Hip Hop Abs is a fun, quick, funky workout that takes the monotony out of regular exercise videos that follow on a set schedule. Although on a first watch, it may not seem like your “style,” instructor Shaun T’s fun moves and music grows on you. The best part, though, is how your energy level soars after about two days of “pressing play.”
Results
You may not get a Shaun T-like washboard in just four weeks, but you will see amazing fat loss without even having to step on the scale. The “tilt, tuck, tighten” move is alright, but it smacks of marketing rhetoric. Will it get you a washboard stomach? Doubt it. But you will see major fat loss and have some fun, and that’s good enough for me. The video is a fun, low-impact dance routine.
Compared to other exercise videos, I found that my results with Hip Hop Abs were better, simply because I was able to follow through and actually do the workouts everyday without getting bored or feel like I was working my body too hard and needed a break.
I immediately lost inches the very first week around my waist and back, and by the end of the third week my hips and legs were looking mean and lean, and my upper arms were starting to take shape as well. In terms of weight loss, I dropped just over twelve pounds in four weeks and lost one full size in clothing, which may sound small, but made a huge difference in how I looked. Additional fringe benefits included a great-looking complexion (a few people even asked me if I had had a facial or a glycolic peel), better sleep, and less reliance on coffee and tea throughout the day for quick energy.
One note on diet: For the four weeks that I followed Hip Hop Abs, I kept my diet clean (eliminated most simple sugars in favor of fruit and the occasional cup of hot cocoa when my sweet tooth struck, stayed away from fried and overly cheese-laden foods, and drank lots of water). I also took a daily multivitamin and made sure I never skipped breakfast.
The Fun Factor
When I first popped in the video, I’ll admit I wasn’t so sure how I’d like it, but after doing only one short session, I felt really good, and by Day 4 I found myself looking forward to doing the workout. I have a problem finishing programs usually, but Hip Hop Abs is a lot of fun and switching the videos every day or two really helped to break up the kind of monotony that usually results in other exercise DVDs gathering dust on my shelves. I enjoy the first cardio video in the series the most, and the hips, buns and thighs video is a killer, but worth every move. The extra dance moves video is a lot of fun, too, but super-challenging.
Is It Worth the Money?
Hip Hop Abs is worth the money. It seems a little bit like it is on the pricey side, but you get a lot of variety for the money. Sure the smaller videos probably could all fit on less DVDs-they are packaged in a marketing-heavy kind of way that stretches out the perceived value of what you get. But to be honest, the extras you get with it kind of make up for it. There is a bonus “learn how to dance” segment, as well as a 5-minute routine that is really challenging and a lot of fun. I personally don’t feel like you need any of the extras that later Hip Hop Abs video series promote (there is a follow-up series that suggests you need weighted gloves, etc.). All you need is a half hour to and hour to yourself every day, and some way to watch the DVD in a space where you can work out.
Customer Service
Ordering Hip Hop Abs was easy. I got an e-mail from Beachbody, clicked through to their site and purchased it right away. The order process was pretty standard once you blow through all of the additional offers that you can tack on (like vitamins and protein powder, etc.). A follow-up e-mail summed up my purchase.
The only problem with Hip Hop Abs is the wait time to get the package in the mail. Their delivery times, especially in the age of online shopping, are shameful. You shouldn’t have to wait three to four weeks for Hip Hop Abs to show up, unless you live overseas in a remote village. I’ve never contacted their customer service department, but I did get reassurance on just how long it does take to receive Hip Hop Abs from on Beachbody’s free online message boards.
One great thing about ordering Hip Hop Abs directly through Beachbody instead of buying the series through eBay or some other independent seller is that Beachbody allows customers to buy the Hip Hop Abs series in three installments over three months, which can make the series more affordable.
All in all, I would definitely recommend Hip Hop Abs to anyone who is looking to shake up their workout, or start a workout routine that they’re less likely to bail out on only after a few days or a week. It’s fast, fun and easy to follow, and the music will stick in your head (in a good way), which makes you even more excited to do the workout again.
