Hip Hop Abs, the infomercial fitness program that exploded onto the scene in 2007, promises rock-hard abs in a matter of weeks. While you should take manufacturer claims with a grain of salt since Hip Hop Abs has had no formal studies to back its claims, the DVD program does have merit in helping to keep you active while doing something you enjoy. Even if you don’t want to spend the money to purchase the program, you can incorporate Hip Hop Abs exercises into your fitness routine.
Step 1
Burn a CD of upbeat tempo music, of at least 160 beats per minute and above. Some songs suggested by JogTunes.com in that range include “Hey Ya” by OutKast, “It’s Me Snitches” by Swizz Beatz, “Bring ‘Em Out” by T.I. and “Fit But You Know It” by The Streets. Choose music that you enjoy moving your body to. The Hip Hop Abs DVDs feature plenty of house and hip hop music.
Step 2
Tuck your belly in. It’s part of the Hip Hop Abs “Tilt, Tuck and Tighten” move that is the basis for all dance moves. It involves tilting your pelvis, tucking your belly button into your spine and then tightening or engaging your abdominal muscles. By keeping your abs tucked in this manner as you exercise, you’ll see better results. It’s also a beneficial way to create better posture and engage your abs while driving, at the grocery store and doing housework.
Step 3
Concentrate on your abdominal muscles by performing exercises that focus on those muscles alone. In the Hip Hop Abs DVDs, the “Get Busy” is one of these moves. Tilt, tuck and tighten your belly, then place your fists near your ears with your elbows bent and swivel your hips and elbows in an opposite pattern. You should feel the exercise in your obliques as you focus on your hips and abs. The “Party Bounce” is done by tilting, tucking and tightening, and bringing your fists up, then bouncing side to side as you engage your lower abdominal muscles.
Step 4
Add cardiovascular activity to your Hip Hop Abs exercises. While you tone and tighten your abs by doing the core Hip Hop Abs moves, you shed calories when you add cardiovascular activities and get your heart rate up. Dancing is a great cardiovascular workout, burning as much as 200 calories for each 30 minute set, according to HealthStatus.com. Blast your music loud and create dance routines that focus on your abs and other parts of your body.
Step 5
Follow a healthy diet plan to complement your Hip Hop Abs exercises. While the Hip Hops Abs DVD program focuses on fitness rather than foods, notes GotDiets.com, it still places on emphasis on making health food choices. You’ll see better results if you cut your calories and eat whole foods rather than prepackaged choices. By following a healthy diet and doing Hip Hop Abs exercises daily, you’ll see a difference in your core muscles and shape.
Check out our lower abs exercises website.