I was really athletic all the way up through high school and into college, but when an injury sidelined me from my D1 sport for months, I starting to lose interest in working out altogether. I was used to eating to support an athlete’s daily calorie output (huge amounts of food were necessary to keep me nourished), so naturally, I started getting a little soft around the edges.
I was also starting to notice my muscle tone was dropping. Toting books around campus was suddenly a chore for me, and I’d never felt that way before. Climbing the five flights of stairs to my dorm room was harder than I remembered.
So, once my injury was taken care of, I decided to get active again and make a solid commitment to my health. I wanted to feel as energetic and vibrant as I used to, and I knew that working out (and a better diet). First I figured out how many Calories I actually needed per day (about 1,500 according to www.fitday.com: an awesome free site). Then, I took a couple minutes to search the web, and I typed in “best workout video” and immediately I found a popular shopping web site with lots of reviews.
Topping the list of highest rated workout films where the videos from Billy Blank’s Bootcamp series. I had always heard that Billy Blanks Tae Bo workout films were very popular, but I had the impression that it was more of a fad without much substance. However, I ended up ordering a couple of the tapes since they were so highly rated, and I put my doubts aside for the time being.
When my first DVD came, I was still a little skeptical, but I put on my workout gear, grabbed a bottle of water, and popped it in my DVD player. Boy, was I surprised!
The Billy Blanks’ Bootcamp series kicked my butt for the first week! I could barely make it though the first half of the tape at first, and I knew I had signed on for a serious workout program. I’ve been sticking with Billy ever since, and I’ve gotten back into my “prime” physical shape.
Billy Blanks’ Bootcamp is a fantastic way to get in shape, but you may be a little discouraged at first if you aren’t already in great physical shape. That’s how it was for me, and I’ve compiled a little list of tips for you to follow:
If you’re buying the Billy Blanks’ Bootcamp videos, buy them through Billy Blanks Direct. That way, if there’s any defect with any accessories you might purchase (like the Billy’s popular resistance bands), you’re guaranteed a replacement straight from Billy Banks’ website.
Start with the Basic Training Bootcamp video, work your way up to Ultimate and Elite. Even if you’re already in good shape, you’ll want to build up your stamina slowly.
I’ve already mentioned this one, but it’s worth revisiting: have some water nearby. Trust me, Billy Blanks bootcamp series will have you sweating in minutes; you’re going to need that water.
Mirror Billy… exactly. I’ve learned that it’s better to do 1 set with correct form than 2 sloppy sets. If you complete the motions the same way Billy does, you won’t overextend your joints (which can lead to a nasty injury) and you’ll build muscles you never knew you had.
Know your body. Don’t be so full of pride that you force yourself to finish the video when your body’s just not ready yet. It’s good to push yourself, but only to an extent. If you feel pain or extreme muscle fatigue, stop the video and take a little break. Either resume the video when you’re ready, or hold off until tomorrow.
