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On the straight guy side, we have alpha male Brian, aka “Peeler”. He's the small town Southern boy who charms the ladies with his smile and twang. But he's also a hot head that clashes with Jackie on many levels. His position at the gym is forever in jeopardy, especially with the entrance of Jesse, the kind of gay guy Brian isn't so fond of.

Brian's female equal is thirty year old Rebecca, a fiery redhead who once starred on The Amazing Race. Rebecca puts the “sex” in sexual. Whether it's spreading naughty pictures of male genitalia, fondling clients' breasts, or discussing her own sex life, Rebecca doesn't hold back.

Not everyone responds to her antics, especially twenty-seven year old Erika. More beauty queen than trainer, she likes to keep the workplace safe and professional. Quick to rat on Rebecca, Erika is the prude of the bunch, strictly business all the time.

Rounding out the team is Andre, an African-American trainer with a military background, as well as Zen, a more “alternative” type of girl. Neither get much face time on the first two episodes of the show.

The plot lines of Work Out are typical reality conflicts. None of it is that pressing or important. In fact, compared to regular life, their plights are downright petty. But it's reality TV. It's supposed to be an escape from the ordinary.

The first two episodes focus on the group dynamic, specifically the entrance of Jesse and the possible exit of Peeler. Jackie takes the staff on a retreat to Palm Springs. They go to a strip club. Jackie deals with insubordination. Rebecca is called a slut. It's nothing new in the reality world.

What is new and fresh is Jackie herself. Focusing a show on a successful, beautiful, committed lesbian is something new for the reality world. And she's fascinating! Her pride and confidence leaps off the television screen. Nobody puts Jackie in a corner.

Part predator, part big sister, part businesswoman, part Scarlett Johansson (she looks a lot like her older sister), this lesbian is the one in charge. And once you get a look at her, you're invested all the way. Everyone, gay or straight, will be interested in her relationship with Mimi, and it's that storyline that may be what keeps people tuned in.

Work Out is an interesting hybrid of a show. There's no competition, like Survivor or The Amazing Race that results in contestants being eliminated. It simply follows Jackie and the trainers inside and outside of the gym, giving us a look at what goes into making a successful business work. