Tuesday, June 27, 2006

My month at a Glance

Wow! June proved to be a super busy month. I thought I would use this space to remind myself of all the blessings I experienced in the last 4 weeks. Here's a peak!

First weekend of June we heated the pool and haven't been able to get the kids out since! Here's Brock jumping off the rocks! Close your eyes dad!






















I presented Turbo Jam at the Evolution Fitness Conference. Great group!


















I taught Cierra's Kindergarten class Turbo Jam all year long as part of their physical education. They were so fun. They performed a modified, cutified version of the "Turbo" section at the school performance.


















I'm so proud of my kids for so many reason. Brock recently ran enough laps in the "jog-a-thon" to have won special recognition. Here he is enjoying his reward...."Principal for a Day". He also got to sit in Principal Gabel's chair and wear one of his hats.

















I continued work on my book! I'm really excited about it. It's only been in the works for oh...7 years. It's a funny read about my Murphy's law life, how to keep all things in balance, make fitness fun and lose weight on a diet that gives you health, energy and allows you to still look forward to your meals. I talk about all kinds of things... parenting, the challenges of marriage, business, family, friends and how to understand that you can't "do it all" and anyone who says you can or should is full of it! Brock took this photo to demonstrate that I purse my lips like Grandpa when I'm concentrating.

















Ellie, Holly, Fashion Ashley and I have been working around the clock to design new Turbo Wear for IDEA, and Camp Turbo Kick. Our boutique is FULL! We're planning a big fitness fashion show for the Camp and I can't wait. We did one 18 months ago and it was such a hit. We had a runway and "real" models, an MC and so many people showed up we had to close the doors. This time we have a much bigger venue. If you haven't registered for camp yet, you should! http://www.turbokick.com






























In June we were invited to be at QVC two times. Here's the first trip!



















The success of the Turbo House Parties were out of this World. A big thanks to the folks at Lifetime Fitness in Garland, Texas who showed me the best time I've ever had teaching a live Turbo Jam class. I can't believe this facility and the amazing staff it has on board. They were beyond wonderful! I also want to thank Jackie Bull and her group of over 50 friends who got on board with the Turbo House Party and lost tons of tons of weight together. More importantly... they had fun and found a program that keeps them together, motivated and inspired. I surprised Jackie with a visit to her club. The turn out was so great! We had to move from the group fitness room to the basketball courts so we could get our groove on!






While I was in Texas, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show up to a Dallas area club and surprise the Turbo Instructor (featured center in red plaid pants). Bless her heart... she was awesome and allowed me to just enjoy being one of her students! Thanks for the great workout!



The House Parties got a surprise visit from video star and southern bell...Ms. Mindy. Here she is jammin' in the living room with Jackie Bull of Garland, Texas. Check out that cute skirt.... I wonder where she got it????



Next, my darling 19 year old cousin Ashley came to spend the month with our family. She just finished her first year at Syracuse University in New York and spent a month here in California helping me with the book, music, before and afters and every other project currently on the front burners. What a nice treat for our family! My daughter (6 yrs) told all of her friends that Ashley Simpson was staying with us to escape the press!



We celebrated Father's Day at the Montage in Laguna Beach. Featured in this photo is truly the World's best Dad. I couldn't, and wouldn't do half the things I do if it weren't for Bret. When I'm not there, he is, and visa versa. He makes every practice, every game, every recital. He hugs and kisses our kids and celebrates their uniqueness. He shows them how to treat a woman with respect and love. He's fun, silly but can be stern and serious when needed. He's the perfect mix of discipline (or what I like to call Daddy love) and sweet, kind and loving with our kids. He's the best. I never thought I would meet someone who was a better Dad than my own, but I have.



I spent hours viewing applications and videos of those applying to be Presenters for Powder Blue Productions. I love the vidoes. Some are sooooo funny, entertaining and motivating. To those people, I say..."Get in ma bella!" I love 'em. They get it. They live large and love life. I can't wait to meet them. Some where soooo boring, so blah, so not Turbo.... Sorry. Those people ended up in the "not this year" pile. Advice... don't hold back. Don't worry what people think of you. Go for it. You were holding back! Let lose and have fun! I give credit to anyone who took the time to complete the long process of applying to be a presenter. It's a scary process, but our selection of top notch trainers is what I believe has made us so successful. Top notch people, with top notch charachter and a sincere love for fitness and helping others; that's the key!




So here's our second trip to QVC in June. What a crazy month! Look how amazing these ladies look! I'm so lucky to know these ladies and to be able to spend time with them (especially my sister). It's so much fun to do QVC. It's high pressure and never knowing what's going to happen next and I just thrive on that adrenalin! Love it! Love it! Love it! I am totally coated in self-tanner in this picture. We might look cute, but the stench from that self-tanner was killin' everyone around us. We were known as the stinky Turbo girls.


After our appearance, we went straight out for Sushi!


No one has a better laugh than Holly.

We decided that because we didn't have time for a workout earlier in the day, we better get our workout at the restaurant. We cleared out a few tables, asked the manager to turn up the tunes and we had our own "girls only" dance party...right there in the Sushi restaurant. My apologies to all the patrons who we scared away. If you love to dance and your with a group who loves to dance.... throw in a few kickin' tunes, and there's just no stopping the dance party! I'm serious. We were dripping with sweat and laughing so hard. We danced for over an hour and a half (and again... this was a sushi restaurant). Silly girls.

















Speaking of dance.... Here's Cierra with her Hip Hop instructor, Khai! He's totally cool, with a black and red faux-hawk. He's a featured dancer in the "Dont Cha" video with the Pussy Cat dolls, which he choreographed.


Here's her troop.... The little guy in the middle is destined to make a hip hop video. Awesome skills. We had to "fib" about Cierra's age so she could get in the group. Sssssshhhh!

My Month at a glance! Man that was fun. I take nothing for granted. Thank you lord for blessing me with a great family, great friends, a job I love, a passion that fuels me and all the kind words from our ever growing Turbo family!

Here's to a great July!

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the flashback, Chalene. It's so great that with everything you are personally doing, you & your family take the time to develop your children's interest. Kudos! And they're beautiful to boot.

Laura.J
NH

Anonymous said...

Ms. Chalene, I wanted to let you know that I LOVE working out to Turbo Jam. Thanking you so much for giving me my confidence back! I have lost 2 dress sizes so far!!! Thank you so much! I have been telling everyone about Turbo Jam! Thanks again!

Tiffany
Texas

Anonymous said...

Sistah, I don't know HOW you do all that you do! It never ceases to amaze me. I can't tell ya how lucky I feel to be a part of all this. I always knew you'd be on TV and changing lives for the better somehow. It was just a matter of when. And I know this is just the beginning of all that you have to offer others!! Thanks for always involving me and letting me share in the fun. xoxoxo
Jenelle
p.s. reealllly missing Brock & Cierra! They're the greatest kids!!

Anonymous said...

Chalene,
I can't even begin to tell you how you have changed my life. I was thin for most of my life, but not fit & healthy by any means. I am 30 yrs old & spent half of my life depressed. At 27 I gained 25 lbs. and became very depressed. I had no desire to lose weight or work out. When I saw Turbo Jam on TV, I thought "Finally, a work out for me." I always loved dancing at the clubs. I ordered Turbo Jam in Dec. 2005 and I have been addicted to it ever since. I have lost 18 lbs & 13 1/2 inches. While I am still not as thin as I once was, I am in much better shape and more confident than I have ever been. I used to worry about how my depression affected my children, but I don't have to worry anymore. My children now see their mommy happy & healthy. I can't tell you how wonderful that makes me feel. I tell everyone I know about Turbo Jam. I got an overweight friend of mine to try it and she is now addicted & losing weight. My life will be forever changed because of you and I want to THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

Anonymous said...

Your kids are darling. You are amazing & I can't wait for your book!! You are certainly the expert on setting goals & meeting them!! And I love reading all the comments from people who have found so much success in Turbo Jam! I tell all my friends they have got to try it!

Anonymous said...

Chalene, First THANK YOU for making such a fun work out! I love the turbo workout and love the music! You are so motivational! I have lost 8 pounds my first 8 days, and I made a "pounds lost chart" graph and posted it on my frig along with your grocery list and am on my way. I am so excited! On the Turbo Sculpt video, there is a song I think the second song on the video with about 35 minutes to go with a guy singing "It feels good, so good..." Please tell me who this is. By the way, I can not wait for your book and in the meantime, I have told everyone I know about you and Turbo Jam! Thanks! Madonna from Georgia

BROCK JOHNSON said...

nice one mom. brock

irish_robbie said...

Hey Chalene!

I can't WAIT to see your new book! I just got your "other" book in the mail today! I pride myself on my energy and seeing how much I can fit into one day, but seriously, any time I feel like I did EVERYTHING I could, I come over here and see that you've raised the bar again! How much can a person do in a month!? You continue to be such an inspiration to me! SEE YOU IN 6 WEEKS!!! :)

RoBBiE

Anonymous said...

