Billy Blanks leads Tae Bo workout to the troops

Anaconda Troops Get Tae Bo Workout with Creator
By Spc. Steven J. Schneider / 28th Public Affairs

BALAD, Iraq, Oct. 4, 2004 — Some troops operating on Logistics Support Area Anaconda in Balad, Iraq, had a special kind of work out Sept. 25 and 26 in the form of kicks, knees and punches. Billy Blanks, inventor of Tae Bo, visited the base and instructed three classes in two days on how to do his aerobic workout.

The Blanks workout was good not only for the cardiovascular level but also for the muscular strength level, said Pfc. Aaron Parker, 1467th Transportation Company.

"I worked out a lot of different muscles I don't normally work out," said Spc. Adelle Anclard, 1467th Transportation Company. "I don't normally tend to do a total body workout."

Parker said he plans to continue with the Tae Bo workout because it's the best workout he's ever had.

"It was extreme," he said. "It was definitely harder than anything I've ever done even in basic. I like it because it's different and it breaks the monotony of regular workouts."

Those who participated were rewarded with almost nonstop action for nearly an hour as Blanks moved them from one exercise to the next.

"When you're doing an aerobics class, think of the floor as being hot," Blanks said during his first workout session.

Thinking of the floor as being hot keeps the feet moving and keeps muscles in action, he said. This is important to get the full effect.

Many Soldiers had to take a break and grab some water during the session.

The key to being in shape is to overcome pain through willpower and determination, Blanks said while talking with the troops after a Tae Bo class.

"Where I am today is where my mind put me, and where I am tomorrow is where my mind puts me," Blanks said. "If your mind can't take it, I know your body can't take it."

Blanks said he was impressed with the Soldiers, and he was grateful for the opportunity to visit them.

"To stand before you all is a privilege and an honor," Blanks said. "The troops are heroes. They got the guts to go over (in harms way) and do what they're doing."

Maj. Kelly Hilland, 56th Personnel Support Battalion, demonstrated how spirit can overcome pain by staying in a crouched position for the class. Hilland said it was a painful experience, but she got through it mentally.

"I was a little bit excited because I'd never been called out in front of everybody like that before," she said. "What he said was very inspirational," Hilland said. "I'm going to take what he said and cherish and use it the rest of the time I am here."