Turbo Jam... Ugh!

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Has anyone else tried Turbo Jam and found themselves to be completely incapable of keeping up with Chalene Johnson? I'm not talking about the usual problems that one might have when trying a new dance-style cardio workout... I mean, I look like a complete and total klutz! I can do the basic moves, but when she starts throwing kicks and arm swings into it, forget it, lol. I spend more time staring at the tv trying to figure out what in the world she's doing than I do actually working out. :huh:

Honestly, I haven't found Turbo Jam to be all that exciting, so I think it's time to sell them on ebay. It's a great video if that's your style of workout, but I just can't get into it. I've just started Brazil Butt Lift this week and need some more cardio for calorie burning, so I figured TJ would be a good addition, but I think I'm going to try doing Core Cardio & Balance from my Insanity set everyday to supplement BBL. I'm just looking for someone to tell me that I'm not the only one who's hopeless when it comes to rhythm and coordination. :blushing:

Replies

  • alisatomp
    alisatomp Posts: 20 Member
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    I started turbo jam last week and like you I was confused at first ..give it time..the moves are repetitive you'll catch up in no time...i just jump up and down or run in place if Im not sure how to do the move...it is a bit of a challenge..good luck
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
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    I'm not sure about TurboJam, but TurboFire has a "new to class" option where she breaks down all the moves. I had to do that several times for each workout before I could get it right. Maybe try that if TJ has it? I love everything Chalene does. She can't go wrong in my eyes :)
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
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    You should start with the learn and burn where she teaches you all the moves. It helps!
  • Angie80281
    Angie80281 Posts: 444 Member
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    I'm not sure about TurboJam, but TurboFire has a "new to class" option where she breaks down all the moves. I had to do that several times for each workout before I could get it right. Maybe try that if TJ has it? I love everything Chalene does. She can't go wrong in my eyes :)

    There's a "learn and burn" disc which covers the basic moves, and I got through that just fine. It's all the additional choreography that trips me up (literally and figuratively). I like Chalene though, I think she's great. I'm going to start ChaLEAN Extreme later in the summer, and I'm really looking forward to it.
  • MsLadyVirgo
    MsLadyVirgo Posts: 160 Member
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    I LOVE TURBO JAM! Once you establish your balance with the workout, i'm sure you'll love it. It takes coordination...

    I love the fact that:
    -the workout is fun, and she uses an elderly person, and thick persons in her videos
    -some workouts only start off w/one side (right or left) of your body, turbo jam starts with one side, then switches to the next.
    -her workouts build on each other
    -i like the variations in the moves (HOUSE IT, TWIST, FREE STYLE...)
  • Angie80281
    Angie80281 Posts: 444 Member
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    I love the fact that:
    -the workout is fun, and she uses an elderly person, and thick persons in her videos

    Agreed, that is VERY cool. It's kinda discouraging to put on a video and see nothing but tiny little 20-somethings.
  • heathersmilez
    heathersmilez Posts: 2,579 Member
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    I did Turbo Jam for 4 years, loved it! It may take you some time but it's easy once you get the hang of it it's excellent! Never have my shoulders, arms and back been so toned and tiny (i.e profile pic). 10 lbs more on my 5'8 frame now but getting back down.
  • Lissajoy08
    Lissajoy08 Posts: 35
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    The thing I love about Turbo Jam is you never get bored... Some Dvds you have memorized after the 2nd workout! Charlene keeps it fun and energetic the entire time.

    Yes, in the beginning it was difficult for me, especially since I have ZERO coordination. I look like I'm flailing when I dance but just keep moving!!!! :) It doesn't matter what you look like, trust me, I look ridiculous when I do Turbo Jam. However, it's a great workout and will burn those calories!

