Turbo Jam Punch, Kick & Jam DVD Workout
Let me start off by saying that I don’t know much about exercise videos, having spent the majority of my life sprawled on the couch rather than boogying nimbly around the living room doing whatever the hell a “grapevine” is. I don’t know how Turbo Jam compares to Tae Bo, because I’ve never actually seen a Billy Blanks video—although I do remember those infomercials. Man, that guy freaked me out.
Well, Chalene Johnson, the white-toothed sinewy instructor behind the Turbo Jam series, is far less terrifying. In fact, she’s downright likeable, and somehow manages to be motivating without being annoying.
I bought my first Turbo Jam video—Punch, Kick & Jam—a few weeks ago, and have been diligently following it ever since. I should have measured myself before I started, because my body has definitely changed in just this short amount of time. I’ve lost some weight (I’m also dieting) but more rewarding is the toned muscle emerging from within the Body That Nabisco Built.
The video is about 45 minutes long, and involves a warmup period, the core of the workout, a short segment using weight resistance (she uses a rubber band type thing, I use hand weights—neither are necessary, though), and a cool-down/stretching at the end.
The workout itself uses a lot of repetition, so even if you aren’t familiar with the moves you’ll get there fairly quickly. She incorporates basic boxing/kickboxing techniques like jabs, uppercuts, speed bag, roundhouse kicks, front kicks, etc, and mixes them with high energy repetitious movements (squatting, marching, jumping rope). In researching the links for this review I found a comment that said her “cueing” isn’t that great, I agree that she doesn’t waste any time but once you do the routine a few times (and listen to the music) it becomes almost intuitive which moves are coming next.
I’ve noticed that the better I get at the routines, the better of a workout I can give myself. When you start getting stronger and you’re rotating through the punches, bending your legs and getting low, etc, you’re working your muscles even more. It’s definitely not a workout that you’ll ever think is too easy, no matter how good you get at it.
Some nice touches: there’s a little graphic at the bottom of the screen that shows you how much time is left in each segment, with the “turbo” (a short period of high intensity) segment highlighted so you know when it’s coming; one woman in the class demonstrates lower-impact modifications to the whole workout.
The music is fun, the instructor is inspirational, and the time just flies by. If you’re looking for an intense cardio workout to do at home that also builds strength, I highly, highly recommend Turbo Jam.
Some notes:
• I also have the Fat Blaster video, which is 30 minutes of interval training: there are four “turbos” mixed with slower versions of the turbo exercises. It’s pretty good—leaves me sweaty and panting, anyway—but not as fun as the Punch, Kick & Jam video.
• A few people have asked if this workout could be done without disrupting downstairs neighbors. I think you could do the Punch, Kick & Jam, because most of the foot-on-floor movement is the light boxer’s jumprope, or jogging in place, or shuffling along with punches. If you have a really, really squeaky floor you might be screwed. The Fat Blaster uses more actual jumping.
• I don’t know anything about the Beachbody company, which owns Turbo Jam. It seems that you can’t buy just one workout from them, they have some expensive package deal that seems potentially sketchy.
• I bought my Turbo Jam DVDs from Amazon, one was used. Here’s the Punch, Kick & Jam page, which currently has 1 DVD available, and here’s the whole mess of Turbo Jam stuff. It looks like there’s a fairly good selection on eBay, too.
Posted: March 27th, 2007 under Personally recommended by Linda, Diet/Fitness.
Comments: 25
Comments
Comment from Janet
Time: March 27, 2007, 6:52 pm
Amen to the Punch Kick and Jam! I have most of the TJ DVD’s and that one is my favorite. Last night I went to my third real live Turbo Kick (the gym version) class and actually made it all the way through. It was great, the cueing and music were similar and I felt like I was IN the video:)
Comment from clearlydistracted
Time: March 27, 2007, 8:00 pm
How’s the music? Unfortunately that makes or breaks a workout for me.
Thanks for doing the reseach on this for us so we can sit around on our lazy rear ends and read about it instead of trying it for ourselves. 
Comment from K
Time: March 28, 2007, 11:26 am
I’ve been very inspired to try this after reading about it on your other blog! About how long would you say the weight resistance segment is? Can you still get something out of it if you don’t use equipment? I don’t have any equipment like that, so that would be my only hesitation in joining the Turbo Jam Fan Club! Thanks for any info!
Comment from samantha Jo Campen
Time: March 28, 2007, 12:21 pm
Yeah. Damn you and your persuasive healthy lifestyle!
But really, I think I want this. For my birthday. Hmmm. . . .
Comment from Linda
Time: March 28, 2007, 4:08 pm
K: The weight resistance part is only a couple of minutes long, and it’s worth doing even without hand weights/bands.
Comment from Lesley
Time: March 28, 2007, 10:08 pm
This is going to be hard to find in Canada, but I’m going to make an effort. I saw another web site where you could buy four DVDs including that one for around $72 with the shipping, which isn’t a bad price I guess if you like all four.
http://www.beachbody.com/jump.jsp?itemID=211&itemType=GATEWAY
Comment from Dawn
Time: April 6, 2007, 9:17 am
Hi,
I just wanted to thank you for recommending the Turbojam videos. I had read what you wrote about them in your other journal, and I was inspired to get some of them. (I think I may have left you a comment or 2 there too) I had never seen the infomorcial, or even heard of turbojam. Well, I started doing the workouts this week, and I have to say that I love it so far!! I ordered the set from QVC with the Cardio party and 20 min. workout and a few others. (I’ll be getting Punch Kick and Jam in the mail soon, too). I can really notice some firming up from doing them! Also, I was one of the people who asked for comparison to TaeBo…… There are some things that are different, some things the same. Both give a really good workout, but I do think TJ seems funner, and Chalene is livelier than Billy Blanks is. I’m probably going to alternate each month, and do TJ one month, and TB the next for variety. Ok, I’ll shut up now. Don’t wanna bore ya! And thanks again for telling us about Turbo Jam.
Comment from Turbo Kelly
Time: April 10, 2007, 10:48 am
I started out with Turbo Jam in October 2005, and have kept with it all this time. I am now a Certified Turbo Kick instructor (certified at Turbo Camp in August 2006) and hold 5 classes per week here in Winnipeg, in a non-gym, casual atmosphere setting. I can’t say enough good things about this workout.
You hear this all the time, but Chalene and Turbo have literally helped ME to change my life.
Comment from Granny Judy
Time: April 11, 2007, 3:40 pm
I love Turbo Jam! I got my first dvds soon after they first appeared. I got Cardio Party 1 with Ab Jam, along with Cardio party 2. I have exercised all my adult life and have many videos, but these are the most fun I’ve ever done. I had back surgery in Nov. so had to stop for awhile, but now I’m back and wanting more. For anyone who is doubting their ability, I’m 68 years old, work full time and will be 69 in Sept. I got really interested in kick boxing about a year ago and have several tapes (Janis Saffell, Keli Roberts), but Turbo Jam is by far the greatest! Don’t think I’ll ever tire of this. Enjoyed your website.
Comment from Lesley
Time: April 15, 2007, 9:34 pm
I wish I could go back and edit out the url for beachbody.com as it seems to be scam-central, if the comments and complaints by people having their credit cards cleaned out are any indication. Thanks for that link to infomercialscams.com.
Comment from flavia
Time: May 12, 2007, 9:45 pm
Well, thanks to Turbo I am a new person a new body and especially to Chalene and Monica who what can I say have made so sore, BUT I came back I started in 2004. Of course Monica dragged me in and I fell right into place with all my flab. No regrets I love it.
Comment from cclnasolhk
Time: July 3, 2007, 12:36 pm
Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! vtybkvqmwresp
Comment from kerri
Time: July 14, 2007, 2:38 pm
I am so glad I read this, as I was just about to get suckered into buying that $60 pkg on the Beachbody site. I ended up getting the one DVD for under $20. I am totally inactive right now, so the investment would have been crazy, not to mention all the customer service problems people seem to be having. Thank you so much for the inspiration and the advice!
Comment from MRW
Time: September 12, 2007, 10:59 am
So I’m ridiculously late with this, but based on your recommendation I finally got Punch Kick and Jam. I’d been doing another work out video and it was fine, but getting boring after about 2 years. PKJ is just what I needed. As I type this, I am sore, but happy to find something fun to do because exercising had become a chore (ok even MORE of a chore than usual). Thanks!
