go to this class.' So I said I'd try it, and it's a good workout."

Gibbons-Orschel says, "Actually, well, Tae Bo Annie seems to kind of transcend the infomercial part of it, and you know it's another workout. It's great cross-training, actually."

A lot of people love the Tae Bo tapes, but some don't, and you can find out why by reviewing the link at Living Fit Online.