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Review of Zumba, Turbo Jam & Malibu Pilates

If you're looking for a program to get fit and flexible, you no longer have to rely on cardiovascular exercise sessions mixed with strength training at the gym. Zumba, Turbo Jam and Malibu Pilates all are fitness classes that include cardiovascular and strength training elements for a well-balanced, full body workout. Each can be modified for your fitness level. To enjoy each fitness class, you don't need to go to the gym; classes are available on DVD so you can do them at home.

Dance Your Way to Fitness with Zumba
- Zumba is an aerobic exercise dance class set to South American music. During a class, you will be shown choreography that raises your heart rate to burn fat and increases cardiovascular endurance. In addition, Zumba improves muscle tone. Classes are available at many health centers and gyms, but instructional DVDs of multiple price points are also available for purchase so you can do classes at home. Regardless of where you decide to do Zumba, make sure you have a good pair of sneakers or dancing shoes.
Kick It Up with Turbo Jam
- Turbo Jam was created by Chalene Johnson, an experienced fitness trainer. It features a combination of hip-hop dance moves and kickboxing, which elevates heart rate for fat burning as well as sculpting and toning muscle through strength training. The turbo concept was conceived by giving exercisers periods of intense cardio activity interspersed with strength training, stretching and more sustained cardio endurance sessions. The Turbo Jam series is available for purchase on DVD, and comes with a guidebook to support newer exercisers. There are five total workouts in the series, including a introductory workout, 20-minute full body and ab-sculpting sessions, a 40-minute overall muscle-sculpting session and a 45-minute dance workout.
Stretch, Tone and Strengthen with Malibu Pilates
- Don't be intimidated by the name; you don't need to know anything about Pilates to be successful with Malibu Pilates. The at-home program, which comes with a Malibu Pilates PRO chair and workout DVDs, combines fat-blasting cardio with sculpting exercises that target each major muscle group, including legs, arms, buttocks, thighs and abs. Multiple DVDs are available for purchase, including a 20-minute body makeover DVD, a complete body workout and cardio fat blaster session.
Before You Get Started
- Before starting any fitness program that increases your heart rate, check with your doctor. Just because you see people on the DVDs or in class kicking it up a notch, don't assume you can do the same: If you feel winded, light headed, dizzy or nauseated, take a break. Before and after class, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

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