Comment from Cynthia
Time: February 8, 2008, 1:46 pm
I have the turbo jam set. I love it. Im only 16 and I go to a kickboxing class that is just like turbo jam. I really enjoy it. I dont have the flat stomach and 6 pack i want quite yet but im hoping to get there.
Comment from Bonnie
Time: March 28, 2008, 3:34 pm
hi, I have been doing the whole set (I got the whole by rather unlawful methods) and really love them all. I highly suggest the Cardio Party, and Turbo Sculpt! I’m glad to hear a lot of positives about them, I think they are so fun, and I feel like my bod changes everytime I do one!
Comment from wynde
Time: April 19, 2008, 6:38 pm
i was wondering i have done the 5 rocking workouts for months now and wanted to start punch kick and jam but didn’t know how many times a week i should this and if i should include the scuplting video but have already have for months
Thanks for the help
Comment from Katie
Time: May 14, 2008, 8:54 pm
Hey, I just ordered the Turbo Jam from the infomercial, but have heard a whole lot of scary things about customer service and wacky charges. I’m really worried and thinking about canceling the order. Does anyone have any suggestions? Most people on here seem to like the program, but I’m worried about all the hassel to just get it to me.
I’d be really appreciative of any help! Thanks!
Comment from Nikki
Time: May 15, 2008, 2:33 pm
I bought Turbo Jam from the website a few months ago and was VERY pumped to start it. Unfortunately it took MUCH longer to get it than I expected (about 6 or 7 weeks) so it has taken me a while to get that energy again to start it. So far I LOVE it and I cannot wait to get back into shape by using this. It is a LOT of fun and worth the wait. My only complaint is about me- I should have started it when I got it in the mail instead of waiting a few months.
Comment from jane
Time: May 27, 2008, 2:24 pm
I love turbo jam, and my favorite video is Punch, Kick & Jam. The first time you try this particular workout, you will be sore. However, the next time you try punch kick and jam, you will be amazed by your progress. I suggest that you call the customer service line before ordering so you can just pay for the complete set at once, not these “3 payments of 19.99″ crap. My set came within 5 days, and I started immediately. I look forward to working out everyday, and I’m almost addicted to turbo jam!
Comment from Jen Daniels
Time: May 30, 2008, 5:33 am
I got Turbo Jam about a week and a half ago. I got it from the infomercial. It didnt take long to get at all, about 5 days. All in all it cost me about $73 including the shipping. I like it, and im doing that 10 day kickstart…. im only on my fourth day, but Ive lost an inch off my stomach and a half inch off my waist so far. I love the videos, theyre fun and give you a great workout
Comment from Kim
Time: June 6, 2008, 2:21 pm
I got the ” DVD set of 5″ off of E-bay 2 days ago. Still waiting for it to arrive….the DVD’s are new, un-opened and only cost me $25.00 for all ! I can’t wait for them to arrive so I can start to feel the “good pain” of losing these added inches!
Comment from Tanya2
Time: June 7, 2008, 10:32 am
I bought Turbo Jam about 2 months ago. I LOVE IT!! I’v already lost 8lbs and people are noticing. After giving birth to twins I thought I was never going to be back in shape again but, my abdominal mucles are starting to come back and I’m getting toned all over. This is one of the best workouts I own. I am definetly going to buy more of them to vary my routine. I highly recommend this work out to anyone who wants to get in shape fast.
Comment from MARI ZAPATA
Time: June 10, 2008, 2:24 pm
I love turbo jam it is the best workout for me . I have been working out for a month and already see results. The instructor is very motivating and perky!
Comment from Luxofluxxx
Time: June 12, 2008, 2:53 pm
I’m in my third month of TJ and so far I’ve lost a total of 18.5 inches. I am probably the biggest couch potato that you’ll ever meet but I find TJ fun. (Well as ‘fun’ as working out can be) I agree with the above poster about Chalene being inspirational without being annoying. I ordered the Max Results package which included the weighted gloves. They’re great and my arms have definition now.
My favorite thing about TJ is how the routines flow together. For example, you start off with jabs and crosses, then you add a knee, then you add a back kick. The music is great too. When my six months is over, I will order a more advanced TJ package.
PS. I’d choose Turbo Jam over Tae Bo any day.
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