FITNESS ZONE
PARROT REVIEW: CIZE by Shaun T
Of all the workouts I’ve done, this one is probably the most requested. Anonymous phone calls, e-mails and underwear from strangers in the mail…the demand was strong to see The Parrot grind his booty to Shaun T’s new fitness program, CIZE. But if ever there was a fitness program designed for me…this is most certainly not it. But golly, I’m a professional. That means that there is nothing demeaning about a 44 year old systems analyst getting back into the same awesome dance groove I had when…wait…I never had a dance groove.
This should be interesting.
What you get:
6 dance workouts on 3 DVD’s, meal plan and calendar. 8-Count Abs disk sold as bonus. Rocketman shoes sold separately.
When it comes to putting on the ritz, Shaun T is not going half way. For the guys it’s big shoes, big socks and tight pants. For the ladies it’s small shoes, small shirts and lycra. On the marketing page, Shaun and the cast resemble something you’d see on Star Trek.
Week 1: Crazy 8’s
Time: 30 minutes
Day one was a bust. Why? Because in order to do CIZE, you simply have to commit. That means if you have any inhibitions about getting funky, you’re more apt to shuffle around like you’re having a seizure. I was completely undone when I did the ultimate mistake…I looked at myself trying to dance in a mirror.
Ok, I have to get over this. Blast it, thousands of you people are counting on me! I need some serious help to get in the proper mindset. I began scrambling for ideas lest my review fail due to the ingrained insecurities of my Manitoba-farmer roots.
Try as I might, it took me a solid 3 days with Disk 1 to get to the point where I finally was able to relax and tap into the tiny “Fresh Prince” that lie within. Familiarity it seems breeds comfort, so if you can get through the first week I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much less uncomfortable you’ll feel moving forward.
Week 2: You Got This
Time: 43 minutes
Let’s discuss the elephant in the room right now shall we? That being fashion.
Women have some luxury to wear outlandish clothing and get away with it. But I have to say the four dudes in the back wearing low-crotch skinny jeans and baseball caps are a crime against humanity.
Still, week two is a challenge as it increases the number of moves. All but one move are new and as before combine at the end to make a dance sequence worthy of dazzling the guests at Billy’s upcoming bar-mitzvah.
Week 3: Full Out
Time: 34 minutes
By now you might be developing enough skills to not look like a drunken bear. For myself I could often imagine the dance-trac in my head throughout the day and saunter up to Mrs. Parrot. She would naturally tell me to knock that crap off and stop creeping her out. Sounds like she’s finally warming up to the idea!
What you’ll notice right away is that not only the moves are more complex, but the speed. In order to keep up with the Cize-it-Up trac, you have to be moving like lightning on meth. That means absolutely crazy core control that won’t happen overnight.
Week 4: In the Pocket
Time: 36 Minutes
It’s only six moves, but wow…what a combo. Lots of sliding and fast feet are the flavor this week.
Careful with the March-it-Out at the end though. Everyone looks like they just got hit by Doctor Doom’s mind-melting ray and are stumbling around like they’re hungry for brains. Maybe hold back a bit and do some jumping jacks.
Week 5: Go For It
Time: 41 minutes
The combo here is so sharp and fast you’d swear it was kung-fu. Yes, by week 5 it is time to seriously amp it up and Shaun is asking a lot from The Parrot this week. He asks. I deliver.
Due to my long martial arts background, this particular sequence is my favorite. The stances and arm movements have a powerful rhythm, yet still brings in the crazy dance you’ve come to expect up to this point.
Week 6: Livin’ in the 8’s
Time: 51 Minutes
Bring your A-game today kids because it’s going to be close to an hour of trying to get 8 very complex moves down. Whereas Go For It has sharper focus like it wants to punch the dance floor in the face, Livin in the 8’s relies more heavily on graceful movement while remaining unmistakably powerful.
Bonus: 8 Count Abs
Time: 9 Minutes
The abs are on the floor crunches and planks. It’s fairly basic by doing a once through each move and then finally doing it to the beat. Think of this a rhythmic abs. It’s not on the level of Asylum by a long shot, but a good nine minutes nonetheless.
