Q & A with Billy Blanks founder of Tae Bo: The God Father of Fitness

Billy Blanks: The God Father of Fitness

Hello Fitness Community,

I am excited for this blog post! This week, I interviewed  Billy Blanks, founder of Tae Bo Nation,Godfather of Fitness. If you don't know Billy Blanks, please ask your trainer, Google, or any fitness instructor about Billy Blanks.

Chances are, they know him from the height of Tae Bo, a '90s fitness sensation workout. For those younger than 30, let me break this down: he is a fitness icon and living legend.

Tae Bo stands for (Total Awareness of Excellent Body Obedience). It is a kickboxing workout infused with other fitness modalities such as dance, karate (a combat sport), and music.

Don't get it twisted, Tae Bo isn't just a workout, it's a lifestyle that requires faith, strength, belief, discipline, and the chance to get your life back. Many people will tell you that Tae Bo was just a trend, but I assure you that it is not.

At age 69, Billy Blanks is still teaching and has no plans to retire. Tae Bo has touched millions:

When I was growing up, my family did Tae Bo, even my aunties and grandma.

I remember at 8 years old, on a Saturday afternoon, my mom would take the Tae Bo workout video, pop it in our VHS player, and make my sister and me do it with her. I did Tae Bo up until my senior year of high school.

That workout was tough, but it was motivational. As a kid, I thought the workout was fun. I didn't know the impact until I was an adult.

Learning more about Billy Blanks and the Tae Bo brand has been a joy for me in preparing for the Peak City Fitness Festival. I am so grateful and happy that Billy Blanks is coming to the fest. I want him to see how we, in small towns, are becoming fitness-conscious!

The Interview with Billy Blanks (Q&A style)

For this interview, we are going Q&A style. I hope you find this interview engaging. Fun Fact: Tae Bo is the number 1 workout ever released on videotape, with over 2 million copies sold.

Q: Where does your passion to teach come from? 

A: My passion to teach comes from wanting to help people reach their full potential—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I’ve always believed that movement is more than exercise—it’s transformation. When I saw how Tae Bo helped people build confidence, discipline, and purpose, I knew my calling was to teach and uplift others through fitness.

Q: How did fitness, specifically Tae Bo, change your life? 

A: Tae Bo gave me a platform to connect with millions of people across the world, especially through the screens. It took everything I learned from martial arts, boxing, and my own struggles—and turned it into something powerful. Fitness and martial arts gave me discipline, but Tae Bo gave me a mission. It changed my life because it became more than just a workout—it became a ministry of motivation.

Q: Still, to this day, Tae Bo is one of the most successful workouts despite being released in the 90s. Why do you think that is? 

A: Tae Bo stood the test of time because it wasn’t just about burning calories. It was about building character, finding purpose, and fighting for yourself. People felt something deeper. The music, the energy, the messages I gave during class—it all connected with folks on a human level. That’s why people still do it. It works from the inside out.

Q: What is a typical day in the life of Billy Blanks? 

A: I start every day with gratitude. I pray, I stretch, and I move. Even now, I’m still training, still learning. I spend time with my family, I teach classes and private sessions, I create, and I reflect. Whether I’m filming new content, doing charity work, or spending time in nature, every day is about balance—body, mind, and spirit.

Q: How disciplined are you? Do you have a strict regimen that you follow? 

A: I’ve always believed that discipline is freedom. I don’t look at it as strict—I look at it as a structure that gives me strength. I wake up early, I eat clean, I train consistently, and I always make time to grow spiritually. Discipline is what helped me go from a kid with dyslexia to an international fitness leader. It’s my foundation.

Q: What advice can you give instructors in the fitness industry who are just starting out? 

A: Teach from the heart, not from the ego. People don’t just want reps—they want connection. Always stay a student, keep evolving, and remember that your energy will always speak louder than your words. If you love what you do and lead with purpose, success will follow.

Q: What is in the future for Billy Blanks? 

A: I’m still creating, still dreaming. I’m working on new programs, mentoring younger trainers, and finding new ways to reach people around the world. I want to keep using my platform to inspire faith, fitness, and family. I may be turning 70—but I’m just getting warmed up!

Q: Do you think there will ever be a workout as successful as Tae Bo in the future? 

A: Absolutely. Every generation has its own spark. Tae Bo was mine, but I believe someone out there is creating the next movement right now. What matters is the message behind the method. If it comes from a place of love and service, it can change the world—just like Tae Bo did.

Q: What keeps you motivated to keep teaching every day and giving it your all

A: The people. Every time someone tells me Tae Bo helped them lose weight, beat depression, overcome abuse, or find their confidence—I’m reminded why I started. My motivation comes from knowing I can still make a difference. If I can help even one more person each day, then I’ve done my job.

Thank you,

Vee