Turbo Jam vs. Running

When it comes to getting fit, the most important thing is to choose an activity that you'll enjoy and that fits your lifestyle. Turbo Jam and running can both help you get fit, but they're two very distinct types of exercise. Know the key differences between them before deciding which to incorporate into your fitness routine.

  1. The Basics

    • Turbo Jam is an at-home fitness program created by personal trainer Chalene Johnson and sold by fitness giant Beachbody. You can do the program in your living room or another area with limited space by follow instructions on a set of DVDs. You can run in the comfort of your home as well, if you have a treadmill. If not, you can run outside: on a track, in the park or simply on the roads.

    The Moves

    • Turbo Jam is a high-energy workout program inspired by dance and kickboxing. The workouts feature choreographed kicking and punching moves. There are 11 key moves in the program, known as the "elite 11" which you must master. Running, on the other hand, is an activity that most people can partake in without much instruction. But to do it properly you need to maintain good form. Run with your head up and your shoulders relaxed. Swing your arms back and forth with your torso straightened and your hips pointed straight ahead. Land your feet directly underneath your body and tread lightly, landing between you heel and midfoot.

    Schedule

    • Turbo Jam is a four-week program. During these four weeks you will work out four or five times per week. The "Turbo Results Guidebook," which comes with the program, tells you which videos to follow on which days. As a runner you don't need to follow a schedule, but it may be helpful if you want to train for a specific event. A beginner 5K program may have you running just three times per week while an advanced marathon program could involve running six days per week.

    Fun Factor

    • Turbo Jam is intended to be a fun, upbeat workout with routines that are set to music. If you enjoy moving and grooving to the tunes, it might be right for you. You can also incorporate music into your runs by making a playlist for your mp3 player. Some runners enjoy the thrill of competition, if you're one of them you can make your runs more fun by entering races or by competing with a friend.