Hommage: The 20 Minute Workout

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One of my favorite workout shows of all time...

 

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Much better than that silly animated beach volloeyball game, and slower than figure skating.

 

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What a wonderful show to stretch to, it was.

 

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Some of the fade shots between muscle groups were really yummy.

 

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And They Really Appreciated The Value Of Hair Exercise.

 

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"Attractive, athletic, fit, successful, slender non-smoking male, looking for female. Fit and beautiful enough to be on the 20 Minute Workout show at 6 AM."

Almost two-and-a-half million television viewers have something in common with the author of that personal ad: an attitude which defines a new version of the all-American woman. They share an appreciation of the bodies beautiful on the syndicated exercise show that, unlike most similar shows, deals exclusively with exercise. It is the aesthetics of the series, however, that viewers find most seductive.

"The fantasy of being involved in such a production is always greater than actually doing it," says Ron Harris, the show's creator and director, from his Westwood, California home. "Then again, I've been a fashion photographer for years; I've always dealt with beautiful ladies."

The manner in which Harris deals with the Workout women has been celebrated for its artistic as well as commercial success. The show has become to the out-of-shape what the Statue of Liberty is to immigrants: "Give us your flab, your high blood pressure, your cellulite!" Aerobics will make the heart beat to 80 or 90 percent of its capacity for those who work along with the girls - perhaps even more for those who just look. Some watchers tune in to tone thighs, but, between the viewers and the voyeurs, a good time is inevitably had by all.

Workout is a purists' exercise show. No guests, no snappy patter, no recipes, just two or three instructors with pretty smiles moving to music in an endless white room reminiscent of Siberia - a trademark of the Harris style.

"I like to isolate things for their intrinsic beauty," the 50-year-old director says, explaining the look of the show, which utilizes a large turntable that rotates continuously for four cameras. Gorgeous women in constant, sensuous, fluid motion against a pristine setting - photographed from every conceivable angle - are the focus of 20 Minute Workout.

While Harris says there is no set criteria for instructors, "their bodies appear about the same: quite balanced, not big-busted. We never found any with big busts who were in great shape. If they were very busty, they bounced, which looked terrible. Jiggling or shaking is a negative with me. Exercise reduces the size of the bust, as it does with marathon runners, ballerinas or gymnasts, who have no breasts. If they stop, they'll develop a bustline because they get more body fat."

Fat in any form is difficult to find on the show - from its austere presentation to its superb participants. Surprisingly, their average height is only 5'4". "They all look like amazons because I shoot them from the toes up," Harris reveals.

Although countless girls have auditioned for the show, he says those chosen were really very obvious: exceptionally attractive, athletic, having the ability to move with grace and confidence - a talent more difficult to find than one might suspect. "Even dancers who have studied for 20 years get out there, and really don't move that well. Maybe they do in costumes with colored filters and lights, sure, but not when it's just them and a white backround."

As an actress who has this sort of aerobic body, Harris cites Heather (T.J. Hooker) Locklear. "TV stars and movie queens generally aren't into aerobic exercise. When they're between 18 and 25, they look pretty good without doing anything!"

Harris does not see the growing interest in exercise as a fad, but rather as a change which has been slowly developing in America - one which is here to stay. "My guess is the new generation will exercise a lot more than the old one," he predicts. "Aerobics can't be a fad because it's what keeps us alive. We're aerobic animals. We were meant to run and climb trees - that's part of our evolution. We sit around computers and TV sets now, so we must exercise - or die!"

Harris disagrees with the idea that TV's aerobic arenas will negatively impact on health clubs. "There are a lot of reasons for going to them - they're the pick-up bars of the '80s."

Contrary to what many would assume, most viewers who work up a sweat watching Workout actually do the exercises. Harris says demographic studies show that 85 percent of the audience is female, and the show's mail proves it. The majority is from women, often requesting that broadcast time be changed to accommodate their schedules. "We recently received a petition with 276 names on it which asked, 'Would you please reschedule the show from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM?' It was signed, 'Working Women of Arkansas."

