Growing up, I loved dance class. I was not much of a ballerina, but a good jazz or tap class was always so much fun! I danced from about the time I could walk until I left for college, and even then I took every opportunity I got to join in on a hip hop class at the college gym.
But, now that I am in my 30s, there aren’t many opportunities to dance. I mean, I’m not going out to the clubs (and I never was much of a booty shaker anyways), and adult dance classes are few and far between.
So, when Beachbody announced that they were launching a new dance workout, led by famed Insanity fitness trainer Shaun T, I was beyond excited!
While I have fallen in love with exercise, and enjoy some intense workouts, I would still much rather dance than workout.
Even though the new program, called CIZE, is technically a workout…it’s a dance workout! I don’t know about you, but dancing does not feel like working out to me!
CIZE
Dance your way to a fit body.
CIZE Review
This past month I led a group of ladies through the End of ExerCIZE challenge, a 30-day dance workout challenge using the CIZE fitness program. We followed along with Shaun T in the comfort and privacy of our living rooms and got to dance to get fit!
I was super pumped about this program. I have been doing intense workouts for a while now, including T25 and 21-Day Fix, and I felt like I needed a little break to have some fun. While it was a step down intensity-wise from some of my typical workouts, it ended up still being a great workout! I was dripping with sweat after learning the first 8-count!
Pros:
- The workouts start off fairly easy and build in difficulty throughout the weeks. It’s a great way to ease into dancing, even if you have never danced before, or if it has been a long time (like me).
- The program comes with a detailed nutrition plan. I think this is important because a lot of people believe that if they just start working out that they will see results, without changing anything about their diet. I know because that person used to be me. Having a nutrition plan to follow will really help you get the results you’re looking for with this program!
- The dance routines are broken down step by step and are easy to learn. I can’t say that I mastered the routine the very first time I did it, but by the end of the workouts when it’s time to “cize it up” I was able to let loose, have some fun, and just dance.
- The dance program comes with two calendars to choose from, a beginner or an advanced, depending on how comfortable you feel with learning a new dance workout. I followed the advanced calendar and moved through the routines more quickly, but some of the other ladies in my group followed the beginner calendar and were still able to follow all the routines, at a better pace for them.
Cons:
- Some of the dance exercise videos were a little too long for me. I am a 30 minutes or less workout person. I like to hit my workouts really hard and quick, get done and start my day. That is why I love T25 and 21-Day Fix workouts (only 25-30 minutes). Some of these workouts were 40-50 minutes long. Not crazy, but just a little longer than what I’m used to.
- I wish there were more dance routines! In all there are 6 separate dance routines, which means if you are following the program for one month you definitely repeat them. I know it’s kind of unrealistic, but I would have loved to learn a new routine every day!
CIZE Dance Workout Breakdown
Crazy 8’s: (30 minutes) This is the starter workout. You will complete this workout on day 1 to determine which calendar you should follow for the remainder of the program, beginner or advanced. If you struggle with picking up the Crazy 8’s moves then you’ll want to follow the beginner calendar. Even though this was the “beginner” routine, I still worked up a sweat!
You Got This: (43 minutes) Now you’ll take some of the basic moves from crazy 8’s and put them into choreography. This is when it really starts to get fun.
Full Out: (34 minutes) You move into level 2 with this routine and you’ll learn some new moves and choreography at a little bit quicker pace. You can take a peak at me “cizing it up” to Full Out:
In The Pocket: (37 minutes) This was probably my favorite routine. You’ll really start to feel like a dancer when you reach this level!
Go For it: (40 minutes) You’ll move into level 3 with this routine. This was kinda more of a “down and dirty” routine. It really attempted to bring some of the “sexy” out of me. Here’s a peak at me doing the “Go For it” routine (don’t laugh):
Livin in the 8’s: (51 minutes) The final and most difficult routine to learn. The choreography is much more intricate. You really get to let loose with this routine. I loved it! Here’s one more little peak of me “cizing it up”!:
8 Count Abs: (8 minutes) This add-on ab routine is not about dancing. While you will do the moves to music, it will feel like work again! It’s a great ab workout if you can get out of the dancing mindset to do it! I tried to remember to add this quick workout on every other day.
All in all, I really enjoyed this program! I knew I would, coming from my dancing background, but I think that even if you don’t consider yourself a dancer you would still enjoy it.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to dance but never really have, I think this is the perfect way to do it! You can pop in the DVD and dance in private at home without feeling judged by others (shame on them).
If you are interested in trying CIZE for yourself, you can purchase it here or sign up for Beachbody On Demand to get unlimited digital access to CIZE plus hundreds of other Beachbody programs! Leave a comment below if you have any questions about the program and I will be in touch!
Do you think you would enjoy a dance workout?
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I have been doing CIZE too and find it fun. I like that it is more real dance than dance fitness. I do find that I get a little annoyed when the moves don’t repeat on each side though
Haha. I know what you mean! I get so used to doing both side during a workout, it’s hard to break the habit! Glad you are enjoying CIZE!
I love CIZE! The best workouts are the ones that are so much fun that you forget you’re exercising!
Exactly! I agree Amanda!
