Remember when I talked about how much I liked the woman who taught Turbo Kick at my gym?

Now that I've done one go-through of Turbo Jam's "Punch, Kick and Jab," I know she was just mimicking creator Chalene Johnson's style of teaching. Which is TOTALLY fine, because I obviously liked it, but I just thought it was funny this morning that there I was, in my living room and it was pretty much like being at the gym, in that Turbo Kick class. The DVD arrived last night and I - hand to God - couldn't wait to do it this morning.

Wow do I love this workout. I really, really do. Despite my distaste for how the distributor suckers people into that online membership, I can already tell you that I'll find ways to buy the other Turbo Jam DVDs. I'm off to get a resistance band and weighted gloves at lunch. Honestly, it's just really fun, and really pretty tough, and I had a good time doing it.

It probably helped that it's almost the exact same thing as the class I took, and therefore was familar with the moves and routines. I don't know that I'd recommend this DVD for anyone just starting out. It's easy to get frustrated. That said, if you're OK with pushing through and being frustrated, and want to sweat your booty off, this will work for you.

My girl Casey is giving me her weights and Transfirmer since she and her lovely family are headed out west for a new and exciting adventure. I would run into Casey from time to time, and we've "known" each other for years online. I'll be sad to know that bumping into each other here in Chicago won't happen again, but thrilled for she and her family. I was lifting weights after the Turbo Jam DVD and with the addition of Casey's weights - which include 10- and 12-lb. handweights - and realized how much more challenging my routines will be. Anyway, she's saving me a boatload of money.

I'm feeling 110% better this week. Last week was just awful. Even at 31, I'm still amazed how much my period can knock me back. I gained SIX POUNDS last week. Usually I gain a pound here and there but last week was just ridiculous. Plus, horrible cramps, lethargy, bloat and just all-around pain and ache. I barely left the couch. When I saw the scale go back down yesterday I felt pretty relieved. Seriously. And I never feel that way.

I'm taking advantage of my energy this week and running, lifting, and, as I mentioned, Turbo Jam-ing. I'm also being a stalwart about my diet and water intake. Last week took a toll on my body, for sure, so I'm not fudging on the diet especially. My poor stomach needs the break, too.

Anyway, BIG thumbs up to that DVD. Huge.

PS - Here are a couple of pictures of me in the new dress. And one of me and my sisters, just because.

Posted by Erin at 11:30 AM | filed under: Random