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Hip Hop Abs Review: Another Reason to Love Shaun T.

HipHopAbs_Shaun-T-screenshot-2-300x200“Heeey!” Get ready for Hip Hop Abs with the man who brings you Rockin’ Body and Insanity, Shauuun T. Aw yeah!

But, don’t worry, Hip Hop Abs brings no agro (aggressive) elements of Rockin’ Body  or Insanity. Rather, it’s fun, cheesy in a fantastic way and light-hearted while still getting the job done. For those days where I feel obligated to move but just don’t feel like it, Shaun T’s killer eight-pack and million-dollar smile is so contagious that you want to keep going just to be entertained. The best part—you will never be on the floor doing crunches or traditional sit-ups. Now we’re talking!

I take this DVD traveling because I get three workouts in one shell, making room in my suitcase a non-issue. With slightly different levels of intensity based on your energy for the day, I find that workout-a-holics or inactive citizens alike are equally drawn to the vivacity and cheerfulness of Shawn T’s mere presence (and abs) on the screen. The easiness yet effectiveness of the routine is appealing, and you can always get a good laugh out of Shawn T’s outbursts of “heeeey” to pump us up to a “Night Fever” set.

I would recommend beginning with the first DVD that includes Secret to Flat Abs, a step-by-step instructional breakdown to maximize your techniques for all three workouts. Shawn T will introduce moves like the “Tilt, Tuck & Tighten,” “Basic, Party Bounce” and the proper form to execute the “C Sit,” and how to plank to prevent injury.

Also, if you want to start with the basic moves until you get more into the groove, take notice of Tanya, the fit gal with the perma-smile who is always standing at Shawn T’s 3 o’clock. She modifies each and every move, reminding us that that even with modifications, transformation can still happen. Just because your move seems easier doesn’t mean you’re not making a difference, so stay with it!Just watching Shaun T flex his eight-pack is enough reason to try this DVD!

The second workout on the same DVD is Fat Burning Cardio, a 30-minute, medium-impact routine that combines all the moves used in the rest of the workouts. Then on the second DVD there’s Ab Sculpt, a 25-minute lower-impact but fun workout that gets the job done when you don’t have a lot of time. This workout focuses more on just the abs.

If you want the full she-bang, the second workout on the DVD is Total Body Burn and is the way to go for a higher impact 45-minute workout. This complete head-to-toe workout is equipped with a section on sculpting and a healthy section on squatting. By the time you notice how much your thighs are burning, Shaun T will have already pushed you past what you thought was possible. Feel the burn!

One of my favorite parts about this DVD is the modest gym setting. It is comfortable and feels just like you’re working at your local gym, where nowadays many at-home workout DVDs (although great workouts) are a huge production with stage, lights and an audience that takes away from the focus of the actual workout and the core focus of attaining those results.

One word of advice though: don’t opt for the “Louder Music” option. You will be reading lips and won’t be able to hear a thing. The only song recognizable was “Don’t Cha” by the Pussycat Dolls, and I only noticed it because Shawn T made a big fuss about how excited he was about it. The music isn’t the best part of the DVD…but no matter because Shawn T is!



FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★★
Music: (Not relevant. Although there is a rendition of Don’t Cha, you don’t hear the music partially because Shawn T is so captivating and partially because it’s drowned out in the background.)
Fun Factor: ★★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★1/2

Fit Bottom line: Hip Hop Abs is great for all levels,  including those who like to work out a lot or for those who just like to dance around for fun. You’ll be sweating as much as you want to push it, and it’s so fun that you don’t even feel like you’re working out!

What’s your favorite workout to do that doesn’t feel like “working out” at all? And any other Shaun T fans out there?! —Crystal

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