Anything with Shaun T is already something I like, but add dancing and I’m hooked! This sounds like a really fun program I love that it’s relatively short and can be completed by anyone. I most certainly would enjoy a dance workout, but I may add a little extra strength training afterwards for a well rounded schedule 🙂
Videos private?
Hi winny! Sorry about that. You should be able to view the videos now!
Thank you for the great review. I was looking for objective reviews and liked the way your broke it all down. I just turned 50 and broke up with my boyfriend of 5 years because he was an alcoholic who wouldn’t change. I am ready to start a new, healthy life. I am half way through my pre law degree and will graduate with a hot body! I am going to start this program to get back to the person I was years ago. Thank you for a great review! I will let you know how well I do.
I am so glad it was helpful for you Christine! Please keep in touch and let me know how it goes. Congratulations on your new healthy life! That’s fantastic!
Hi, I have 2 total knee replacements, would this Cize program be High Impact for me..
Hi Peggy
The program is mostly low impact so I believe you would be fine.
I have always loved to dance. I need to lose about 80 lbs….the infomercial always catches my eye and I even taped it. I will be 65 this month…Shaun keeps saying if you can walk, you can do this…well Im gonna give it a try. I just ordered it online. Thanks for your review.
Hi Connie. You can do it! Take it at YOUR own pace and stay consistent and you will succeed!
Does this work to get in shape? I’m 51 and need to firm up and lose 8 lbs. or is there another exercise routine product that you could recommend?
If you are consistent about following the Cize program then yes you can definitely get in shape with it. However, I’d be happy to recommend other options…what kind of workouts are you interested in and do you have any physical limitations?
Those that are 30 minutes or less that can be done at home. I was thinking about 21 day fix? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
21-Day Fix is great and the workouts are all 30 minutes. You will need either some dumbbells or a resistance band for it. Also, there is a modifier to follow in each workout so no matter what your current fitness level is, you can follow along. It’s tough but extremely effective. You can check out my experience with 21-Day Fix here and let me know if you have any questions: https://fitlifepursuits.com/10-ways-guarantee-youll-lose-10-pounds-3-weeks-21-day-fix/
Hi,
I need to know that after learning each routine from each dvd, what is next. Basically every routine is step by step learning so after one knows the step, it becomes boring to go back to repeating the now ‘simple’ moves. So how to practice just the last cizing??
Thanks
Hi. Yes if you feel like you have mastered all the routines then the last cizing is how you would continue to practice each one.
Hi,
My best friend bought “Cize” and I was at her house yesterday. I tried the first workout and I think it is great. I do have one question. Is there a problem with everything being done on one side. I kept waiting for him to change sides but it never happened. I was always told that you need to use both sides so that toning is uniform on both sides. Should we be trying to do it on both sides on our own?
Hi Cheryl. Good question! I think that if you are working your way through the program you will be equally balanced on both sides because while one routine may focus more on one side, the next routine will focus on the other. It’s not something you need to necessarily worry about with this program. I would be more concerned if it was heavy weightlifting. However, attempting to change sides in a routine may be a fun challenge! 😉
I really enjoy the cize program! I have tried numerous other workouts and I like this one the best. There are no repetitive lunges. It hurts my knees with lunges. I love to dance and used to line dance and I had fun. There is just nowhere for adults to go and dance.
Hi Emma! So glad you are enjoying the program! I know how you feel about there being nowhere for adults to dance. Now you can in your living room! Woohoo!
Hey great review! Of course most of the people commenting here are woman, but I am a guy and this is a fun workout. I don’t think I would do it in public or a group setting LOL, but I will tell you this, it has helped with my flexibility for sure and it just feels good to nail some of the moves. Def different and a fun way for guys to mix things up if they are up for a change/challenge.
Hi Chris! Thanks so much for the guys perspective! So glad you are enjoying the program! Keep dancing! 🙂
I am 49.I must!!! loose my 10 lb. Can cize help me? Is it good cardio
Hi Alicja. Yes, it’s good cardio especially if you are new to cardio workouts. If you are looking for another great dance-style cardio workout that’s more intense than Cize, then check out Turbofire! https://fitlifepursuits.com/turbofire/
Hi, can I ask you….when should I do the 8 count abs? Before or after doing the workout? Thanks for answer💕💕
Hi Patty
I would recommend adding 8 count abs after the workout about every other day of the week!
I just finished the 21DF workout and after two “rounds”, I’m ready to try something new. Any recommendation on something that’ll help me lose those last ten pregnancy pounds, while toning up and will fit into 35 minutes or less? I tried Autumn’s Plyo workout and it’s too intense on my knees.
Hi Kassie
I would recommend you give 21-Day Fix Extreme a try! While it’s a little more intense than 21-Day Fix, it shouldn’t be rough on your knees like the plyo workout is, plus you can still follow the modifier when needed. Here’s the link for 21-Day Fix Extreme: http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/21DFEXTREME?referringRepId=304227
The other thing I would recommend you consider trying is to sign up for a Beachbody on Demand account because then you can literally do a different workout every day and get some variety into your workouts. This is what I use now for my daily workouts: https://fitlifepursuits.com/beachbody-ondemand
Hi, I would love to purchase cize but have limited mobility and b12 deficiency and asthma. I have flat feet and weak legs so am unable to get off the floor without help and also can’t really jump. With time would I be able to do cize or is it not worth considering due to my physical limits plz