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Tae Bo's Viral Comeback: 90s Fitness Hits TikTok
6 May
Summary
- Tae Bo, a 90s workout combining martial arts and aerobics, is surging in popularity online.
- Younger generations are discovering the fitness craze through platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
- Fitness enthusiasts praise Tae Bo for its fun, accessible, and equipment-free nature.

The fitness program Tae Bo, a blend of taekwondo, boxing, and aerobics popularized in the 1990s by Billy Blanks, is experiencing a remarkable revival. Younger individuals, many born long after its initial debut, are discovering the workout through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. This resurgence offers creator Billy Blanks, now 70, a "second chance" to reach a wide audience, surpassing the reach of his original infomercials and DVDs.
Online videos of Tae Bo require no equipment and are free, making them accessible to a broad demographic. Many users, like a 22-year-old in Vermont and a 36-year-old in Ohio, have integrated Tae Bo into their routines to manage personal challenges, such as panic attacks. The program's infectious energy and the simplicity of its moves contribute to its appeal, with participants finding joy and motivation in the workouts.
Billy Blanks, a seven-time karate world champion, developed Tae Bo with the aim of engaging more women in martial arts. His classes in the 1990s were highly popular, attracting diverse groups of people. Today, Mr. Blanks continues to teach classes and hosts live workouts, demonstrating the enduring appeal of his unique fitness regimen and its ability to connect with people across generations.