CONCLUSION
I fully expected this to be a rehash of Hip Hop Abs or Rockin’ Body. Instead CIZE goes way beyond. This is the “Asylum” version of dance instruction that will test the limits of your timing, endurance and control. The cardio component is off the charts because doing moves to a musical beat makes you try harder to keep up. That means every workout resulted in a flop-sweat.
I would be negligent not to mention the target demographic for this. I would target this to women in general and men under 35. I’m 44 and to be honest, it was a significant challenge to break out of my shell and go all “Flashdance”. Not to mention that the learning curve is often steep. This is absolutely an advanced workout that develops inhuman levels of co-ordination and should not be mistaken for your Mom’s waltz instructional VHS tapes.
One thing to consider is that CIZE may lend itself to early retirement due to the music and fashion on the set. Remember, today’s high fashion is often tomorrows catchy Halloween costume. Despite being an amazing package, I doubt this will make it past 5 years before a modern revision is needed to keep up with changing trends. But then again, that’s a good business model for new products anyway.
Give credit where it’s due, for dance fitness I highly doubt there is anything out there that could keep up with CIZE. Just be honest with yourself about how you like to get fit. If you’re the kind of person who isn’t comfortable tapping into your long-lost groove then you might want to give a pass on CIZE. Also, if you don’t have a private place to learn and the kids are running around then straight up forget about it. This takes concentration in solitude. Still, I enjoyed my time away from doing regular weights and cardio to try something completely new. Helps the old Parrot stay young at heart!
If you’re the kind of person who just loves to dance ( even badly! ) then I simply cannot recommend CIZE highly enough. It’s all the benefits of Insanity with the bonus of learning a new skill.
Julia
January 29, 2017 at
I’m 48 and am looking to get back into exercising. I love to dance and have been working out to videos at home since VHS back in the 80’s. However, I’ve had a lot of neurological health issues since 2010, and had a mini stroke last year. I managed to do a whole year of Pure Barre classes in 2014 and then my health took a nose dive. Anyway, I’ve been trying to find non Beach Body coach reviews and am so happy to have found you!! Your writing style keeps me engaged, laughing and you also cut through the mass marketing bullshit. Thank you!!!
I know how to eat(fortunately) and have hovered around the same size despite my lack of exercise the last 2 years.
I love to dance and am keeping my spirits high by researching exercise videos for when I can return to working out. I think a dance oriented workout is the place for me to start given my physical issues.
I love Shaun T and did Hip hop abs back in the day. I also did the first Insanity when it came out. There is no way I could do that again though. My body is back to beginner level and I want to stay safe as I age.
So do you think Cize is a good place to start for a good dancer that is unable to lift weights yet?
Dysfunctional Parrot
January 31, 2017 at
CIZE might be a little aggressive given this situation. It’s sort of like an Insanity-dance hybrid minus the jumping. You could absolutely modify but that depends greatly on your level of dance improvisation.
Julia
March 4, 2017 at
Thanks for your response! I think I’ll give it a go when I’m ready. Dancing is really my happy place and I definitely have the ability to modify.
Thanks!!
Julia
Crystal
March 16, 2017 at
I’d try Zumba. It’s been a great starting place for me when I reach my lowest points, health-wise.?
Aly
August 23, 2016 at
Hey, I take it you’re some kind of fitness guru. My BB coach wants me to get in on a challenge pack. I’m enjoying the Samples I have of Cize but she swears that Country Heat is a better workout. I want the better workout but I don’t like Country music and I think Shaun T is more amusing than Autumn. Mosey? Any opinion here?
Dysfunctional Parrot
August 23, 2016 at
Beachbody Coaches sort of drive me nuts. On one hand, Beachbody has great products. On the other, they assume ALL their products are great when they actually do produce lemons from time to time. Maybe CH is better but be aware these people are all about the sales. If you don’t like country music then I think you’ve answered your own question. Imagine dancing to country every workout and envision lasting more than a week. I cringe at the thought and see CH as a niche workout at best.
I have yet to review Country Heat but indeed plan on doing so hopefully in the next month or so. I will certainly elaborate in full at that time!
Aly
August 23, 2016 at
Thanks for the quick reply! Let’s also clarify that I live in Nashville and I used to be in the music biz so I have reason to not like country music. I think you’re due to review CH. How about tomorrow? LoL
Mari
June 5, 2016 at
Hi! I’ve just finished Insanity Max:30 and I’m planning to do a P90X3/T25 Hybrid after and Cize looks fun to do. Is it a good idea to do a Cize routine and a P90X3 or T25 routine at the same day? I’m 23, female, 125 lbs and no special physical conditions. Thank you!
