Work Out

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Fitness show values looks over health.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this exercise-centric reality series focuses primarily on good looks instead of good health, which can potentially bring up body image issues among weight-conscious teen and adult viewers. Working out is presented as a positive thing, but very little is said about the fact that you don't have to have the same kind of body type as the people on the show to be considered healthy. Parents also need to know that this show follows a relationship between same-sex partners.

  • The series shows a lot of healthy exercising, including weight lifting, walking, running, and calisthenics. But the focus is more on looks than on health, which sends questionable messages about body image.
  • Mild pushing and shoving; no harm or pain inflicted.
  • Discussions of sex and sexual orientation, including same-sex kissing. Some barely visible brief nudity from behind. Some trainers wear revealing clothing and flirt.
  • Mild: "butt," "crack," "damn," etc. Stronger swear words are bleeped out.
  • Propel Water, Everlast Boxing Gloves, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle are all clearly visible throughout the show.
  • Adults occasionally drink wine in a social setting.

What's the story?

Following the life of Jackie Warner, an elite fitness trainer and co-owner of Sky Sport and Spa in Beverly Hills, WORK OUT showcases the body-conscious culture that has become synonymous with Los Angeles. With the help of several trainers, Warner caters to a clientele that includes celebrities, Playmates, jet setters, and anyone else who can afford the $400-an-hour fee. The show centers on a group of people who sport perfect hair and perfect physiques as they struggle to get along with each other. Drama arises as trainers learn to get along with each other while they also try to please both their clients and their boss. That leaves Warner contending with both the soap-opera-like conditions among her staff and her own growing tension with her jealous girlfriend, who can't understand why Warner spends so many hours trying to establish Sky Sport as one of the best fitness centers in the country.


Is it any good?

 

While all of the trainers showcased in this series have constructive individual philosophies about fitness that include helping people make "lifestyle changes" and learn to be comfortable with themselves, the show's overarching theme is really about showing off the bodies of beautiful people while they help train other beautiful people. Overweight clients are a rarity, and they stick out uncomfortably in the almost-too-perfect atmosphere of the penthouse gym.

As a result, Work Out sends mixed messages about what being healthy and fit really means. While the importance of exercise is certainly a point worth making, Work Out not-so-subtly equates fitness and well-being with physical perfection. The drama may be engrossing, but the take-away is pretty weak.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the difference between looking thin and being healthy. Do you have to have a "perfect" body to be able to feel comfortable or happy? Why is it important to exercise even if it doesn't make you really thin? Families may also want to discuss sexual orientation and the challenges faced by those in same-sex relationships.


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
April 9, 2008
 
YUCK!!!
that woman is disgusting, we can't even get through the never-ending commercials for the show, let alone the show itself. Pure junk.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
It's all A Part of Life!
Everything that went on in the shoew is just a part of life.The way people act in the work place to people's sexual preference.More and more people need to just understand that if you aren't hederal sexual there's another way to live.They are not outcasts because of the way they feel towards the same sex.It's not right. I was brought up in a very predice family.Then seeing it with the same same color- meaning all white or all african american...It's not right.I this keeps up there's only going to be hate.We ALL Have to remember IT'S ALL A PART OF LIFE!!! THe fitness aspect of the show is wonderful.They do give quite a few tips on working different parts of the body out.I hope they come back for another season!!Go JACKIE and SKYLAB TEAM!!

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Bravo
Cast:Jackie Warner
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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