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Tae Bo is an exercise system developed by Billy Blanks in 1976 that was dubbed aerobic martial arts because of its cardiovascular benefits through kick-boxing and sparring. Tae Bo claims to achieve the results of a tighter, toned body as well as self-efficacy. Turbo Jam is similar but offers a more comprehensive dance component to the routine. Founder Charlene Johnson began working on her idea in 1997 using a kick-box strategy coupled with dance movement therapy. The result, according to the American Dance Therapy Association, "is a psychotherapeutic intervention that is well-established."
Tae Bo Benefits
"There is a self-efficacy that (Tae Bo) gives a person," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Fabio Comana. Comana serves as the senior fitness educator at National Association of Sports Medicine and as a faculty member at San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego. Comana says that self-efficacy involves the ability to defend yourself in everyday life. Tae Bo enhances physical strength and the ability to think and act quickly, says Comana. According to Whitney Chapman, group exercise manager at Reebok Sports Club in New York, “People see results [with Tae Bo] … they have stronger legs, stronger arms, more definition." Participating Tae Bo classes promotes a sense of inner strength and balance, says Chapman.
Turbo Jam Benefits
Turbo Jam advocates say that the program treats the emotional aspects of your personality as well as your mind. According to the American Dance Therapy Association, Turbo Jam provides a form of dance therapy, which involves "the use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual.” The ADTA suggests dance movement therapy -- such as that practiced in Turbo Jam -- promotes rhythmic discrimination, mood and social interaction and provides increased energy level.
Similarities and Differences
According to a study by the American Council on Exercise, aerobic exercise -- such as kick-boxing practiced in Tae Bo or kickboxing and dance movement in Turbo Jam -- can burn about 350 to 450 calories per hour and help exercisers maintain a heart rate of 75 to 85 percent of their maximum. However, the mechanics of the workouts can affect your body differently.
Tae Bo workouts improve strength and reflexes because of the multiple-joint movements that require coordination and balance. Richard Cotton, chief exercise physiologist for ACE explains, "martial arts-inspired workouts improve strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility." He says that the variety of movements used in kickboxing can sharpen reflexes and improve your coordination and balance. Turbo Jam, by contrast, employs a more comprehensive dance segment than Tae Bo and can also offer emotional benefits. A 2007 study published in the journal "The Arts in Psychotherapy" found that dance exercises can decrease depression and produce vitality -- even joy -- especially in women.
Tips and Considerations
No matter what exercise program you choose, ACE suggests that you perform five minutes of warm-up stretches and another five minutes of stretching to cool down after you are finished. With both Tae Bo and Turbo Jam, beginners should beware of overextending kicks and locking joints when throwing a punch. Listen to your body for signs of overexertion or pain. Consult a doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any health issues to be sure you are helping and not hurting your body.
Tae Bo Benefits
"There is a self-efficacy that (Tae Bo) gives a person," says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Fabio Comana. Comana serves as the senior fitness educator at National Association of Sports Medicine and as a faculty member at San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego. Comana says that self-efficacy involves the ability to defend yourself in everyday life. Tae Bo enhances physical strength and the ability to think and act quickly, says Comana. According to Whitney Chapman, group exercise manager at Reebok Sports Club in New York, “People see results [with Tae Bo] … they have stronger legs, stronger arms, more definition." Participating Tae Bo classes promotes a sense of inner strength and balance, says Chapman.
Turbo Jam Benefits
Turbo Jam advocates say that the program treats the emotional aspects of your personality as well as your mind. According to the American Dance Therapy Association, Turbo Jam provides a form of dance therapy, which involves "the use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual.” The ADTA suggests dance movement therapy -- such as that practiced in Turbo Jam -- promotes rhythmic discrimination, mood and social interaction and provides increased energy level.
Similarities and Differences
According to a study by the American Council on Exercise, aerobic exercise -- such as kick-boxing practiced in Tae Bo or kickboxing and dance movement in Turbo Jam -- can burn about 350 to 450 calories per hour and help exercisers maintain a heart rate of 75 to 85 percent of their maximum. However, the mechanics of the workouts can affect your body differently.
Tae Bo workouts improve strength and reflexes because of the multiple-joint movements that require coordination and balance. Richard Cotton, chief exercise physiologist for ACE explains, "martial arts-inspired workouts improve strength, aerobic fitness and flexibility." He says that the variety of movements used in kickboxing can sharpen reflexes and improve your coordination and balance. Turbo Jam, by contrast, employs a more comprehensive dance segment than Tae Bo and can also offer emotional benefits. A 2007 study published in the journal "The Arts in Psychotherapy" found that dance exercises can decrease depression and produce vitality -- even joy -- especially in women.
Tips and Considerations
No matter what exercise program you choose, ACE suggests that you perform five minutes of warm-up stretches and another five minutes of stretching to cool down after you are finished. With both Tae Bo and Turbo Jam, beginners should beware of overextending kicks and locking joints when throwing a punch. Listen to your body for signs of overexertion or pain. Consult a doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any health issues to be sure you are helping and not hurting your body.
Posted in: Exercise and Fitness
