When I was first start out with kickboxing, I enjoyed Turbo Jam Cardio Party, but as I became more experienced, I moved on to other things. However, I recently had the opportunity to re-acquire a used copy of the Turbo Jam set and decided to go for it. I was particularly curious about AB JAM, as I've been focusing more on my core lately in preparation for an upcoming vacation (and I've also been using another Beachbody set, Hip Hop Abs Level 2]).

Although the DVD case says that Ab Jam is 40 minutes, this is the running time with extras (Jam'd, Meet the Cast); the actual workout time is approximately 18 minutes. As is typical in her Turbo Jam workouts, instructor Chalene Johnson leads a large class, including modifiers Mindy and Anna-Rita. The first half of the routine is performed standing. Johnson starts with a pelvic tilt, adding in a side crunch. She continues to weave in classic Turbo Jam moves such as wheel, performing the moves slowly and with an emphasis on the core. Other exercises in the standing portion include a punch with hip lift, shake and shed, and side leg kick.

At approximately the 9-minute mark, the workout moves to the floor. Here Johnson mainly performs crunch-type moves, but often with a bit of a kickboxing twist. She starts with a simple pelvic tilt, adding a crunch, and then moves into a double leg stretch. Next is a side dip with reach, another crunch, and a brief stretch. This is followed by a partial roll-up with a knee lift, a side crunch, a cross-punch-crunch, a side-to-side crunch, a crunch with alternating legs, and finally, seated knee drops. A very brief (30 seconds) stretch concludes the workout.

I do like this workout, but at the same time, I was a bit disappointed as well. When I do Hip Hop Abs, I get a great cardio workout AND I can really feel it in my abs. Not only is AB JAM less cardio intensive than the other Turbo Jam workouts (despite wearing my 1# weighted gloves), but also I didn't even feel it in my core as much as I had hoped. The shorter length of this routine makes it a decent add-on workout, but it wouldn't be the first one that I reach for.

Instructor Comments:
Chalene certainly has plenty of energy, although she is a bit lower-key here. I think she probably cues better for the routines that are a bit slower such as this one. I can take her in small doses, but she has a BIG personality that tends to get to me after awhile.

Beth C (aka toaster)