I've tried various Turbo Jam workouts in the past, including the entire basic set (Turbo Jam: 5 Rockin' Workouts). I like kickboxing, so I tend to enjoy these routines, although instructor Chalene Johnson is sometimes a bit too over-the-top for me. However, when I discovered PUNCH, KICK & JAM in a used book store, I thought it was worth a try.

As with all of the Turbo Jams, Johnson is teaching live in front of a large class. Here they are located in a brick loft with windows, and although Mindy still modifies the impact, there aren't any exercisers featured on platforms like in the original set. Turbo Jam generally doesn't use any equipment, but there is a short tubing segment towards the end of this routine. (The entire DVD is well-chaptered, so you could easily skip this segment if desired.) I have described each segment of the workout below, including approximately times.

Warm-Up (5.5 minutes)
All of Johnson's TJ warm-ups are basically the same, as she goes through side-to-side steps, practices the basic punches, and combines a hamstring stretch with a lat pull-down.

Combination #1 (7:25 minutes)
Johnson begins this series with a knee combined with hi-low punches. This is followed by a slow jab-cross-hook-uppercut; the sequence concludes with a speedbag moving forward, adding a knee. The entire series is then repeated on the second side.

Combination #2 (6:50 minutes)
Johnson states that this section has a legs focus. It starts with hi-low jabs to the front and then to the back. Next, she adds a speedbag with a jab-cross and then a triple jab to both the front and the back. The final move in this series is the Turbo Twist, first with uppercuts, then with hooks. Again, the entire sequence is repeated on the second side.

Combination #3 (6:20 minutes)
Here Johnson starts with a pivoting march. She then adds the punches: first, single-single-double crosses, then, uppercuts with zigzag knee. This series is followed by a knee front kick. Eventually, Johnson adds a triple alternating front kick and a roundhouse kick/side knee. These moves are also repeated on Side #2, although Johnson seemed to run out of time to complete the full sequence.

Turbo (1:56 minutes)
This is a brief, higher energy, higher impact cardio series. Johnson includes plyo moves, hi-lo punches, jacks, and cross-country runs; Mindy keeps everything low impact.

Capoeira Finale (4:26 minutes)
This section was my favorite! I thought that Johnson did a GREAT job here of keeping the moves low impact yet still high energy. The first move is jabs to the side combined with an interesting lean back and speedbag. Next, there is a capoeira throw that moves into the wheel with uppercuts--it was more fun than it sounds!

Capoeira Cool-Down (6:35 minutes)
I liked this segment as well, although it was a bit slower-paced. Continuing with the capoeira moves, Johnson performs ginga and esquiva (a dodge-type move) and then adds roundhouse kicks.

Tubing (8:15 minutes)
This is the final chapter of the workout, although the last 3:30 minutes consists of the "Mind-Body" cool-down. The tubing portion starts with punches: Johnson and crew step on the band and perform slow upper cuts and jabs. With the band under one foot, Johnson works the legs with side raises, side push kicks, and roundhouse kicks. For the cool-down, Johnson incorporates basis Tai Chi as well as a few yoga moves (e.g., triangle, warrior 1, warrior 2).

I enjoyed this 48-minute routine more than the three "Cardio Party" workouts. I think that the main reasons were that I found Johnson to be a bit lower-key here, and I also found her to move a more controlled pace. Plus, PUNCH, KICK & JAM includes simple combinations, fun capoeira moves, and plenty of kicks, all of which I enjoy. In the end, I think that this will winding up being one of my favorite TJ workouts.

Instructor Comments:
As noted, I can find Johnson a bit over-the-top at times, so I need to expose myself to her in small doses only. However, I liked her better here than in the various Cardio Party workouts.

Beth C (aka toaster)