Dysfunctional Parrot
June 6, 2016 at
I would think you’d be ok. Both programs are in the 30 minute range so I see no reason why the average person couldn’t go for it!
Mari
June 7, 2016 at
Thank you!
Justyna
April 17, 2016 at
Hi,
I’m finishing Cize in two weeks and I’m trying to decide what to do next. Could you suggest me sth? I hesitate between p90 and p90x3. I’d jump right away into p90x3 but I’m a woman with basically no muscles so f.e. pull-ups are out of the question. What do you think?
Dysfunctional Parrot
April 18, 2016 at
X3 gives plenty of opportunity to modify. If you’re not particularly strong then just lower the weight. For pull ups try wrapping a fitness band around the bars and use as a makeshift assist. The videos always show a modifier which will help quite a lot.
Another option is to try P90 if you want to ease into it with less shock.
Constanza Álvarez Espinoza
March 23, 2016 at
Oh Parrot, it seems things got worse. I just saw an ad of Bodybeach’s “Country Heat”…
Dysfunctional Parrot
March 24, 2016 at
As the son of a pig farmer, there are few things I despise more than “country” poseurs who wouldn’t know a cow if they were caught in a stampede. This looks positively horrid…which means I will probably love reviewing it!
Anonymous
August 16, 2016 at
This makes me want to hog tie Autumn Calabrese, put my ass-less chaps on and spurs and ride her until she screams yee-haw!!!
Constanza Álvarez Espinoza
August 24, 2016 at
You know, as a Chilean woman who knows absolutely nothing about Country music, I’ve been wondering about the appeal to the international audience. Is this kind of music popular outside the U.S. (and maybe Canada)?
Dysfunctional Parrot
August 24, 2016 at
As a Canadian who also lives in Alberta which has a “country” reputation, even here the appeal is limited to a small minority. I don’t know of anyone who would openly admit to country dancing. I think maybe it will find “ironic hipster” popularity, but even then only for a short time. Like Hip Hop Abs or even CIZE, this is destined to have a limited shelf life. Still, I will give it the benefit of the doubt when I review it…or at least I’ll try.
Anonymous
August 16, 2016 at
Yes I had to look at a preview of Country Heat oh yee haw D.P., I can not wait to read your review on this! When I heard save a horse ride a cowboy watching the preview and them doing the lasso and spanking their legs this could be a good old fashion down home in the barn hoe down! Oh please review this a.s.a.p., I need a damn good laugh!!!
Heather
March 23, 2016 at
I feel like I’m the odd (wo)man out, because I found these workouts pretty easy, and was a bit disappointed. I’m not much of a dancer, so when I say “easy” I’m not referring to the ease of picking up the choreography – but more that I didn’t really feel tired and didn’t sweat much. I figured this was geared toward beginner exercisers. Then I saw a video on Shaun T’s Facebook page of he and his partner doing the workouts, and he talked about how tired he was. I was like, “Whaa? Insanity guy is tired by this??” I don’t get it. These are NOTHING compared to Insanity in terms of cardio work in my opinion. Am I crazy or is anyone with me on this?
Terencia Nicole
March 23, 2016 at
I’m 24 and I was covered in sweat. If you really go all out and not just gingerly follow the moves, you have to be in elite condition to not get tired. Come on now.
trish
April 4, 2016 at
Thanks for this post. I have the insanity and the asylum. I was curious how it would stand up to these cardiovascular workouts.
Christina
March 9, 2016 at
I’m female, 48 and I loved the cize workout. Oh, and I’m white and not a dancer really. It was fun and each week the moves were fresh. I say do it to you all who are in you 40’s or older, totally out of the box fun and I love Shawn T. I actually coupled it with Hammer and Chisel for the first 4 weeks (hard schedule to manage but it was Jan. not much happening!) I really really love the H & C workout btw!
Kim
March 2, 2016 at
So what if you are really white an can’t dance to save your soul. Like, absolutely no coordination. Would this still be a good workout? It says it helps you learn the moves but again. No coordination. Advise?
