COULD AMERICA'S NEWEST FITNESS CRAZE BE BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

A KICKING, PUNCHING NEW EXERCISE THAT HAS TAKEN THE US BY STORM HAS ITS FANS AND ITS CRITICS.

By Mike James

Australia has its fair share of sincere, neatly coifed presenters on late night television, enthusiastically endorsing everything from kitchen appliances and weight loss devices, to memory enhancement systems and fool proof ways to improve your golf swing. In America, however, with its abundance of cable television stations, infomercials absolutely saturate the airwaves. The fitness industry is a prime target for infomercial producers trying to promote the new 'must have' piece of fitness equipment, dietary supplement or exercise regime.

The newest fitness craze to sweep American is Tae-Bo. In the five years I have lived in the United States I have never seen as much publicity given to an exercise program or fitness product. The Tae-Bo publicity machine is not confined to infomercials. The tae-Bo publicity machine is not confined to infomercials. The creator of this exercise system, seven times world karate champ Billy Blanks, has recently appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Today Show and nearly every other major program on broadcast television. Some of Hollywood's biggest stars have jumped on the band wagon with comedian/actor Sinbad, singer Paula Abdul and General Hospital star, Real Andrews, eagerly espousing the benefits of Tae-Bo. Add to this a list of devotees that includes Ryan O'Neal, Goldie Hawn, Pamela Anderson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Shaquille O'Neal and a host of others from the world of sport and entertainment

So what the heck is Tae-Bo? Basically it is a form of exercise which combines the skills, moves and drills of Tae Kwon Do and Boxing. What makes it different from boxing, kickboxing or other martial arts is the intensity and the variety of movements used.

Billy Blanks has created a work out system set to hip-hop music. A typical class lasts 60 to 75 minutes and provides both an aerobic and strength workout. The continuous movements, like kicking and combination punching, utilize large muscle groups and keep the heart rate elevated. The various boxing drills require strength and muscular endurance of the upper body as the arms are held at shoulder height. The Tae Kwon Do kicking movements require balance, co-ordination and leg strength.

Kareem Abdul Jabar is an experienced martial artist who has been practicing Tae Kwon Do for over 26 years competing at national level, and has a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Illinois. He is one of only 16 instructors certified and approved by Billy Blanks to teach Tae-Bo. Kareem says that one main difference between Tae-Bo and other boxing based classes is that there is no equipment required. "You don't need hand wraps, gloves or heavy punch bags hanging from the ceiling. Tae-Bo classes are also low impact, effective and fun.

While Billy Blank's boxing and martial arts skill is obvious, it is his personal charisma which provides the main motivation. He has a great body, a personable manner and a teaching style that caters to people from all walks of life and levels of physical fitness.

"The classes are not combat or self defense oriented. You may learn a few things about how to punch or kick effectively, but this is not the main focus of Tae-Bo. It is just a great way to get fit and have fun," says Kareem.

But even with the avalanche of publicity and endorsement from Hollywood celebrities, Tae-Bo has its critics. Many fitness experts claim that these classes are primarily for those of advanced skill and physical condition. Others argue that it takes a solid foundation of flexibility, strength and endurance to attempt many of the complex movement patterns and rigorous punch-kick combinations. They also point to a number of potential problems with over crowded classes and lack of individual attention for members that could lead to serious injury.

The American Council of Exercise (AC E), a respected group of fitness professionals who set standards for the fitness industry, is concerned about the chance of injury not only in Tae-Bo but also in all boxing or martial arts classes . In a recent policy statement they listed the common mistakes beginners make in kick boxing style aerobic classes. These include "over extending kicks (kicking too high), locking the joints when throwing punches or kicking, exercising beyond fatigue and wearing weights or holding dumb-bells while throwing punches."

Many traditional martial arts experts are also concerned that some of the more elaborate kicks and punches are taught too quickly with very little emphasis on correct technique. Moves' like roundhouse kicks (where the person's leg circles high in a circular motion) often take six months to teach in a traditional martial arts setting. In some Tae-Bo classes beginners learn roundhouse kicks in the very first lesson. This type of kick places a great deal of strain on the lower back and hamstrings for even the fittest and most flexible of participants.

Billy Blanks and his organization are aware of these criticisms and have begun offering beginners classes at many of the health clubs where Tae-Bo is offered. Kareem is also aware of the problems that can occur with this type of class. "What sometimes happens is you have a person teach a class who may have martial arts or kick boxing experience. They may be great at teaching technique, but have no idea of exercise intensity. For them, everything is done at high speed with no thought for a beginner, or with an over emphasis on technique which can quickly bore a person who is just after a good workout. On the other hand, you may get a person who is knowledgeable in the area of intensity and exercise science but with little idea of how to perform or teach the skills", Kareem adds.

Organizations like the American Council of Exercise are not totally critical of classes like Tae-Bo. "The high intensity level that makes these classes difficult for novices is also what makes them an effective, rewarding exercise for the very fit," says spokesperson and chief exercise physiologist Richard Cotton. ACE also offers a list of safety tips for beginners thinking about joining a Tae-Bo or kick boxing type of class which include: picking a qualified instructor, avoiding over  crowded classes, going at your own pace if you are a beginner and choosing only a beginners class, not extending your kicks beyond flexibility and strength levels and not locking your arms when punching and your legs when kicking. Turn on your television set anywhere in America and chances are you will see Billy Blanks or one of his Hollywood pals practicing Tae-Bo. It is also beginning to make its presence felt in Australia. Give it a try. It may just give your exercise program a kick-start for the new millennium.

Mike James is Manager, Fitness Center, Health Services Department, The World Bank, Washington. USA.

Model Kitty Chiller. Photographs Lisa Saad. Garments New Balance