20 Minute Workout

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20 Minute Workout was an aerobics-based television-program during the early 1980s, whereby three young women would exercise in a white room that was illuminated with bright white lights. The room also had a rotating platform, so the exercising could be seen from every angle.

20 Minute Workout was created by Ron Harris in 1983, produced by Tantra Entertainment in association with the Canadian animation company Nelvana Limited, and broadcast locally on Citytv; in the United States, it was syndicated by Orion Pictures. Two seasons of this exercise program were produced, although re-runs continued to appear for many years afterwards. The exercise routines were often lead by Bess Motta or Arlaine Wright. One selling point of the show was the young attractive girls exercising in leotards, not withstanding the fine aerobics. The exercise routines were demanding high impact aerobics, followed by a stretching section. Some stretches were performed with legs spread apart, hands on the ground, while the camera slowly revolved around them.

Pulsating music from synthesizers was played in the background. For the first season, music was performed by the group, SHIVA; while the second season featured music by the trio, Jermyn/King/Ouillet.

There are numerous websites hosted by fans that detail about the dancers, and include so-called screen-captures from the show. The :20 Minute Workout was a spin-off from Aerobicise (which had varying subtitles of "The Beginners Workout", "The Ultimate Workout", and "The Beautiful Workout"), which originally aired in the U.S. on Showtime as an unscheduled filler in between features, and lasting no longer than 5 minutes. It featured a different cast (none of which wore shoes), and unlike the show it later spawned, exercise instruction was kept minimal and was given by an off-screen "narrator". Also, while not containing any actual nudity, it nonetheless featured more explicit shots of the exercisers. "Aerobicise" was also the name of the original 1982 pilot episode of 20 Minute Workout.

Every episode begins with this disclaimer (which is in fact true of any exercise program):

"WARNING: The following depicts exercises which, depending on your physical condition, may be hazardous to your health. You are, therefore, warned not to attempt any of these exercises without consulting your doctor. Even with such approval, each exercise should be done in moderation and should not be performed if tired or to the point of fatigue or pain. Do not over exert yourself."