RevAbs hit the market and people seem to be impressed and curious about Beachbody’s new abs program. However, recently we’ve been getting calls from people now looking to compare Brett Hoebel’s abs show to Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs, the abs show that caused such a stir and put INSANITY’s Shaun T on the map when it came out. How do they compare? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each program?

Let’s take a look at the superficial differences. Hip Hop Abs are much more stylish than RevAbs. If you’re looking for entertainment, if you need to have fun and really engage so you don’t get scarred and quit, then this could be the show for you. Shaun T listens to great music as he and his friends work out, dance, and perform dance moves that target your abs. There are even bonus DVDs set in a nightclub, and Shaun T’s attitude is reportedly infectious and uplifting. RevAbs, on the other hand, while still run by the charismatic and optimistic Brett Hoebel, is more of an old-fashioned workout; Brett encourages and stimulates, but clearly comes across more as a challenge than a party. Plus it has to be said: the music is simply better on Hip Hop Abs. There is no competition there.

Another key difference is the type of exercises each program uses. Brett Hoebel focuses on three key ideas: doing abdominal exercises, lifting weights to burn fat, and cardio to speed up metabolism. In his program, he will bring everything to the core of him, from six different approaches to lifting free weights to interval training, all of which are designed to interact and complement each other for maximum effectiveness. However, in Hip Hop Abs, Shaun T never hits the mat. One of his biggest claims is that he will never do sit-ups, but instead dance to fitness by combining ab-blasting techniques with cardio dance. You don’t weight either; Shaun T’s program is all about using his body weight to get his results.

Which is the most effective? It all comes down to a matter of style. The value of any exercise program lies in its ability to keep you coming back for more. No matter how intense, effective, or brilliant a program is, if you lose interest or give up because you’re not motivated enough, it won’t do anything for your physique. With this in mind, both programs seem to offer excellent results: one simply has to look at the before and after photos of the people who adhered to the training program and followed each step.

Perhaps the question could be better phrased as: do you want to entertain yourself or do you prefer to do something that feels more like a workout? Would you prefer to spend all your time dancing, or do you fancy a greater variety of movements and positions, ranging from the classic sit-up to combined exercises with weights and cardio? Do you want to use just your bodyweight or are you willing to invest in some free weights? Whether you prefer RevAbs or Hip Hop Abs will depend on how you answer these questions.