Dysfunctional Parrot
March 2, 2016 at
I advise moving on! That is, unless you WANT to learn to dance.
It would be an excellent workout, but you would have to be patient with yourself and allow time to get the hang of it. The first two weeks would probably be a write-off but it will come. During that time, for the love of all things holy…do NOT watch yourself in the mirror. Accept that you will initially suck and just be ok with it.
tesoroforever
March 14, 2016 at
My god you had me laughing so hard I could barely control myself enough to read your review. Hilarious……………love love loved your review. Thank you!
Christina
March 9, 2016 at
Shawn breaks things down so good and goes over the moves in a way that anyone can get, really! You have to stick with it though, it’s a great workout!! Hope you do it!
Andrew Coyle
May 25, 2016 at
If you want a dancing work out I’d start with Hip Hop Abs. The moves are way simpler, but Shaun is as camp as a field at Glastonbury Festival!! lol. HHA also gives you a fun workout too.
CIZE is WAY WAAAY more challenging. Thank goodness I started with HHA as this gave me the confidence to just crack on with CIZE and not feel awkward or embarrassed.
As of writing this I’ve only done 1 workout, Crazy 8s, and to start I was all over the place. Footwork combined with arms-a-waving. By the end of the workout you “CIZE It UP” where you do all the moves together in 3 sets. I had it down pretty good and it felt awesome!! FLOP SWEAT!! :)
p.s. I too am a white 44 year old software tester
Luke McQuade
February 29, 2016 at
This is an excellent, informative review. Thank you. I am a 6ft3inch chicken legged pregnant belly 230 pound man. I have done about 40 5ks in the last year but I don’t watch my diet and my coordination isn’t the best. Also, I’m 49 years old. Upon reading your review, I’m guessing that if I were to purchase Cize I may be in over my head. However, I don’t want to dismiss something out of hand (perhaps I’d need three weeks of Week 1 as opposed to one week of Week1). Can you offer me some constructive ideas on what might be a good plan of action re: Cize? Or, if you think there are alternative similar cardio+strength type of dvd workouts – I’m certainly open to ideas. Well, I’ve rambled on. I look forward to hearing your ideas. Thanks, Luke
Dysfunctional Parrot
March 2, 2016 at
CIZE might be too much, too fast for a first timer. I would highly recommend starting with something like T25 and once you feel good with that, moving on to something like CIZE or Max 30. I also recently reviewed STRONGER which is a free solution that is well made and an excellent total body cardio/strength workout.
However, if you really like the idea of learning to dance you can still go for CIZE. Just accept that for the first few weeks you will be a tragic display of awkwardness and in some cases you will have to modify indefinitely. Even for me as a 44 year old relatively fit guy, I was clearly not going to keep up with some 20-something cardio-bunny who went to the Juilliard School of Dance. But as with all things, patience and practice always pays off.
Oh…and do you like hip hop music? If not, then this will probably not resonate with you. I can tolerate it, but give me the debut Boston album any day.
Heather
March 23, 2016 at
Really?? I feel like T-25 is loads more challenging than CIZE. This boggles my mind.
BaloneyIsMyFirstName
March 26, 2016 at
I can do CIZE but not T-25. You can always modify for CIZE. I don’t do the jumps because of my bad knee. But I still work up a sweat. You just do it to the best of your ability. Also, Tulin Emre on YouTube has some CIZE modifications for plus size folks that are helpful regardless of size.
PherenV
February 29, 2016 at
Thank you for your great reviews! One question if I may. I’ve done T25 alpha and beta a couple of times, and about to start gamma. I love this programme but I think I’m ready to go to the next level. I’d like to do Insanity Max30 but wondering whether to give myself a ‘breather’ first with Cize, or not bother. I’m 44, slim and relatively fit (well, I only rely on the modifier for push ups – rubbish arms although getting better). I guess my idea is to alternate between pushing hard with T25/Max30, then active recovery for 4 weeks with something else.
Dysfunctional Parrot
February 29, 2016 at
Max 30 is a natural next step for anyone who has made it through T25. CIZE is an excellent cardio/HIIT style workout, but you have to be sure you have a desire to dance. If you do then by all means jump in and have fun! For me I just locked the door and placed a guard to my basement so the kids didn’t come down and accidentally see Dad strutting around like he was having a seizure.
