TURBOKICK CAMP 2007

There is quite a bit to be told about Camp, it was an awesome experience all around. Gathering 250 people who are all completely hung up on working out and shaking their rear is bound to be fun.
I left a week ago today. I met with Michelle Olsen and Melissa at the SLC airport. Michelle is the person who certified me. She has this really forward and upbeat energy, as all of our Area Promotion Directors do. Melissa has been doing Turbo for a while now and has lost... 150 lbs... Respect. I don't weigh 150 lbs. It gives me goose bumps to talk to people such as Melissa who went so far out of their comfort to zone to beat the odds 10 times over. You go girl. She was picked by the Powder Blue people to have her flight paid for, because she earned her being there, really.

Thursday evening was spent checking in at the hotel, mingling with fellow turbo fanatics and getting to know our Team mates. The Purple team was a good looking one, indeed.... See below!

I was struck right away by the fact that our Turbo celebrities and the Powder Blue staff all seemed to have friendly and warm personalities. They are easy to approach, easy to talk to and truly eagger to help.

Friday morning started with a little 5K in Irvine. My running partner and I got lost and ended up running over the freeway, breathing in deep the fumes of exhaust.
We then had breakfast and got acquainted with the people who had not arrived until then.
Next, we gathered in the main room and waited for our first Turbo work out, led by, wouldn’t you know it, Chalene herself.
We were lucky enough to get a taste of Round 31, and it’s going to kick butts. I kid you not.

The rest of the day was devoted to motivational speakers including Carl Daiker, the BeachBody CEO and Chalene herself who talked about the different levels of friendships. It was a stern reminder for me of learning to say no in order to put my true priorities first.
Later that day we got a taste of Hot Hula with Anna Rita. Now, for any of you who have done the Turbojam videos or are TK instructors, you know there is only one way to describe Anna Rita: fierce. I was a little afraid to approach her, thinking that maybe she would rip my heart out and tear it with her teeth. I was stunned to find that she is a very down to earth person, easy to talk to and has a wicked little sense of humour. She just became my new role model.

The evening was devoted to a little fashion show where some of the new designs from Turbowear were presented. Of course, shortly after that, the madness of shopping began.

Saturday, was a really awesome day. We had several motivational speakers come and talk to us about nutrition, communication and Chalene did a speech on prioritizing. I will post on it soon. Workout wise we did some hip hop and followed this with some Steppin’. Ever seen the movie "Stomp The Yard'?

Personally, this was a favorite moment of mine being that I have such love for African Dancing. Steppin’ is very much like zulu dances performed with the rubber boots worn when the Zulus were being enslaved to work as miners. I love to see the roots of the African American people come out and in ways that are constructive (and way fun). Honestly, steppin is very close to actual zulu dancing, but for the outfits maybe.

We got to experience what will soon be 2 new Powder Blue format: Turbo Sculpt and Turbo Extreme. Let me tell you, light weight + many repetitions = killer!
And Turbo Extreme… ah… turbos followed by a finale and then all over again and again. Heart thumping.
That evening, was our dance party. Dance, I did. So far, no picture of my crazy dancing self has surfaced , for that I am grateful.

The next morning was tough. Trying to look cute or work out while being hung over would not be an easy thing to do, by any means. Now try to do both. Praise heavens for make up...

We had our last Turbo class led by our “Men of Turbo”. Some people had already left/were still in bed, so there was room to really get into it.
Live classes are always fun, but Turbo Kick Camp is just a whole different experience. Everyone there is a Turbo addict and the energy is amazing. People jump, shout, sing along, it's just madness... really fun madness.
We then finished with a Piyo workout and I rushed to the John Wayne airport (it’s a real airport too!) to get back home.
I was in a state of absolute exhaustion and am barely starting to feel that I can function properly.

The experience was amazing, the energy is revitalizing. There is a strong spirit of acceptance, camaraderie and fun. If you love Turbo, I really hope you can make it next year.
While it is easy to recount the different events that took place, what I took home with me is much more than the list of events would lead to believe. I brought home renewed optimism, desire to improve and prioritize, a sense of energy and "can do". I am very grateful for that.

Here is what I learned from Camp in a nutshell:

-Leaving your room without your camera would be like not getting up in the morning.

-There is always someone more spastic than you are.

-While many people are in top shape, the ones who aren't get biggest cheers.

-Zena truly is a princess.

-Chalene is about as unassuming and kind as they come.

-I can actually do pretty good with hip hop.

-Waterproof make up is on my shopping list for next year.

-Wearing a cheerleading outfit really isn't that bad (at Camp).

-Being open to meeting new people and being vulnerable is a good thing.

-Sweaty doesn't fully describe what you end up looking like after a Camp workout.

-I love TurboKick much more than I thought I did.

Now, indulge with me in a few pictures...