I used to exercise regularly, about 30-60 minutes a day five times a week. However, when I graduated from college and lost my free gym membership, I fell out of the habit of exercising. What's more, I tore an oblique muscle a couple years ago that still acts up when I try to do crunches on the floor, and I can't run anymore due to an old knee injury. I had been looking for a good at-home workout that would not strain my knees or my side, but I figured that'd be impossible to find. I had seen Hip Hop Abs advertised last spring, but like many people, I was skeptical of any infomercial workout that looked like so much fun. Still, after months of feeling desperate to get into shape again, I read up on Hip Hop Abs on a variety of online product review sites. After seeing that the majority of the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, I threw caution to the wind and purchased the first Hip Hop Abs package: Secret to Flat Abs, Fat Burning Cardio, Total Body Burn, Ab Sculpt, plus Last Minute Abs and Hips, Buns, and Thighs.

I have to say, this is one of the best investments I've ever made -- what a great program! The workouts are strenuous enough that you work up a good sweat but not so exhausting that you can't move the next day (though you totally "feel the burn"). Even better, my knees are fine with this program, and amazingly, my oblique has not acted up either. Shaun-T has absolutely infectious energy and is a great motivator -- he makes the workouts fly by (seriously, 30 minutes feels more like 10), and he's really funny to boot. I started to see results after the first week: my legs, stomach, and shoulders were much firmer, and my jeans fit noticeably better.

UPDATE: I've now been on the program for about two and a half months, and I still love it just as much as when I first bought it.

Fat-Burning Cardio (30 minutes): This workout is really fun and the perfect length to get your heart going without totally wearing you out. The more I do FBC the more I learn how to make the movements work best for me, and despite having done this workout three or four times a week for the past two months, I still find myself smiling and feeling like I'm working my muscles anew every time.

Total Body Burn (45 minutes): This workout lives up to its name; it is absolutely exhausting, but it's the one to go for when you really want to work up a sweat. This longest workout in the package keeps you moving for the whole 45 minutes by incorporating cardio with weights and working every part of your body (abs, arms, legs, back, buns). I consistently "feel" this workout the day after.

Hips Buns & Thighs (25 minutes): This has a lot of movement to it and will definitely get your lower body burning, especially your inner thighs and glutes. There's a lot of arm movement in this as well, so your whole body gets a workout. Warning: the mat exercises will likely make your thighs feel like they're on fire by the time you finish, but it's worth it.

Ab Sculpt (25 minutes): This definitely works your abdomen (lots of standing crunches), but the moves also give your thighs and arms a workout as well. There's not as much outright cardio involved in this as in the other workouts, but it's good for muscle-building (I like using it as a compliment to Hips Buns & Thighs).

Last Minute Abs (5 minutes): If you are looking for a quick way to get your heart pumping that will consequently make you feel like you're doing to drop dead, look no further than here. This workout is only five minutes, but each one of those minutes is DIRE. I could not even finish this one the first time I tried it, but I've since been able to make it through (though I usually still feel like I'm going to drop afterward!).

Though all of these workouts are challenging in different ways and will definitely work your body, the best part of them all is Shaun-T. He keeps cheering you on every step of the way and inspires you to keep going even when you don't feel like you have any steam left. Sticking with Hip Hop Abs has been the easiest workout commitment I've ever made. 5 stars

It is a work out though i was hoping for better music(actual music). It is a remix of work-out music with hip hop. other than that it is fun and lots of energy. 4 stars

I have only been doing this workout a week and I can feel and see the results. It is not your typical boring workout dvd. If you like to dance it is very beneficial. I love it. I do it every morning. I have been following the 4week workout plan. I know at the end of my 4 weeks I will see a difference because I already do in only a week. 5 stars

I borrowed this from a friend.

The good: decent workout with a few new moves. Shaun has a lot of personality and makes it a fun workout. Very descriptive, not hard to follow.

The bad: short. very short. I was surprised how little actual workout there is for the price. Could use more moves too but that's probably because the workout/dance portions are so short.

Overall, not worth the price tag but if you can find it on the cheap it's ok. If he put out a DVD full of workout content instead of fluff and filler, I might buy. 2 stars

I own the whole series! Was a bit pricey but defiantly worth the money! I had my daughter 12-3 was cleared to exercise on 2-1 and have lost 40lbs since starting this work out! Shaun T is fun and very amusing! You will not get tired of this workout and will see results fast! I would recommend this series to anyone looking to get in shape! It is a must have to add to your work out collection! 5 stars