SANDAHL BERGMAN’S BODY (1983) ****

As a fan of ‘80s celebrity workout videos, I’m surprised I had never seen Sandahl Bergman’s entry into the genre.  This was made a year after her breakout role in Conan the Barbarian and it’s one of the better celebrity workout videos out there.  That’s mostly due to her extensive background in dance.  Many of the exercises seem credible and effective, unlike some of the fluff routines you see in a lot of celebrity workout videos.  It almost certainly captures the crown for Best Title of a Celebrity Workout Video as Sandahl Bergman’s body is front and center for a full hour. 

The workout begins with an “All Over Warm-Up”, an energetic mix of cardio, dance, aerobics, and stretching exercises. “Posture and Balance” is next, and I think posture is an important aspect of fitness that few (if any) workout videos address.  It's touches like this that help make this video stand out from the rest of the pack.  “Stomach” involves an assortment of ab exercises such as crunches and sit-ups.  “Coordination” is a funky little dance exercise that almost resembles breakdancing.  “Buttocks and Thighs” involves a lot of pelvic thrusting and gyration of the hips, which is to say, it’s awesome.  You would think “Running” would be about… you know… running, but it looks more like a can-can number as Sandahl and her two shirtless boy toys hold hands and kick their legs most of the time.  “Ballet” is less an exercise and more of an excuse for Sandahl to show off some of her dance skills.  “Calves and Thighs” begins with Sandahl sitting in a chair Fonzie-style and kicking her feet and tapping her toes before standing up to perform some wild and sexy dance moves.  This high energy segment and is fun, mostly because Bergman is obviously really into it.  “Waist” is yet another glorified dance routine, but a rather entertaining one.  That’s followed by “Arms”, a routine that has Sandahl moving her arms in circular motions.  That doesn’t sound like it would be a must-see event, but she also bends over several times while wearing her skimpy leotard, which makes this exercise worth the price of admission.  “Heart and Lungs” is another dance-heavy cardio workout, and it’s a real winner thanks to some choice camera placement.  “Floor Stretch” is a golden opportunity for Sandahl to show the audience just how limber she is… and believe you me… she is LIMBER!

If there is a criticism, it’s that many of the exercises are pretty advanced.  Because of that, this might not be the best video for the casual beginner.  However, if you want to see Sandal Bergman’s body, then this certainly delivers on the title. 

Sandahl looks terrific throughout as she wears an assortment of spandex, short shorts, and of course, leg warmers.  (This was the ‘80s after all.)  The cameraman deserved an award too as he gives us some sterling shots of Sandahl Bergman’s body.  I mean why not?  That’s the name of the video!