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| why the "20-Minute Workout" still rocks |
Some of you might not even know what the hell I'm talking about, but back in the glorious 80s there was an exercise show on in the wee hours of the morning (about 5:30am in Chicago) called "The 20-Minute Workout". It was on Monday through Friday and featured 2 or 3 women in classic leotards, tights, Reeboks/Nikes and BIG ole hair bouncing around to techno music in a stark white room. It had a slick look, for the time, and the constant movement of the camera around the girls made it especially energetic.
Now, I'm no fool and even then I realized that its "tit-ilating" style was aimed at sexual excitement as much as if not more than actually getting people into shape, but lead instructor/choreographer Bess Motta (the adorable pint-sized cutie from the first Terminator movie) was damn good. The routine was fun, challenging, energizing and it's hard to make excuses not to at least do your 20 minutes. She managed to get you warmed up (albeit with a bit too much bouncing, which we now know not to do when stretching), do either abs or some donkey kicks and got in a hi impact cardio section before a brief cool down. This was back when Jane Fonda videos were all the rage and aerobics classes were incredibly popular.
The thing to do was to video tape the show so you could zip past the commercials later, or if you were feeling virtuous, you just kept going through the breaks and it became a 30 minute workout.
I was in high school then, and while I wasn't fat I was still a bit chubby when I started to do these workouts every day after school. I credit this series, and Bess' utterly contagious enthusiasm and energy with transforming me from a self conscious chubster into an aerobics teacher with a kickin bod and loads of confidence. Once the 20 minutes became a breeze, I'd put together longer combos on my own so I could keep progressing. Before long, I started an aerobics club at my high school with my best friend; she taught the hi-lo and I taught the floorwork toning. We were freakin adorable. Little Bess Motta/Jane Fonda knockoffs and we loved every second.
These days it's readily available again to purchase and you can view clips on Youtube, but it's mainly in the name of kitsch and 80s cheese. Don't dismiss it as something that simple; despite the fact that it's a part of the 80s zeitgeist this is still a really fun and effective workout. If 20 minutes seems too brief to make much of a difference, remember that recently there has been all kinds of praise for the system that some celebs use where they work out for 20-25 minutes, 5 days per week. A little work done consistently each day does way more than longer workouts 3 times per week. If you're already in killer shape it's a different story, but trust me when I say these can get you on the road to hottie-ville when done 5 times per week.
I have to wonder where the lovely ladies are nowadays; I have a special place in my heart for them because the show was a part of my life during a really magickal time. I still have yet to see a teacher or trainer with Bess Motta's energy and charm. Back in the day, my friends and I all had favorite teachers and knew their names (Arlaine and Anne were my faves after Bess)...that's something I've not really seen happen since then.
So all of this musing relates to my decision to reintroduce this golden nugget into my life again. I have the original episode on trusty, dusty old VHS but I also just ordered a DVD (probably a bootleg) that contains 8 episodes on 2 discs...the little girl in me is as excited as could be. Tonight I'll do the original, probably followed by some yoga. I know the workout is enough on its own to help me get back in the swing and get my body back (I'd love to drop 2 sizes) but the yoga practice is essential to me as well.
Still, I'm sitting here counting the minutes until I can run home, throw on my workout clothes and bounce around with Bess and the girls! Man, I wish I had some spandex. ;)
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Posted by marathongal on 2008-06-11 15:31:42 | Rating: | Views: 1030
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