034: In Praise of Vintage Workout Videos with Remy Solomon
Working up a sweat in your living room
Everyone has a niche, and this week, Remy Solomon is sharing hers.
Remy is a TV, film and theatre writer who’s developed shows with Apple+ and Sony, worked as a playwright and producer with companies like The New Colony, Prop Thtr, and Free Street Theater and even ghostwritten 13 romance novels—eleven of which made Amazon's Top 10 Bestseller List.
In spite of all that, she still finds the time to have immaculate taste.
Remy’s TikTok and Substack are stacked with recommendations for TV shows to watch, LA pilates studios to visit (including one that’s referral only) and today’s hot topic: vintage workout videos to sweat to.
That’s Niche: In Praise of Vintage Workout Videos
Remy’s Expertise:
I’m a devout lover of vintage workout videos. My favorite thing about them (besides the fact they’re totally free) is that they make fitness fun. And if I’m gonna be doing anything thirty minutes a day, every day, goddamit I better be having a good time.
I love the lo-fi camera quality, the weird sets, the wacky (and occasionally fabulous) clothes. Cumulatively, the visuals, music and sheer personality make the workouts more entertainment than chore.
It’s hard to say just how many vintage workouts I’ve tracked down and performed, but I would conservatively guess well over 100–enough that I feel like you might as well call me an ‘expert’ on the subject. Though I’ve watched videos that highlight all forms of exercise, I am especially a fan of dance cardio. And the research bears me out–apparently dancing is better for your mental health than literally any other form of movement.
So I’m gonna share some of my favorite workout videos so that you too can sweat and shout.
FAVORITE VIDEO FEAT. A CELEB
There were so, so many options for this category that I had trouble narrowing it down to just one. I thought about highlighting Mel B’s fantastic workout (that unlike most stars, she actually leads, not just follows), but decided it didn’t have enough personality. I considered Cher’s phenomenally-outfitted video, but figured it might be too well known. I even debated Zsa Zsa Gabor’s routine filled with sexy men, but something else won out…
And that’s the Pussycat Dolls’ dance workout. This video has everything–early 2000’s moves, great songs and feather boas. What can compete with feather boas? Nothing. Duh.
FAVORITE SOUNDTRACK
This was also a close call. I love the Berghain vibes of the Reebok workout, but I can’t help it–the truth is that I’m into classic tunes, and nobody does classic like Richard Simmons. I am partial to Dance Your Pants Off and because I’m a consummate theater kid, Broadway Sweat. The only thing to really steer clear of is Sweatin’ to the Oldies II–unless, that is, you want to feel like you’re in an 80s rendition of Bye Bye Birdie.
FAVORITE THEME
Since going to Stud Country, I’ve been on the hunt for any and all other opportunities to line dance. And that’s how I found Dance Off the Inches: Country Line Dance Party. This is harder than you think it’s gonna be, so wear sneakers, not cowboy boots.
FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR
Since I’ve already mentioned Richard Simmons, I’ll give a less obvious answer. I almost said David Gray (I love his Dance Fever and Funk Factor videos) but I think the true answer is Charlene Prickett. She is so problematic vis-a-vis diet culture but damn, does she make me sweat. Yet she is, somehow, never sweating. In fact, she hardly seems out of breath. I aspire to have Charlene’s stamina–without Charlene’s beliefs.
NEWEST OBSESSION
As you can tell, I’ve gone through most of the available vintage workout videos produced in the US (I’ve also dabbled in British videos, Australian workouts, and even Russian aerobics). My latest adventure is into high-octane Zumba like this one and this one. These are part mega-church, part pop-concert, and 100% productions. We’re talking lights, back-up dancers, the whole shebang. Thousands of people dance rapturously, shoulder-to-shoulder, and it’s a bona fide blast. It hurts my back (because these hips do not like to move) but it’s worth it.
In short, stop paying for Tracy Anderson, ditch that Equinox membership, and boogie down in the comfort of your own home.
Misc Recs
Unrelated things Remy likes that you might, too
🎞️ A movie: Serial Mom
A John Waters feature starring Kathleen Turner. Need I say more?
📖 A book: You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again
This is a memoir by Julia Phillips, the first woman to ever win a Best Picture Oscar. Her voice is absolutely insane, and has been one of the top influences on my own writing.
🍝 A restaurant: La Pergoletta
Don’t tell anybody, but La Pergoletta in LA is the ultimate neighborhood spot. The pasta is great, and the celeb sightings are bananas. But be careful–I was shittalking a musician’s style last week, then looked across the restaurant…and saw her staring right at me. Oops?
📸 A tour: Check out the Stahl House in LA
It’s as cool as it looks in photos, and really does have the best view in town. You have to book it months out, but it’s totally worth it.
You can get more of Remy’s immaculate taste here and here. See you next week for more nicheness. Bye!