Hip Hop Abs: Hips, Buns, & Thighs

Hip Hop Abs is led by Shaun T, who is a fun, motivating--albeit at times goofy--instructor. He teaches live with a group of 6-8 background exercisers, one of whom, Tania, shows low-impact modifications for the few higher impact moves that are occasionally thrown in. Shaun's mirrored cuing is excellent, and he frequently offers helpful form pointers.

This is a cardio workout with more of an emphasis on the lower body. There is a short (1.5 mins) warm-up to start which includes a step tap with a dip low. The "Lower Body Groove" includes "Let's Rock," a heel/toe move, squats, standing crunch, lunge dips, pelvic tilts front/back, and side leg lifts with squats. With 8 minutes remaining, Shaun moves the the mat for some all-4s work (5 mins), including push backs, straight leg lifts, holds, L lifts, and bent leg lifts. The 2.5-minute stretch starts seated and moves to lying for a hip flexor stretch, sphinx, cobra, and down dog before returning to standing.

Instructor Comments:
I think that Shaun T. does a masterful job at offering cardio combinations that are a lot of fun while still being very simple and mostly low impact. As noted above, he provides excellent cuing as well.

Beth C (aka toaster)