It's time to party, move your body!

I figured that my first blog should be about something I love. Immediately, I knew I wanted to write about Turbo Jam. I know when people hear I do workout DVDs they get skeptical. They probably picture Richard Simmons rocking his afro to a mix of “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” in his ‘80s style leotard. But Turbo Jam is nothing along those lines.

Turbo is a unique mixture of kickboxing, dance and martial arts, all put together by a fabulous lady named Chalene Johnson. I started doing Turbo 3 years ago when I found it sitting in our family DVD collection. From the outside of the “5 Rockin’ Workouts” box I figured I should give it a shot it looked fun, I fell in love! I am 100% addicted to Turbo. I refuse to answer my phone when I’m working out to it and get crazy voicemails from friends, “Cat stop doing Turbo I need to talk to you.” I hear Turbo music on the radio or even in a club and I freak out, I find myself upper cutting everyone I know and I notice I have a giant cheesy grin on my face when I began rolling my shoulders because I know what is in store for me.

Other than the awesome moves that leave me feeling powerful, strong, breathless and drenched in sweat, I walk away feeling like the people in the videos are my friends. Chalene reaches out and encourages you to keep going! She is truly inspiring. I would love to know that I can inspire someone like she has done for me and other people around me doing Turbo. There are many other remarkable people in the videos as well. When I see a 50 year old woman shaking it faster than me, I know I need to step it up. Or a mother of triplets or a mother of 7 kids throwing punches like it’s no big deal, I push harder!

I have tried other programs and have never gone back because I have never made a connection with the instructor, Chalene is a keeper! My family and friends don’t think twice when I talk about what Chalene said that day; her name is common in my house.

Sharing Turbo with my close friends has also been amazing. I think that being able to workout with your friends is not only healthy for your body but for your relationships. When I heard that my best friend, Pamela, ordered Turbo I was ecstatic! I couldn’t wait for her DVDs to arrive and for her to call me after her first workout. I have not met a person with more desire to accomplish what she puts her mind to then that girl. Dang, she is powerful! Not only have her looks changed but she just radiates pure energy. I have a blast having Turbo Parties with you Pam.

I also Turbo Jam every Monday with my coworkers Kathy, Jola and Erika (fix that ankle girl and get back in the game.) We definitely shake that house up and even though they yell at me, deep down I know they love it! And I love getting messages from them the next day crying about how sore they are. That’s when you know you’ve worked hard. My boyfriend, Mat, sucked it up and tried Turbo (Punch, Kick & Jam) with me one time! I know he did it so I would stop bothering him but I was proud of him. I have also Turboed with some other great people- Jill, Cortney and Caitlin. When Turbo sparks in interest in someone I am immediately happy.

So you’re probably thinking, okay so how much weight did you lose? I immediately lost 10 pounds from doing Turbo Jam, at really good moments it will be 15 pounds, but let’s remember I’m not a big girl. However, I have changed the way I look and feel about myself. I have muscles that I’ve never seen before, I feel toner and stronger. And I’ve maintained this difference over the last 3 years.

Workout DVDs should not be associated with middle aged women anymore, there are so many great videos out that are just waiting for our young generation to give them a try! Workout DVDs are also beneficial for most of us who have a lot on our plates. With just a quick 30-45 minutes we can burn 500 calories within the privacy of our own homes without rushing to and from a gym. And when you order the Turbo Jam packages you not only get the DVDs but off the top of my head I know I’ve gotten resistance bands, thigh toner, weighed hand gloves, an exercise ball, books on eating healthy & changing your life, and so many other things.

My advice to any and everyone- TRY IT! I wanted to share my great find with everyone I know!

Turbo will be a big part of my future blogs so I just wanted to get my love out there now!