Turbo Jam: Fun Fitness Program for the Otherwise "Non-Gym Inclined"

After relying on lots of walking, general activity and stretching my shoulders whenever it seemed to be a good idea, I decided I wanted to find a fitness program that would offer a little more structure (as well as burn a few extra calories). Besides generally wanting to know I was getting enough exercise, I am past 50 and beginning to be concerned that too little exercise will have serious health effects. I don't have the time or inclination to be going to a gym every day; and when it comes to a fitness program, I'm kind of a lone wolf, as opposed to enjoying a pack mentality.

With an eye on the Internet and an ear on late-night television, I decided to "stay tuned" as considered which DVD fitness program may be right for me. I was actually not quite all that tuned in to the television the night I heard about Turbo Jam. It was in the wee hours of the morning, and I was just about to doze off while watching television, when - from my "almost-sleep" I heard infomercial words to the effect, "you don't have to get down on the floor". In my half-sleep I had to decide whether to go all the way into sleep or get up and watch the infomercial. Because I liked what I heard I popped up, got myself a straight-back chair, and paid attention.

Turbo Jam was an exercise program aimed at sculpting the body and burning calories, while using body sculpting and kickboxing moves, and focusing on the abs and thighs. With instructor and creator, Chaleen Johnson, the program was being advertised as (essentially) a lot of fun, a little bit of a party atmosphere, and a lot of calories burning. I was concerned that I may be a little too (shall we say) mature for a program that offering urban music as a way to make it more fun; but I thought a fun program (even with urban music) may be more right for me than a program aimed at "heavy duty fitness freaks". I am an active person, but I'm not the weight-lifting, bench-press, type.

Concerned, too, about ordering anything from an infomercial may not work out well, I decided to take the chance and order the program. I had no idea if the program would be considered an "effective" one, but my reasoning was that anything that got me up and moving (in a structured way) would not be completely useless. Whenever we order anything online or from an infomercial, one of the big concerns is often the quality of what we will receive for our money, and whether we will be charged as we have been told we will be.

Without errors in billing my credit card, and without delays, the program was on my doorstep in a very few days. The DVD's included a learning portion, basic workouts, a quick workout, cardio workouts, and workouts aimed at abs and lower body. With the DVD's came also weighted gloves, a measuring tape (not such a big deal), a measurement chart, and a guidebook, which offers basic motivational ideas and a few recipes. A recipe book was included, but that may have been a "free gift" I got for one reason or another. In any case, the DVD's were packaged and produced beautifully; and while I may be "too mature" for urban music on my Mp3 player, it does turn out that it makes great "exercise music". With regard to the recipes, they're easy and good. It happens that I lean toward foods that basic; so I borrowed the idea of tuna and olive oil, and of a whole grain waffle with blueberries for breakfast, and otherwise didn't bother with the recipes. I wasn't looking to "kick start" any weight loss at the time; but - hey - something healthy and different for breakfast or lunch is never a bad thing.

There no party-liked atmosphere where Chaleen and others are leading the exercises - no disco balls, no purple and black background and lights. The "atmosphere" of the DVD's is just a simple (but attractive enough) "gym-like" room, minus all kinds of gym equipment. In other words, the DVD's are pleasant to watch and don't have a lot of things in them that the viewer/exercise probably doesn't want to be looking at. One important aspect of the workouts are they go from a more moderate pace to a "turbo" pace and back, intermittently. In other words, Turbo Jam factors in heart rate and metabolism.

The moves take a little bit of learning, but - as advertised - they are fun. It is possible to do the "regular" workouts without having to get on the floor; although, of course, Chaleen introduces some more traditional exercises for legs and thighs, and those do require the floor (a mat).

Through Beachbody.com, Turbo Jam offers additional information, newsletters, and even a way to be in contact with a one-on-one "mentor" if someone wants the additional support. The DVD's also remind participants to log on to the site to track their workouts.

Based on many reviews, comments, and websites online; it appears that "heavy duty fitness experts" have occasionally pointed out that Turbo Jam is a little on the light side; but Turbo Jam is not sold as a "heavy duty" program. It is a sold as a program that everyone - regardless of age, and in good enough medical condition - can do. Essentially, Turbo Jam reaches the "non-heavy-duty" people. Some online have commented that the moves can be a little "difficult". They're not. They do take a little learning, but they're not difficult.

As I mentioned previously, I don't have a lot of time to be going to do the gym every day. Although Turbo Jam, itself, doesn't necessarily recommend working out every single day (especially in the beginning), I had been hoping to find the time to do just that. I haven't had the time for that any more than time for going to a gym. Still, I found that even following the Turbo Jam program a little less often than I had planned made me feel a whole lot better, eliminated that feeling of needing to stretch the neck and shoulders, and made me feel a little more fit.

I will not specifically comment on results, because results vary, depending on the individual, that person's weight and fitness level when s/he begins a program, each person's own diet, and whether or not someone follows the program faithfully and "to a T". In general, in healthy people moving more is always healthier than moving less. Using more calories than one consumes will result in weight loss. Turbo Jam claims to burn a whole lot more calories-per-hour than some exercises do; but even with burning calories, it can depend on how, exactly, any one exercise is done. Chaleen Johnson does offer tips on performing each move in a way that will maximize use of the muscles.

Before ordering Turbo Jam, I had looked online at different programs. Some that I saw were aimed at more mature people. One was advertised for "over 50", and when I clicked on the ad I saw someone doing exercises from a chair! Other programs for mature people include modified exercises for those with arthritis or other physical limitations. Having neither, I have found that Turbo Jam is perfectly suitable for me, and its claim to be "for all ages" is absolutely correct.

I love the progam. I'm glad I ordered it. It reminds me to enjoy my good health. No, it has not encouraged me to work my way up to lifting 100-lb weights over my head, and there are any number of pieces of gym equipment on which I have been; but I found the program well worth the money I spent and certainly not the least bit disappointing. Since I ordered Turbo Jam I have ordered the occasional fitness DVD "for variety", but Turbo Jam is still my favorite.