Q & A with Hip Hop Abs creator Shaun T

Shaun T, Hip Hop Abs creator

Shaun T’s love of dance and sports science at New Jersey’s Rowan University helped him to create Hip Hop Abs, a fun and motivational workout.  Shaun, who has been involved in athletics since he was six years old, gives fans his advice on fitness and healthy living.

 

Natasha C:  Many of our readers are curious about this one.  Before Hip Hop Abs, what were you doing for a living?
Shaun T: Before creating Hip Hop Abs (HHA) I was working for a pharmaceutical company in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.  I graduated college with a degree in sports science from Rowan University.  During a visit in Los Angeles I auditioned for a professional dance agency just for fun.  Well to my surprise they actually chose me to be a part of their agency.  This aided me to move to LA in 2003. From there the inspiration began!  I decided on the concept of HHA when I was in college because that’s when I struggled with my weight issue. I started dancing and with most dancers their main focus is their weight.  I needed to do something about my extra 50lbs! And so I developed tilt, tuck and tighten.

 

NC: You’ve created the most celebrated exercise program since Tae Bo, what made you develop this program?
ST:  I developed HHA because after high school, I went to college and stopped doing sports and gained 50lbs. I needed to do something.  I started dancing and during every show there was always the request for guys to have their shirts off.  I needed to do something about my belly so I decided to always contract my abs. After receiving my bachelors in sports science, I was able to scientifically prove that tilt, tuck and tighten works.

 

NC: What’s so revolutionary about Hip Hop Abs? 
ST: It’s so much better to not have to use gravity to increase your workout. With sit ups you have to lie on the floor and strain your lower back and neck.  But with absolute ab engagement you are creating the firing of the muscles all on your own.  That puts you in control and while you’re dancing.

NC:  In order to keep your body in such excellent shape, you must have a strict diet.  How many times of day do you eat and what are your favourite foods?
ST: First I would like to stress that my lifestyle is as follows: if I am trying to lose weight I burn more calories than I put in my body!  It’s really that simple!  If I wanna maintain my weight I balance my exercise with my portions and it’s much easier than you think if you just listen to your body.

 

Actually my “eating lifestyle” isn’t as strict as much as it is smart!  I just eat really smart to maintain the results. My calorie intake consists of high amounts of fish and other proteins like chicken and sometimes a good ol’ low fat piece of steak.  I, unlike a lot of other heath professionals don’t eat 5 or 6 meals a day because “my” body isn’t made for that type of intake. I have the type of body that packs on the pounds extremely easily. So if you wanna know my absolute honest regiment, here it is:

- Breakfast around 9 a.m.; granola cereal or egg whites, spinach, and wheat toast with the occasional cream cheese. I stress occasional!

- Lunch around 1:30 p.m. or 2 p. m.; sushi and or Japanese food.  And sometimes two small size turkey sandwiches with wheat bread.  And yes I will enjoy a small amount of baked Lays potato chips to satisfy that urge!

- Dinner is between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; most of the time I have some sort of fish with salad.  Balsamic vinaigrette mostly but I also have that amazing low fat ranch dressing in the fridge!  And if I am still hungry after that I will have some cashews and or sugar free sorbet! Ahhhhh I love it!

NC: Working out and eating properly go hand in hand.  Nevertheless, many people struggle to do both or one of the other.  How do you stay motivated to keep in shape when you may have days of eating poorly or not working out as hard as you originally planned?
ST: There are so many times when I am travelling where I don’t eat as healthy as I would like and I get really stressed out!  I used to give up and continue to eat poorly and just start over the next day, but no more!  I call it an “enjoyment day” and I know I have to do a quick workout, no matter how short. Look people, it’s as simple as, you make the choice to enjoy the foods you like, make the choice to burn the calories. You have to make the choice.

 

NC: If someone wants to change their unhealthy lifestyle into a healthy lifestyle, how do you suggest they should go about doing it?
ST: The easiest way to change your lifestyle is not to go on a “diet” or say, “I will start my new workout on Monday.”  That Monday turns into a month of Monday’s!  If you want to start a workout program, the minute you decide to commit, do 20 jumping jacks or drop down and do 10 push-ups.  When I was overweight, I would workout for 10 minutes a day for two weeks and worked my way up.  In a lifestyle change toward healthy living there is no rush – just a better mind. That will take you further than any diet.

NC:  What are your top five tips for creating sleek sexy abs?
ST: Cardio with me!  Create a great eating lifestyle.  Make a firm commitment to training your abs 4 times a week for 10 to 20 minutes.  Remember to invite the pain of working out and don’t be afraid.  No pain no gain!  Lastly, relax and give your body time to develop.

 

*Excerpts of this article were originally published in SWAY Magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

~ by Natasha C. on August 20, 2008.