Background exercisers you become fond of
 

I pulled out a VHS tape, Jay Blahnik's Calorie Combustion, to do today.

I've done it a few times, but only now did I notice that one of the background exercisers is the same woman who is in Michael Dozois's Prevention Walk Your Way Slim. She has short blond hair and looks to be of a certain age, not super-ripped, kind of like a Southern dowager.

I felt this bit of joy in recognizing her in Jay's workout - probably a few years younger, but really looking just the same as in Michelle's workout, very healthy and fit in her own inimitable way. I kept watching her in Jay's workout, and her enthusiasm was just so motivating! It made me wonder about "professional" background exercisers who show up in a variety of videos by different instructors (Madison comes to mind). They really motivate me more and more over the years. I wish I could be one.

Do any of you have a favorite background exerciser?

Cedie from Cathe’s workouts. She had a great smile, good energy, good form and technique, and a body type that was more lush and less angular than the other backgrounders - for me, more relatable and inspirational. I have missed her in Cathe’s more recent offerings.

the men of Leslie's workouts: Randy and Alton in Leslie's WATP series, Marvin and Nick in the recent workouts on DVD.

Dreya in Tony Horton's workouts.

There are quite a few I really like, but one that comes to mind right away is Tyler from Leslie’s Walk 15 set. He just seems so darn happy to be there.

I've grown to really like Jai from Cathe's workouts. And I love Debbie, Jessica's mom.

Carol

Definitely Cedie and Lorraine in Cathe’s workouts. They’re like old friends that keep me motivated.

I'm a Jai fan too!

Thank you for spelling her name right! In my fog this morning, I missed it.

Carol

Andy from the original Yoga Booty Ballet workouts. :love:

I used to look forward to seeing all the regulars in Charlene Prickett videos, particularly Renee, Lonie and Jen. You could tell she was friends with them in real-life.