    Stick with it... who cares if you look silly, it's about how you feel afterwards!!! Accomplished!
  • jackiekjames
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    Stick with it and give it time...I started out JUST LIKE YOU just a couple of weeks ago...it really does get easier if you just keep at it....i'm already seeing results. Honestly, I hate the workouts but the more I do them the more I like them. You WILL get the hang of it...you will find she does the same moves over and over just in different sequences. Stick with it a bit longer before you give up on them. :)
  • heathersmilez
    heathersmilez Posts: 2,579 Member
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    I love the fact that:
    -the workout is fun, and she uses an elderly person, and thick persons in her videos

    Agreed, that is VERY cool. It's kinda discouraging to put on a video and see nothing but tiny little 20-somethings.

    Yea but that "elderly" person who was 50 something during filming (turned 60 when ChaLean Extreme was filmed) has the body of a 10 year old girl so it's hard to notice her age.

    As for Holy, the "thick" person, personally I wouldn’t like it if she were my instructor in a class setting. Need to be more toned (doesn't have to be skinny) for me to take the person seriously, it’s your job afterall. My spinning teacher looks like a former body builder that let herself go since all her extremities are fat, stomach is relatively thin, it's not cool or motivating but it's the only spin class offered for those of us who work during the day.
  • Jellyphant
    Jellyphant Posts: 1,400 Member
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    I didn't really care for turbo jam cardio party. It just felt.. awkward for some reason. The music totally bored me instead of pumping me up, and they worked out in such a DULLLLL room. I don't know about you or anyone else, but bright colors and intoxicating beats keep me coming back for more! :D
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
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    I'm terribly uncoordinated and could not get the hang of Turbo Jam either. Part of my issue I think - I have really slow feet - if that makes sense.

    Chalene is great, but I guess I prefer a more structured (well cued) workout. If the workout is structured - at least I can memorize it if I have to I'm sure I'm the minority - but it's not for me. I sold mine on Amazon.
  • MsLadyVirgo
    MsLadyVirgo Posts: 160 Member
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    I love the fact that:
    -the workout is fun, and she uses an elderly person, and thick persons in her videos

    Agreed, that is VERY cool. It's kinda discouraging to put on a video and see nothing but tiny little 20-somethings.

    DIDDO! I have fun with this workout. I bought the DVD's years back, and saw great results within a month. Now, I just started back at a much heavier size than before. I'm keeping my eye on Ana Rita & The Old Guy. :-)
  • MsLadyVirgo
    MsLadyVirgo Posts: 160 Member
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    I love the fact that:
    -the workout is fun, and she uses an elderly person, and thick persons in her videos

    Agreed, that is VERY cool. It's kinda discouraging to put on a video and see nothing but tiny little 20-somethings.

    Yea but that "elderly" person who was 50 something during filming (turned 60 when ChaLean Extreme was filmed) has the body of a 10 year old girl so it's hard to notice her age.

    As for Holy, the "thick" person, personally I wouldn’t like it if she were my instructor in a class setting. Need to be more toned (doesn't have to be skinny) for me to take the person seriously, it’s your job afterall. My spinning teacher looks like a former body builder that let herself go since all her extremities are fat, stomach is relatively thin, it's not cool or motivating but it's the only spin class offered for those of us who work during the day.

    I'm talking about the older guy. He's kinda wild and funny. The thick person (Holly) has great form & energy. I love watching Holly & Ana Rita too. Chaleen is Funny and she keeps me pumped up. "House It Brah" Like They Do In Hawaii, says Chaleen. I'm going to look into the ChaLean Extreme in a couple of months or so. :-)
  • heathersmilez
    heathersmilez Posts: 2,579 Member
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    I'm talking about the older guy. He's kinda wild and funny.

    Oh yea, the chicken CEO, he actually teaches classes too!
  • showme989
    showme989 Posts: 10 Member
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    I love it!! The Cardio Party Mix 2 is my favorite! However, the long haired dude in the back with the pornstache kinda creeps me out. I have to look away when he's on camera.
    Its a GREAT workout! Maybe you could turn it down and play your own music to spice it up.