PLAYMATE WORKOUT (1983) ***

Playmates Jeana Tomasina and Victoria Cooke host this workout video from Playboy.  During the intro they say, “This workout is for women… but you guys can watch too!”  

Jeana, Victoria, and a bunch of other Playmates stand in front of a white background doing calisthenics while wearing skintight workout clothes.  They start with a warm-up exercise before moving on to scissor kicks.  Eventually, the Playmates disrobe from various exercises like push-ups and lunges.  Sometimes, these nude sequences are set against a red background with a harsh red light shining on the Playmates.  I think they were trying to sell the idea that this was a “hot” workout, but personally, I much preferred the simplicity of the white background.  I could’ve also done without the scenes where the Playmates bring their boyfriends along to workout with them.  (“Exercise is rapidly becoming a co-ed affair!”)

For variety, there are sequences set in the backyard of the Playboy Mansion.  Playmates workout on exercise bikes and rowing machines, before hopping into Hef’s pool for some water exercises as well as a little recreational swimming.  Naturally, the slow-motion scenes of the Playmates jumping up and down on trampolines in slow motion is the highlight.  

Most of the time, the music accompanying the aerobics sessions are generic ‘80s instrumentals.  However, sometimes segments are accompanied by pop music like Paul Davis’s “I Go Crazy”, Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” and “Get Down on It”, Shalamar’s “Night to Remember”, Kenny Nolan’s “Soft Rock, Hard Love”, Frankie Valli’s “My Eyes Adored You”, and The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman”.

As one can expect, there is very little here in the way of aerobic instruction.  There's more slow motion and long gazing shots of the women’s bodies than your typical workout video.  I mean, what did you expect?  This is Playboy after all.  Of course half the workouts are going to be shot like a video pictorial from the Playboy Channel!  If you want actual instruction, go watch that Jane Fonda crap!  

In an age where hardcore pornography is just a click away, all of this seems a little tame and innocent.  If you’re like me and enjoyed those nights back in the ‘80s when the Playboy Channel had their “Free Previews”, you should enjoy Playmate Workout.  If it fails at being a comprehensive workout, or comes up short as erotica, it certainly hits the right notes in the nostalgia department.  

AKA:  Playboy Playmate Workout.