PherenV
February 29, 2016 at
Brilliant! I love dancing and there’ll be just my four dogs witnessing my shame (my husband stays well away since he seems allergic to exercise). Thank you for taking the time to answer :0)
Andrew Coyle
May 25, 2016 at
Even after doing Insanity, T25 and MAX 30 I reckon I’d have still struggled with CIZE. I don’t think those workouts make you particularly flexible, and CIZE, I believe, requires flexibility.
But after doing Jake Ferree’s YO:30 yoga practise on Xbox Fitness I believe that gave me the flexibility to rock CIZE.
Still, practising CIZE will also help you rock CIZE :)
Mavicity Creatives
February 26, 2016 at
Oh my thor, you write like a god. >_< I think binge-reading your blog may give me abs.
I'm getting CIZE just because of this post. It's hammer time!
Melissa
February 25, 2016 at
I’m dying to try CIZE – thanks for the review! Here is my question.. I am just finishing up the last week of Hammer/Chisel and am LOVING the results! I’ve never had muscles like this before. I want to try CIZE to switch things up for a bit, but I’m so worried about losing all the muscle I’ve gained. Any suggestions? Do you know of a hybrid program that might be good?
Dysfunctional Parrot
February 25, 2016 at
You could alternate days, or weeks. Another option is to do a round of push-ups/pull ups after CIZE to keep the gains. An approach I often do is an idea I got called “Greasing the Groove”. Take regular breaks throughout your day and drop and do 15 push ups. Or every time you walk by the pull-up bar try and crank out 3 or 4. The idea is not to do your max, but to keep the muscles active in those areas.
Melissa
February 25, 2016 at
awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! Love your reviews
Awesome Bryner
February 20, 2016 at
You can do all this without paying for it. That is how stupid it is. Why pay when you can do it without paying? Just another way for Shaun T to make more money on something people can already do without him.
Ashley Pollard
February 6, 2016 at
Hi there, I’m curious to know if there is a lot of jumping in cize. I love dance and really want to try it but due to some back issues, can’t jump. In fact I’ve done insanity in the past but can no longer so it with all the jumping. Would love to know your thoughts.
Thank you!
Dysfunctional Parrot
February 8, 2016 at
There is some jumping yes, but nothing like insanity. A lot of it is shuffling and some medium intensity plyo. Insanity used to murder my knees but this was no problem.
Stephanie Petras
January 16, 2016 at
Considering Cize or Bodyshred. I loved Hip Hop Abs so not afraid of the dance thing but I really wonder about only 8 songs in Cize?! Music is part of the motivation for me. Sometimes I even turn off the volume on these programs and listen to my own music. Did DP get bored with Cize and its limited music selection? How was the Bodyshred music? Which do you think has a greater likelihood of successful results for a 47 year old Claims Analyst?
Dysfunctional Parrot
January 16, 2016 at
If music is king, then Shaun T is the only real option. There are 8 songs in Cize, but they are the finishers. Throughout the primary workout you get a variety. As I recall the music in Bodyshred was ok, but I commented on it more in the review…
https://dysfunctionalparrot.com/health-and-fitness/bodyshred/
Also , Bodyshred is not a dance workout, so there’s that to consider too. Don’t worry too much about age. I’m a 44 year old systems analyst and father of 4. Granted, Shaun T has no worries about me out-dancing him but the point is to just do your best and have fun with it!
okolo clarke
January 12, 2016 at
Have lurked for years and the first place I come to when I want to know what a beachbody series is like. I hate the whole, “if you don’t drink shakeology you’ll NEVER see results. You might even get fatter if you don’t choose me as your coach…” (Insert eye roll)
So, popping in to say than you for your reviews and your writing style ?.
This review confirms my thoughts on this cize dancing thing. I personally hate doing dancing with an instructor as a workout because I can’t stand the long time it takes me to figure out a routine while I’m standing staring at the instructor in frustration. When I want to do dancing as a workout, I usually put some tunes on and freestyle to my hearts silliness desire, no care, no boundaries, no instructions. No pausing and trying to figure out what’s next but very many calories burnt and plenty fun had.
Thanks again.
Andrea Powell
January 17, 2016 at
I’m 1 of the original Beachbody family… WAAAAAY before Shakeology and multi level marketing. I ignore all of that nonsense as much as possible and do my thing!