You are truly an inspiration. I have been waiting for someone like you my whole adult life!! LOL Seriously though, you have made me take another look at everything around me and realize that I CAN DO THIS.... get healthy, loose this stubborn 25 pounds, and be totally comfortable in my own skin! I totally LOVE your southern bell Ms. Mindy!! Tell her that K. :=)

Can't wait for your book to come out! Thank you for all you do.


Lisa Williams
Michigan

Anonymous said...

Hello Chalene!

I have been using Turbo Jam for a month and I am so excited about my workout every day I am telling everyone about it. I am what you may call a workout video junkie. I have about 34 workout videos in my home that I have tried and I have liked every single one of them but I love turbo jam. I want to do it more than once a day( but I don't because that would be obsessive) and when I wake up in the morning looking refreshed and thinner I feel so much confidence about myself. I was a cheerleader for 10 years and stopped about 3 years ago. I used to work out in the gym but I didnt feel like I could get the workout like I wanted without being stared at and distracted. Since I have stopped cheering I had put on almost 25 pounds of fat in my mid and thigh section. I was completely mortified because I could not stop gaining weight and I was not enjoying my workouts so I was not motivated to do them. Now that I have been doing Turbo Jam I have seen a drastic change in my body. I am slimming down (in a healthy manner) and toning up like I was when I was a cheerleader! I love the website at mybeachbody.com because it allows me to monitor what I am eating so that I can make sure that I am eating enough. I want to loose some extra weight but I don't want my cheerleader body back because I was entirely too skinny. I love that you make sure to point out to readers that it is ok to be thin as long as you are healthy. So many people in the public eye today have lost weight in unnecessary or unsafe methods and it is sending the wrong message to children and teenagers. I love that my daughter can see me working out and maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle while I am having fun and I hope that when she gets older and wants to work out that there is a Turbo Jam Workout for her to do. Keep doing what you are doing. You are helping so many people.

Thank you!
Sakinah Crain-Gully

Stacey Chatman said...

I have great admiration for you......"remember when I first met you awesome lady" I said: "Thank you for your vision" Well..Lady enjoy, enjoy and continue to pursue all that is meant for you!!

Much love sent to you!
Wish I could see ya this summer; however my son has his eyes set on Florida~
~Stacey Chatman~

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited that I was able to be part of your caraaazzzy month. I've said it before and I'm sayin' it again, girl (outside of births and marriage) your visit and the whole TJ experience was the highest of highs for me. Can't wait to see you again and to keep learning from the best.

Get that book to print, will ya!?

Turbo-charged in Texas!
Jackie Bull

Anonymous said...

of COURSE you have a kill bill poster hanging in your office! lol

trying to find someone who is not gleaming with happiness in your pictures.. un uhhh, nope, everyone who is around you, smiles..:)

you are one busy lady.. thank you for showing us all, that working AND living can be done at the same time.

can't wait to meet you in august!

Anonymous said...

Chalene...I am overwhelmed by what you are doing with your life! I used to weigh 280lbs and lost over 90lbs and 4 sizes in the last 2 years...I became a personal trainer thru ACE and I LOVE what I am doing! When I found Turbo Jam on TV, I COULD NOT BELIEVE how wonderful the music was and how the premise of Turbo matched what I LOVE to do...dance and be silly but still get a great work out! I bought the tapes immediately, told everyone about them and now I'm coming to Camp TurboKick to get certified! I think you are a wonderful inspiration to women who want to have an exciting life, but still put family and friends first! I cannot wait to meet you and take your classes!!!!! You go girlfriend!!!

Anonymous said...

Chalene: I have been doing BB programs for the last 2 years and have dropped 70 pounds with only 10 more pounds to go. Unfortunately, I had a hard time staying motivated until I came across Turbo Jam. I have never had so much fun working out!!! Thank you so much for your vision, energy and committment!

I just wish we could have more Turbo Jam classes in Canada, however, I just may try and get to a camp next year - what a blast that would be!

Thank you for making working out so much fun! I am considering getting certified and trying to bring these awesome workouts to my city in Canada.

I am a single mother and believe it or not, get up at 5:00 am every morning to get my workout in. Is the only time of the day I have for me and TJ gets me rockin for my day. Love it, Love it, Love it.

Keep it up and can't wait for more videos!

Anonymous said...

Hi Chalene! I just recently met you at your TKB class in Aliso. I just wanted to say how much of an inspiration you are to me. I actually just dedicated a whole blog entry to you in my xanga! Thanks for being my hero! :) P.S. I did my homework and watched "So You Think You Can Dance"!

