Hip Hop Abs: A Review of the Fitness Program

I originally purchased Hip Hop Abs because I wanted to break up my current work out program, Slim in 6. I'm new to working out, so I wanted something fun and easy to follow. Many pounds ago, I enjoyed dancing at the clubs, so I thought, why not?

The Hip Hop Abs program consists of two DVD cases and four work outs of varying lengths and objectives plus special features including Secrets to Flat Abs and Last Minute Abs. The former demonstrates the "tilt, tuck, and tighten" technique used to strengthen your abdominals and the latter is an intense 5-minute routine designed to give you that extra kick. Hip Hop Abs is pretty much an exercise program disguised as a hip hop dance routine.

Fat Burning Cardio is exactly what it sounds like. It's a 30-minute work out designed to burn fat and to, ultimately, reveal your abdominal muscles. Shaun T and "the crew" teach you easy-to-follow dance steps that get your heart rate up and target your core.

Ab Sculpt is just as self-explanatory. This 25-minute work out focuses on the "tilt, tuck, and tighten" technique to strengthen your abs so that when you burn the fat, well, you'll have abs to show for it.

And then there's Total Body Burn. This one is kind of a combination of the first two. This work out is 50 minutes long and combines cardio and body sculpting. You might want to buy some light weights (3 pounds was plenty heavy for me) to use along with this one.

Finally, there's Hips, Buns, and Thighs. This one is the most intense work out of the four. It combines a cardio workout, standing crunches, and lower body exercises in a 50-minute DVD.

I definitely have fun with Hip Hop Abs, which makes it easier to get through the whole work out. The moves do take a bit of coordination, but not so much that I don't pick them up fairly quickly. I did notice some back pain after the second or third day, but has since gone, which I think might have to do with improved technique. Shaun T is enthusiastic (if not a bit goofy, which just adds to the charm) and lots of fun to follow. If his style gets too intense, he encourages you to follow alternative, less strenuous moves demonstrated by the woman to his left.

The program costs just under $80 including shipping and handling and taxes, but you can pay for it over three months. All in all, it's a great program. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a fun alternative to jogging or the gym to try it out.