Like many women in America, I struggle with my weight and am always on the lookout for a program to help me get in shape. So, when something comes along promising results, I’m willing to try it as long as it doesn’t entail a dangerous eating plan or involve supplements. I’ve always like aerobics that incorporate dance because most traditional aerobics classes are boring; therefore, I was eager to try Hip Hop Abs, a Beach Body product, when I came across the infomercial one Saturday morning. I’d already tried a friend’s Turbo Jam, also a Beach Body product, and I was pleased with the results I achieved.
The infomercial features Shaun T, the programs enthusiastic instructor, and testimonials from people claiming to be satisfied customers. Shaun T, a choreographer, states that his product is a unique way of sculpting dancer’s abs. He says his tilt, tuck, tighten moves engage the abs while standing and are more effective than doing traditional crunches. The hip-hop music is designed to keep customers motivated by the pulsating beat of the songs. The members of his cast include people with dance backgrounds, and at least one of them performs a modified version of the workout. The program promises that a person following the program can lose a couple of inches in as little as six days.
Customers receive Levels 1 and 2 of the program, along with Last Minute Abs and Hips, Buns, and Thighs DVDs. On the Level 1 workout, there is an instructional section that people are encouraged to watch before beginning the workout. This section demonstrates the tilt, tuck, tighten moves that will be performed in each of the exercise videos. Some of the DVDs also offer a short dance routine that Shaun T and his dancers choreograph for customers to try if they would like. One characteristic of Beach Body products that’s rarely seen in other programs is the timer at the bottom of the screen which helps keep track of how much time the exerciser has left. There is also a pull out offering a suggested workout schedule and a 6-day quick results plan. This is useful because it keeps you on a schedule.
By the time I purchased the program, I was bored with the exercise programs I already had. Because Beach Body was a reputable company, I called and ordered the program. Before I started doing the actual exercises, I read everything I received. Unlike some people, I like to know what I’m getting into before commencing. At first, I integrated the workout with my other DVDs, and the aerobics workouts were fun and broke the monotony. I did see results. I didn’t lose any weight, but I lost about two inches on my waist by the end of the week. After a while, I decided to follow the suggested schedule to see get independent results.
For a two-month period, I followed the program exactly as scheduled; the only thing I did in addition was a spinning class I was taking twice a week. The weight loss was a slow, steady process, but I noticed that my clothes were loser each week. I was satisfied with what I experienced because I didn’t expect miracles. The abdominal routine was challenging, especially when you have to do the Pilates type movements, and they were felt all over my abdominal region. Like any workout, most people will not have the extraordinary results of the people in the infomercials. I like the workout, too, because the modifications are good. A person of any fitness level will be able to keep up, and you don’t have to be a backup dancer to stay in step with the workout. I bought the program more than a year ago, and it’s still a part of my DVD rotation. There are times when I use the quick results schedule, especially when I need a jumpstart or have an upcoming event.
I have to say that my customer service experience was one of the best ones I’ve ever had. Although they had other offers with the program, I didn’t feel like I was being pressured to buy something I didn’t want. The program is not that expensive in the first place, less than $100 dollars; therefore, the installment plan, less than $20 dollars a month, was fairly reasonable. The only price change that customers will experience is if they take advantage of other offers or if they want another type of shipping. I received my workout in less than a week, just as they stated in the infomercial. As a satisfied customer, I look forward to upcoming DVDs in the same series.
I’m pretty picky about the kinds of workouts I like, and if I’m not satisfied, I send everything back. I would recommend this workout to anyone who likes aerobics that incorporate dance. On the other hand, if you don’t like dancing, I would suggest you stick to traditional aerobics because Shaun probably would be annoying.
