Workout Video Stars: The Good, The Bad and the Sweaty

Jillian Michaels

I got my first Jillian Michaels DVD recently.  I had been seeing her everywhere and only recently found out that was because she was a trainer on The Biggest Loser. I’ve never seen that show, but apparently she got very popular from that.  Anyway, I resisted liking her because I have a deep-seeded resentment for people who spell the name Gillian with a J.  But I got her 30 Day Shred from Netflix after having it recommended to me and I have to say, it is awesome.  She crams an amazing workout into 20 minutes and I found myself actually liking her a lot, too.  She is completely no-nonsense and is encouraging without some cheesy “soothing” voice.  Definitely my favorite.  I’m kind of in love with her, actually.

Tony Horton

I was introduced to Tony Horton through infomercials and borrowed his P90x DVDs.  Tony Horton is something else.  His workouts are long and difficult.  I like him OK.  He definitely verges on cheesy at times and he never shuts up. For some reason, I get the feeling that he has slept with all of the women who workout with him on the DVDs. 

Jari Love

Jari Love’s “Get Ripped with Jari Love” is her most popular video.  I’ve never used it, but after watching some clips – this woman is TERRIFYING.  Sure, she is “ripped” and the workouts look pretty good. I don’t know if  was Botox or what,  but her face is so scary it looks like It doesn’t move.  Combine that with her long blonde hair (that she just lets hang loose while working out…who does this?) and perfectly sculpted body and I swear to god, she might be an alien. 

THIS IS AWESOME......

How about Carmen Electra’s striptease work outs???? Fit to strip, and lapdance/hip hop.

Dear lord. And yes, I’ve tried these videos.

Leslie Sansone

Leslie Sansone created Walk Away the Pounds.  I think this is great, in theory, but I don’t think I could ever bring myself to do something called that.  Anyway, Leslie is kind of like your best friend’s mom when you were a kid: super-encouraging and nice and always saying things like “Oh, don’t worry about that!” when you broke something that your mom would have grounded you for. 

Richard Simmons

I’ve never “Sweat to the Oldies” but you really can’t go wrong with this guy.  He just so FUN.

Denise Austin

I admire Denise Austin: her physique is so muscular and lean and lord knows I would never have the balls to put on a bathing suit and do yoga on a beach (I’m not sure why she is on a beach).  So, I admire her, but I don’t really like her workouts, mostly because I don’t really like her.  Most of her videos are focused on yoga and pilates, which is fine, but the one that I have is too easy and boring.  I also cannot stand her gravely “encouraging” voice.  It is So Annoying!