-Khristine
from the OC, baby!

Anonymous said...

hola!

I'm a Turbo Jammer from Puerto Rico, also a Shox-o-holic! Girl I will be looking forward the release of your book because you crack me up with your stories!! Here's the short story: a friend at work gave me her TJ dvd's because she rarely used them, I got so hooked up and improved my fitness level that she is now hooked up (I have to gave them back, though...) and her friend, and my neighbor, and another coworker, etc.!! I bought the rest of the dvd's, and now everyone's getting them too!! I was about to join a gym with my BF Randy, but they don't have here in Puerto Rico Turbo Kick lessons, TOO BAD!!! - Sublime message - if you're planning to bring here Turbo Kick, do it in Gold's Gym ;o)

thanks a LOT for sharing TJ!!!!

Lorely in Puerto RIco

ps. Why is it Chicken George??? We've been looking for the reason for some time, still no clue...

Unknown said...

Chalene!

You do it all! Best of luck this weekend in hand picking the next generation of TurboKick and PiYo presenters!

XOXO
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Chalene, you are beautiful and I love your workouts! Can you please sign up for an account on myspace.com so I can put you on my top 8? I want to let everyone know about TJ!

Anonymous said...

Hey!!!

I hope to see that book soon! You may want to look into the gluten free recipes. Since I found out that I can't do gluten (I retain weight when I eat it - lose weight when I don't), I have found that there are so many others in the same predictament and there isn't much out there for online encouragement. We could use your ability to find recipies and encourage everyone to continue. You ROCK!!

laura1952 said...

Chalene

You continue to be an inspiration and a mentor in my life.

I can't wait to buy several copies of your book to pass out to friends and family.

P.S. Lorely from Puerto Rico

Chicken George has that nickname because he owns his own poultry company.

Reading your words would be like giving the Bible of All Things Fitness to everyone.

Yahoo. I will see you in one month and I am looking forward to seeing everything you have to present.

Happy July everyone.

Laura

Anonymous said...

Hi Chalene,
I got Turbo Jam a few weeks ago and I love it! I have a question- what brand and style of shoes are you wearing in the DVD set that has Cardio Jam Mix I, Learn & Burn, etc. I need shoes like those-I have high arches and am prone to shin splints- you look very well cushioned in those shoes- please share!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much Chalene!!!! I have only been doing Turbo Jam for a week but I have already lost 2 pounds!! And I'm being extremely watchful of what I eat. I used to think it was crazy to write down everything that gets put into my mouth but now I'm able to see where my weaknesses are (carbs!!) and my strengths (mmm VEGGIES!!!). I believe it was destiny that brought me to the Turbo world. I don't know what I'd do if I hadn't seen your infomercial. Really it was the most inspiring thing I've ever seen. Again thank you for making me feel like I can do this and I can succeed at what I want. Hopefully one day soon I'll meet you as a Success Story! That's my next goal. Meet Chalene!!! You ROCK!!!

Anonymous said...

Chalene,

I have been a workout freak for at least the past three years, doing aerobics, interval training, weight training, etc, you get the picture. On occasion I have tried different workouts that advertise high and usually am fairly disappointed, either with the music, the workout or both. When I decided to try turbo jam the first time, I felt completely frigid, every time you said to get your groove on or the shake and shed, my husband would laugh at me because I had absolutely no "groove" in my body. It was the first time in my life that I felt truly old. (i am 29 with 2 kids) During the shake and shed, I know that I looked like a robot having a seizure, even with years of aerobics behind me.

I kept at it becuase I needed to know that I could relearn an old trick. I did and I was so proud of myself.,Now when I work out, I am completely loose and it makes all the difference in the world. You have succeeded where so many others have failed, you actually have improved the workout experience.

Anonymous said...

Chalene - it is so cool that not only do you spend probably the majority of your time helping others, but then you take it even further and you share your life's adventures on your blog with everyone.

So - a big thank you for taking the time to share your story - it helps keep all of us motivated! And it's really nice to see you outside of the TJ videos!

Someday soon I will meet you as a success story :)

Shake 'n shed!

Jennifer in Michigan
(Tournesol on the BB boards)

Anonymous said...

Hey Chalene!

You are da bomb diggity!!!! Just when I think I can't love you anymore...but then gee whiz-- I read a blog as fun as this! You are so refreshing and cool, and totally fun and unique!

