Three more..Two more..

Fitness. A multi-million dollar industry.  You have health clubs, fitness drinks, health food stores, yoga shalas, weight loss supplements and the always poplar home fitness video.  Even since Jane Fonda and the “20 minute workout” came into our living rooms in leotards and shiny hosiery – and  started burning out the retinas of young boys – the home fitness video market has been a staple in the fitness culture of America.

That said, lets talk about the “fitness video.”  First of all can we all agree that the people in the videos do not need the video?  If you ever want to explain to someone what a great physique looks like just pull up a Beachbody advertisement on youtube. I understand the marketing subtext here – use this plan, follow this program, sweat to these oldies and you too can go from fat to fit in just 60 minutes a week.  Make sure to purchase the complete multi disk plan so that just when you think you’re making progress it can kick your keaster all over again.

Here’s my problem with the formula – there needs to be fat and unfit people in these presentations.  Listen, no one wants to join a group where they are by far the WORST example of the desired result.  If you are looking in the mirror at a healthy pair of love handles and then turn on Trixie the Fitness Bunny and are forced to watch her tell you how “you can do it – push to the finish” –  my guess is more often than not you are quickly found pushing to finish that bottle of vodka in an effort to dampen Trixie’s enthusiasm. 

What is my solution you ask? Let’s put some regular people in the mix.    Stick a guy in the back row wearing 3 heart monitors and Velcro strap gym shoes.  How about a lady wearing neon yellow leggings and a sparkly top that says “Hot Grandma” in rhinestones?  And better yet, let them get thinner and more coordinated as the levels increase.  You know – give those of us at home some hope.  Maybe if  regular people can see real time progress they will be believers and truly motivated to improve their personal health and well being.   Lets start a movement to ditch Trixie and bring in Cardiac Bob and Grandma Kathy – and let them lead the real people and their love handles into a healthier life.  Come on – You can do it!  Just get it together and change the world!  Let me know how it goes I need to run to the store – Im  out of vodka.