Prime time teaching: the latest cable-TV fitness programs pitch entertainment first.
Push-up bras, three-minute warn-ups, high-top hiking boots--is this anyway for certified instructors to teach a class? When the class is televised, it obviously is.
TV fitness is a land of painful paradox. When cutting-edge instructors rise to the top of the presentation world, they attract the roving talent scout eyes of producers for shows on ESPN and VH1. But once they arrive on America's arirwaves, who is actually in charge of their instructional styles and class format? The producers who crack the financial whips or the instructors who got there through years of hard work and dedication to their profession?
American Fitness went behind the scenes for this "insider's peek," the first in a series that make-or-break world of fitness fame.
ESPN's "Body Shaping" and "Fitness Pros," and VH1's "Body by VH1," which arrived on the scene last winter, exhibit merit. But in keepingwith the idea of television as an entertainment medium, networks often disregard professional instructors' intentions to introduce safe and effective exercise. When it comes down to ratings, it's gamour over guidelines.
"Fitness Pros" offers a fresh perspective with a case of six familiar industry names--Joel Grecco, Donna Richardson, Jeff Vandiver, Pepper Von, Tracy York and Tamilee Webb. The program introduces basic step, hip hop and high/low aerobics along with muscle conditioning. As viewers learn basisc steps, instructors interject elementary physiology and kinesiology, explaining the mechanics of a workout. "Our goal is to acclimate viewers to exercise in "general," says Von, a youth fitness activist. "Fitness Pros' is a Reader's Digest version of a normal aerobics class. It's very focused. We want to educate our viewers--to whet their appetites for fitness by giving them a little bit each day."
In addition to introducing proper exercise technique, "Fitness Pros" is aesthetically pleasing. "The style of the show is engaging," says Richardson, fitness consultant and owner of DonnAerobics. "It's an updated, MTV-esque program that appears crisp while remaining professional. ESPN started on a good note hiring certified instructors. And they've even improved upon traditional shows by giving viewers six different people, each with different body types--there's someone for everyone to identify with."
ESPN may be taking it too far offering six choices, according to many instruct critics. "Sure, people like a connection, but as the instructors rotate, the connection is often lost," says Victoria Johnson, president of Oregon-based Metro Fitness. "The show consists of some of the most well known, skilled presenters in the field--but what the network hasn't realized is in trying to entertain viewers, they take these great instructors, put backward baseball caps on them, expect them to clown around like Marky Mark and discredit the profession. Hiring a well qualified group is a step in the right direction. But I think a one-on-one approach may be more effective."
Despite a large cast, "Body By VH1" offers a more focused program. Although the show claims it's hosted by supermodel Rachel Hunter, the choreography is actually designed and led by AFAA consultant Chuck Gemme. Featuring eight instructors, the camera pans to each--captivating their unique enthusiasm. Cueing and explanation are left up to Gemme.
Seemingly more artistic than exercise-oriented, "Body By VH1" also cuts to television monitors showing video clips from VH1's hit list. From time to time, the videos get center stage. "Incorporating videos into the routine is great," says Gemme. "People feel like they're dancing along with them. But the cameramen often make poor segues--switching to the monitors just as I change choreography--which probably frustrates viewers."
Gemme and crew endure more than just poor camera angkes. With the lead in, lead out, fitness tips and commercials, only 18 minutes of reel time is allotted to the work-out segment. "I can't perform a complete, proper warm-up in three-and-a-half minutes according to AFAA's Standards and Guidelines," says Gemme. "I try to focus on the most important things--low back, hamstrings and quads. The cardio portion poses a challenge too. We have eight minutes to bring about a training effect. Every instructor knows that's not possible."
Despite the inherent contraints of television--limited time frames and aerobically-illiterate camera operators--"Fitness Pros" and "Body By VH1" break new ground in the cable-fitness arena. They hire certified aerobics instructors to deliver safe, effective exercise routines. "I think the new fitness programs signify a change in television media," says York, an international instructor trainer. "ESPN realizes industry names can pull rating shares when it comes to fitness, as opened to just celebrities and models. When the other networks follow suit, we can expect a positive change in the way our profession is regarded."
"Body Shaping," another show in ESPN's line-up, enthusiastically urges the at-home fitness market to get moving. Although the instructors' intended message is seemingly genuine, the step workouts, which are led by AFAA certified instructor Kendall Hogan, are only accessible to home participants who own steps. In fact, the personal training and power lifting shoes utilize equipment usuallly found only in gyms. Further, bikini-clad casts and close-ups of female instructor's breasts during a tricep extension suggest fitness is not the show's prime focus.
In its superficial quest to remain an entertainment medium, "Body Shaping" lacks a fitness-as-wellness message. It suggests fitness is for those already in shape. "No matter how informative we're trying to be, we're still in the entertainment business," admits Mary Jean Traetta, cast member and co-founder of High Bar Products, which produces the show. "It's important to educate non-fitness professionals, but we also have to keep great looking people in front of the camera."
Recent advertising campaigns hail cable television as the latest tool in education. As popular networks, ESPN and VH1 are generally effective in conveying the importance of exercise to the masses. In terms of professional instruction, they hit the mark. From a format point of view, however, the shows may need to do some shaping up. of their own.