I know I have said it a million times, but let's make this a million and one...THANK YOU for bringing me into your Turbo Kick family!! I have never dreamed that work could be so much like play! I love my position as APD and I cherish every memory from every Turbo Kick event I have had the priviledge of being at. I can only remember too well the AWE I felt when meeting you at Presenter Camp 2 years ago--I was starstruck! Could not believe I was there, and I still have to pinch myself that I am actually part of the best flippin' company in the world today!!! =)

Thanks for being who you are- you are a true shining star- a PLATINUM star that has changed millions of lives and counting!!!

Love you!!!

Kimi

P.S. When are you, Bret, and the kids going to hop on a plane to Italy?? Come surprise me at my class!!! heh heh

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely LOVE your videos! My mom worked in health clubs for 20 years and worked for dieticians a little after that, and she's always riding me about exercising and eating healthy. I just finished my first year of college, and when I came home I had gained some weight (I was a varsity distance swimmer in high school, and I just wasn't used to having to exercise on my own) and I was really dragging my feet about getting my act together. I'm a lifeguard and I teach swim lessons, so I have to be in a bathing suit all summer, and the fact of the matter is that the better shape I'm in, the more parents sign their kids up for my lessons. My mom saw an infomercial for Turbo Jam and thought I would like it, and of course she was right! I do your videos all the time, and when I have the time in between my lessons and my lifeguarding shifts, I'll even do two or three in a row, just because I enjoy doing them so much. I've told everyone I know about how awesome these tapes are, our neighbor across the street comes over with her daughters and we'll all Turbo together in the mornings, and we've already gotten several people ordering these tapes because they're so much fun. I haven't lost a ton of weight yet, but my body has more definition to it than it has in a long time. I actually feel comfortable walking around the pool deck in my bathing suit, and I don't have to worry about all the moms gossiping about how much weight I've gained at school (which is a HUGE relief). I just wanted to let you know that I think you're amazing, and every day when I just don't feel up for a workout, I think about how much fun I have doing these tapes and get my butt up out of bed! You've really sparked in me a desire to get back to my swimming weight (just 15 pounds to go) and to really take control over my body. Thanks again, you've really been an inspiration! I can't wait to get your book, and I can't wait to go back to college now so I can show all my sorority sisters your tapes and get them hooked on it as well!!!

Lauren V.
Avon, CT

CHRISTINE DWYER said...

What a fun read! Thanks for putting it all together!! It's like reading the monthly issue of people! =)

Anonymous said...

Hi Chalene!

What's new? I miss reading your blog. I hope everthing is OK.

Anonymous said...

Chalene Johnson..I LOVE YOU! I'm 21 years old and have been overweight for as long as I can remember, and then some. I've followed your workouts, as scheduled, and it the first three weeks I've LOST 5 - 1/2 INCHES!!! You've been such a motivator for me.
For the first time ever I eat healthy and I actually WANT to workout! I can't wait to get home after work and turn up the volume with TURBO JAM! So Chalene if your reading this: I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!

Anonymous said...

Chalene…

Wow -- I have done Turbo Jam for 4 weeks to date twice a day (for the most part of the month). What an incredible change I have made -- Physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am just so excited. I have been surfing your webpage - Turbokick… Wondering how I can become an instructor. Last week I asked the Holy Spirit what do you want me to do? (it was a question our preacher asked us to ask ourselves) - Maybe this is it - I am losing sleep over this idea as I have a bajillon other ideas running through my head. I bought a prayer journal last week and have been faithfully writing in it. Of course my entry under Praises today were you and TJ. My husband told me how proud he was of me this morning. He thinks I am addicted - that's not such a bad thing, now is it? I am a mother (35) of two (1 and 6) and two bonus boys (8 and 9), still kicking around the idea of instructing - need some prayer on it - any words of encouragement are always welcome. Would love to share some of my ideas too - maybe their silly -- who knows. I am elated knowing you personally read all of your comments. Looking forward to my goal and getting more CD's.

Many blessing to you and your family,

Shelly Barrett, GA

CHRISTINE DWYER said...

SHELLY BARRETT- you HAVE Tto get certified! I see the passion you write about adn you need to share it with others! Go to www.turbokick.com and click on the calendar. There are so many events in GA...you need to go to one of them! email Kim Thompson from the TK website.

Anonymous said...

Chalene you put the fun back in my workouts! I know you must hear it a lot but you truly are a blessing. I was getting so bored and usually I love to workout. Thank you SO much for everything you have done. I just love your energy, your spirit, and your determination. Every time I put in a video and see your face, I just light up. My hat also goes off to everyone that works alongside you. You are all wonderful! I recommend TurboJam to everyone I know because it has changed MY life so much. Keep up the awesome work!

Renee
Sunny California