Seeing the impressive results students in her classes were getting, with the encouragement of her mentor, Chalene Johnson, fitness trainer Anna-Rita Sloss created the Hot Hula Fitness DVD for people who wanted the class to come to them.
If you can get to a class, I highly recommend you do, as they are a lot of fun. If you live too far from where they’re held, you’re too busy to attend, or you prefer exercising at home, this DVD will enable you to get the benefits of Hot Hula Fitness classes, without having to step outside your front door.
In this review, we will look at what the program involves, including some of the moves, to give you an idea as to whether or not Hot Hula Fitness is something you would enjoy doing.
Table of Contents
Hot Hula Fitness DVD Overview
Reflecting New Zealand-born Anna-Rita’s Polynesian heritage, Hot Hula Fitness is a low-impact, total body workout that incorporates traditional and not so traditional dance moves from the South Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Samoa.
Performed to Polynesian drum beats, Reggae, and Hip-Hop songs, all of the moves engage the core, so with regular workouts, you will quickly tone your abs and whittle inches from your waist. Hot Hula Fitness also targets the glutes, quads, and arms. Combined, this results in a total-body workout that is as enjoyable to do as it is effective.
The high-energy flowing dance moves are easy to perform and extremely useful for toning and defining the muscles in the areas we ladies usually most want to improve.
There are no equipment requirements; not even shoes. You can go at your own pace, and the workouts aren’t strenuous. This makes them suitable for people young, and not so young, of any fitness level.
Hot Hula Fitness – Class or DVD?
The popularity of Hot Hula Fitness has spread throughout the US, to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and beyond. There are now well over 2,000 certified instructors leading group classes of this sensual and rhythmic form of exercise. Take a class, and you will find that while what you are doing feels like fun, you will be sweating up a storm. Stick with it, and you will quickly notice positive changes in your body shape as you tone up, lose inches and shed your excess body fat.
For people who prefer to exercise at home, the Hot Hula Fitness DVD is a great option. It offers all of the benefits of a class in the privacy of your home, and you will be able to do the workouts at a time that suits your schedule.
Hot Hula Fitness Beginner Abs & Legs Workout
Hot Hula Fitness DVD – The Workouts
The Hot Hula Fitness DVD set consists of three separate workouts. One is for new exercisers, one for intermediate level exercisers and one for advanced exercisers. Each is approximately 50 to 60 minutes long, split into six segments. These follow an identical format, the only difference being the exercises and their intensity.
The first segment comprises a tutorial demonstrating the proper form & technique of the exercises you will be doing. This is followed by a Warm-Up that prepares your muscles for what is ahead. Next, comes a breakdown of the moves performed to a slow drum beat.
The moves are clearly demonstrated and well-explained, and there is ample time to get the hang of them. Next, comes the actual workout, which is known as Siva. Fast-paced, this is set to funky Reggae songs and driving Hip-Hop inspired sounds.
The fifth segment consists of a leg and ab workout, which includes squat-type moves and hip circles. The workouts end with a Cool-Down.
Are the Steps Difficult to Learn?
If you’ve tried Zumba but had trouble learning the steps, give the Hot Hula Fitness DVD a try. There are only four basic moves, plus variations of these. All are easy to learn, even if you are a non-dancer. Each involves continuous hip action incorporating everything from Circles to Sweeps, Figure-Eights to Snakes, Waterfalls to “Booty Bounces” and more. You will also be doing a variety of arm movements.
While fun, you will definitely know your muscles are getting a workout, particularly when you’re doing the leg and abs segment.
A Closer Look at the 3 Workouts
1) Beginner – The main workout in the Beginner level portion of Hot Hula Fitness is 51 minutes long. A fun workout that will get your heart pumping, exercises include Figure-Eights, Hip Shakes, Up and Around Hip Shifts, Hula Slides and Rib Cage Shifts. There is also lots of standing core work.
The focus of the leg and ab workout segment is Squats with Hip Shake variations, Squat Pulses, and Low Side-Steps along with other low-impact, high-energy moves that target the abs and glutes.
2) Intermediate – Easy to follow, the 60-minute Intermediate level workout kicks things up to the next level. You will do the Siva twice. The legs and abs segment is more challenging with lower and slower dips, to target muscles more intensely.
3) Advanced – The 50-minute, fast-paced Advanced level workout includes Low Toe Taps, Knee Pulls, Hip Rolls and Hip Circles combined with arm movements. Also included are Warrior Pump, Snake, and other cardio hula moves that are enjoyable to do and very effective. Targeting the legs and abs at another level again, you can expect optimal results from this intense, low-impact workout.
Final Thoughts on the Hot Hula Fitness DVD
A combination of standing core work, hula dancing, and hip-hop inspired moves, Hot Hula Fitness feels more like fun than a workout. Set to upbeat, exciting music, it will quickly have you on your feet and moving. If you love to dance – even if only when no one is watching – this workout is for you.
Anna-Rita obviously loves what she does, and it shows. Having gained 75 pounds following the birth of her two children, she knows what it’s like to struggle to get into shape, and she never talks down to you.
Her manner is friendly and encouraging; she explains things well, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Her team members, one of whom is her daughter, also do a great job. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, you won’t be able to help but have fun yourself.
No matter your age or fitness level, Hot Hula Fitness can help you to lose weight, trim inches and tone up.
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