"We also get 'men-in-the-penitentiary' type letters. They write to say Workout is the greatest thing since the bikini." To heavy breathers huddled around TVs in male dorms, frat houses and on loading docks, however, Harris flings down a gauntlet in the form of a Danskin. "It's just boring to watch and not exercise. I'll tell those guys something - if they try it, they'll realize it is not sissy stuff," he says emphatically, as one who has struggled with a weight problem (he appears to still be struggling) and who does the routines himself. "I don't care if they're joggers or third basemen, if they think they can just do it, they'll be very surprised."

Every 20 Minute Workout begins with a warning against over-exertion, distinguishing it it as perhaps the only TV show which acknowledges that viewing it can be hazardous to one's health. Fortunately, the production taxes only the body and not the mind. The manner in which Harris dismisses his competition is rather unceremonious: Body Buddies: "Boring." Richard Simmons: "Not exercise." Morning Stretch: "All right for what it is, but it doesn't provide the benefits of aerobic exercise."

Workout has become something of a multi-media sensation, running even more than once a day in several markets. Additionally, it sells millions of dollars in videos, albums, (a book is on the way) and a popular cable incarnation on Showtime called Aerobicise. While Harris admits that Aerobicise has a certain male appeal, he insists Workout has been "de-sexed" as much as possible. Sure, Ron, what's so sexy about hot, healthy, sweat-covered girls who have more legs than a family of centipedes - all dressed in skintight outfits?

"We try to eliminate all 'tit and crotch shots,' he says. "There are no low-cut leotards, and every time the girls are facing so their crotches are showing, we focus on a hand or a head." Nevertheless, Harris' productions have been labeled "soft porn," particularly the more controversial Aerobicise.

"The cable show is really more like exhibition aerobics than 'follow me' aerobics," he confesses. "But, any sex is in the eye of the beholder, because there are no bumps and grinds. Workout is meant to work out to, and those who exercise can't see the screen half the time, with their heads between their legs or looking at the ceiling. That's why the instructions are so explicit."

The girls' outfits, according to the director, are also standard equipment. But, all equipment considered, it's what they do in them that makes the difference. For instance, some of the girls uninhibitedly flirt with the camera, as if some Hollywood producer were on a couch on the other side. "I guess the cameras just turn them on," Harris says.

While the instructors undeniably harbor ambitions of jumping from the slimming segments to bigger things, Harris' only concern is that viewers are jumping to get rid of bigger things. "I've given the girls exposure on the show; anything else is up to them."

Workout features beginners' classes on Tuesday and Thursday, with a more advanced regimen (they play faster music) on the other days. Regardless of the pace, however, the show's beautiful instructors make it all look easy.

"We need role models to live up to, someone to identify with and say, 'I'd like to look like that.' Even diet clinics suggest patrons picture the ideal figure when they're about to eat something. I've given viewers healthy bodies to see that are perfect to emulate. Women would do well to say, 'I want to look like Bess Motta or Nicole Nardini' - and work toward that end."

If all the fair sex were in that kind of shape, men would be in serious trouble, although there are probably worse ways to go than being outloved and outlived by women in perfect physical condition. It has also been proposed that female viewers have an equal opportunity to see an exercise show featuring men demonstrating how to go from having sand kicked in their faces to powerhouse Weider bodies.

"I used some men on Showtime," Harris says, "but I wasn't satisfied with the quality of their movement. We've auditioned over 2500 girls, and very few potential male instructors. Besides, women are used to taking it from women. Wherever they go, the instructors are female."

Harris is always looking for a few good women. He re-casts the show every year, screening hundreds of applicants, all of whom are provided with a full taped audition. As they say, it's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. "I'm serious about what I do. Let's face it, it's better than most jobs," Harris admits with a machine-gun laugh, "but, it's still a job." Jack LaLanne, eat your heart out!

Fortunately, 20 Minute Workout has no problems with consistent storylines, actors holding out for more money or burnt-out creative people. As long as Harris can find five girls with great bodies - to emulate or excite - the show will go on.

Harris' formula for broad success is simple: thin is in! In the great gymnasium of life, 20 Minute Workout has proved to be a 24-karat dream, no matter how one views it.