Just keep “pushing play” and eating (relatively)! Cleanly and you’ll be happy you did.
At their core, BB is an honest company and they take pride in their workouts!
Sharon Doe
December 28, 2015 at
Hello. Thank you for the unbiased reviews !I can’t wait for the hammer and chisel reviews ( assuming you are planning one ) . I have Cize and am wondering why it has a high rating for core strength when there is no weights ? i haven’t given this program much of a chance because if that . I’ve thought about trying insanity, but at 44 , im wary of getting into something and getting hurt. Thanks !
Dysfunctional Parrot
December 29, 2015 at
The core work has a lot to do with needing to keep the midsection active to do most of the rapid dance moves. Kind of like the old Hip Hop Abs concept of “tilt, tuck, tighten”. If the core is weak, the movements will lack that sharp, deliberate appearance of dance and instead look like a wet noodle flapping in the wind.
Marie Jackson
December 24, 2015 at
Did you lost any weight? If so, how much?
Dysfunctional Parrot
December 25, 2015 at
No, but that is mainly because I’m more or less at my ideal weight anyway. I also just came off Max 30 recently so there’s only so much goo I can shake off.
Bridget
December 9, 2015 at
Yeah! I love to dance, so definitely going to try this one. Thanks for the review.
Awesome Bryner
February 20, 2016 at
You can dance for free. Why pay to dance?
cj
November 21, 2015 at
Thank you so much for this honest review! :) I love reading your witty reviews!
Steve MacKenzie
November 16, 2015 at
You dance so I do not have too. Next wedding I go to I know just enough. I will just do the Scott modifier moves from Imax 30.
John Paul Jones
November 4, 2015 at
Dios Mio, I love these reviews, in particular the little nuggets of info. I live in the Caribbean, where people enjoy (on occasion) blaring music regardless of their proximity to others who enjoy different music styles or (in my case) are exercising outdoors.
“This takes concentration in solitude.”
And how! Also
“I would target this to women and men under 35.”
As I’m 29, couldn’t agree more. I love the routines, but I can see more inhibited/less-musically-inclined folk finding this set a waste of money.
Constanza Álvarez Espinoza
October 20, 2015 at
Thank you for this review. I’ll definlety pass it… I’m waiting for the military program thing with Tony Horton. Meanwhile, I’ll stick with FitnessBlender’s videos. (Have you tried them, Parrot?)
Dysfunctional Parrot
October 20, 2015 at
Just took a look at FitnessBlender. Seems like a good idea and I would have to look at it more. Also eager to see what Tony has in store next.
Constanza Álvarez Espinoza
October 20, 2015 at
I recently finished a second round of P90X and at the end of the month I’m (finally) going on vacation. I have just two weeks to fill in and a short free program like the ones FitnessBlender have for free on their YouTube channel seems ideal (I’m doing twice a 5 day program before traveling).
Thank you for you blog, by the way. As a woman who doesn’t enjoy too much aerobics, dancing a Zumba things aimed for women, your reviews have motivated me to follow, try and not to be scared of plyo, HIIT or lifting weights. I’ve been subbed for a while now and I always take my time to read your reviews.
Greetings from Chile!
Tracy
November 10, 2015 at
I wanted to drop you a line and say that I truly appreciate your reviews. It’s so tough to find anything remotely objective when it comes to BB reviews. I run pretty much the gamut of BB workouts and have branched out into some of the Daily Burn streaming workouts. They’re pretty slick, with great production value and some big names (like Bob Harper). Have you stumbled on those? I’d love a review!
ShaunTFanButNotADancer
October 20, 2015 at
Just wondering if you have tried the CIZE weight loss DVD’s also?? (The two DVD’s sold separately). I don’t think I could I enjoy dancing enough to purchase the entire program, so at a more reasonable price, I was checking these out………..
Dysfunctional Parrot
October 20, 2015 at
No, I had a hard time justifying the expense considering that me and CIZE were probably not going to enjoy a long term relationship. :)
Erica Browne Grivas
October 1, 2015 at
Hi I tried Crazy 8’s on Beachbody On Demand, and while I love Shaun T, and enjoy dancing (badly), I found the Take it From the Top format maddening – it’s a thing with me; by the time we get to the end I’m so sick of the moves. Are all the routines like this throughout the series?
