Turbo Jam Rotation Review

I posted a fitness regime a couple weeks ago using Turbo Jam. I’ve been sticking with it and have noticed I have more energy and stamina in my daily tasks. I haven’t missed a workout until this morning. Last night I had three cavities filled and woke up this morning with a massive head and toothache. I feel better now and will simply do my Turbo Jam workout after work. No biggie. Anyway, I like this rotation but it’s probably not sustainable for real results. I’m burning a pretty dismal amount of calories with a majority of the TJ routines. The exceptions to this are Cardio Parties 1-3. Those burn about 400-425 calories per session and are a LOT of fun. The ab jam (floor version) is also effective. The other 30 minute workouts aimed at quick cardio or strength aren’t up to my speed. They’re dancey and don’t focus enough on proper lifting form. They’re probably good for a beginner, but not for someone who is at an intermediate lifting level. They’re fun, but fun isn’t always effective. Chalene Johnson is a wonderful instructor and is very motivating. Her more intense cardio workouts are indeed her strength in the program. They keep your heart rate at a target level and consistently challenge you. They can also be done at different levels of fitness.

Along with TJ, I’ve been using several Tae Bo DVDs. For starters, the Cardio Circuits one and two are great to “get back into” Tae Bo. They cover the basics at a medium pace and typically burn about 300-400 calories per session. Because I’ve done each of these routines about five times now, I think I’ve graduated to a higher level. I tried Fat Blasting Cardio the other day using “Billy bands” which are basically toning bands which attach to your feet with weighted handles at the top. With the weights in the handles, I had a really challenging workout. It really beat my butt to be honest. This is a great workout to combine intense cardio with strength and toning moves.

The last DVD that I’ve also been using is Cathe Friedrich’s Kick, Punch, and Crunch. Out of all the others, this is the best. At 68 minutes long, it’s not a shy cardio workout. However, this is the best combination of cardio, toning, and hi/lo I’ve found (yet) in a kickboxing video. What’s even better is it’s not high impact or damaging to your joints. Because of the length of this one, it’s a good choice for the weekends. It’s a bit rough to do the thing in its entirety in the morning.

I have a feeling I was more out of shape than I realized when I started P90X in mid-February. Doing these cardio routines has made me aware of this fact. I haven’t been running in ages. I’m not sure how far I could go if I tried. That’s sad, considering I used to run 3-4 miles 3 times per week. Now I’d be lucky to run one. Ugh. The thought of running outside makes me happy but makes me concerned at the same time for the health of my knees. I don’t think my legs are strong enough yet to attempt a good run, nor do I think my cardio level is on par yet. I’ve got to build back up, but with caution. I know how much I can push myself and right now I think my intro to running should be via interval running on a treadmill at the Y. Otherwise, I’ll just screw my knees up until I build my strength. I got into running from being a totally couch potato back in 2005. It was quite an accomplishment. I really changed my appearance for the better and gained confidence. I’d love to have that same motivation to do it again. I’m just trying to find it…