Dysfunctional Parrot
October 1, 2015 at
Pretty much. Each of the different workouts follows the same format, just a different sequence of moves for each with varying difficulty as you progress.
BaloneyIsMyFirstName
March 26, 2016 at
I love Cize but I find that Crazy 8 feels more repetitive than the others so I would say try another workout if you can to see if you really like it. Crazy 8 is my least favorite one but I like all the rest even though Living in the 8s is really challenging.
JR
September 27, 2015 at
Another fantastic review Parrot, I actually decided to pick this one up after reading your review despite being a male in my late twenties who hasn’t really danced at all, but I’m so glad I did. I’m currently in week 2 and just having a blast while actually losing weight, it’s really a win win. Plus, the Cize it Up segments are nothing but fun. Thanks for writing!
11Invader
September 15, 2015 at
Thank you for the review! Completely agree with you. I have been doing CIZE for a while now..almost finished the “advanced calendar” option. Lost weight, gained skills. All good. One question if I may. What would you suggest for me next at this level of cardio? After I finish CIZE. Thank you so, so much in advance
Dysfunctional Parrot
September 16, 2015 at
If you can finish this and you like Shaun, Max 30 would be a natural progression.
11Invader
September 17, 2015 at
Thank you for replying and advice :) I shall follow it :)
Geron Spray
September 3, 2015 at
Good review. Thanks. I think If I tried this program, I’d get thrown in jail.
I’m halfway through Chalene Johnson’s Piyo and am pleasantly surprised. It’s been a nice change. Although the workouts usually don’t give me enough of a burn, I like them because they’re easy on the joints. At 45 years old, and being built like a fireplug, I can no longer handle all of the jumps found in many other workout videos.
So, my question is, are you familiar with any programs that give you a good, overall body workout without all of the plyometric-ish impact? Once I’m done with Piyo, I’ll be looking for something similar.
Brandy Durbin
September 3, 2015 at
Ddpyoga! !! Best program ever!!
Dysfunctional Parrot
September 4, 2015 at
https://dysfunctionalparrot.com/health-and-fitness/ddp_yoga_1/
David C.
September 2, 2015 at
Hi Parrot,so this is like a zumba/dance workout at Insanity level? You recommend this for weight loss?
Dysfunctional Parrot
September 3, 2015 at
In a way, but Zumba is more “dance-lite”. CIZE means business and is trying to instil actual dance training in a way that blows the cardio levels off Zumba.
And yes, this is absolutely designed for weight loss as well. If you like Zumba, this might be a good next step.
Twyla
November 14, 2015 at
I have very bad feet due to chemo nerve damage and couldn’t take the foot stomping of Zumba. How does this compare? Are there any “dance” videos that are easier on feet? I desperately need to work on my cardio, but I need to be able to walk afterwards! When I “dance like no one is watching” I take it very easy on my feet.
Dysfunctional Parrot
November 14, 2015 at
There’s not a lot of stomping as this demands being pretty light on the feet. However, whatever degree your feet can tolerate is impossible for me to tell. The good news is that there are very little moves like Insanity in terms of jump-knee-tucks or anything like that, but you’re still constantly on your feet while shuffling and stepping.
John Hillman
September 2, 2015 at
Your reviews are much appreciated, this one is no different. Insightful, entertaining and mostly hilarious. Thanks Parrot!
Martyn
September 1, 2015 at
I’ve been waiting for this review as wasn’t sure whether this package was for me. Didn’t send any underwear though ! As a long time user of Insanity, Max 30 and T25, and occasional P90X2, I’ve been looking for something different. As a 54 year old male with no dance ability (or desire), I was reluctant. When I mentioned the possibility of buying to my wife in a moment of madness, she threatened me with instant divorce. This has convinced me that I should probably give it a miss. But I’m still slightly tempted ! Great review as always.
Dysfunctional Parrot
September 2, 2015 at
I may have to side with your wife on this! This is the kind of deal where the dance is pretty intense and definitely “outside the box”. If you have zero dance desire you’ll probably wind up regretting your purchase and standing in front of the screen in stunned silence!
Steve MacKenzie
November 16, 2015 at
If I bought this program would my Ex-wife possibly leave the country never to return?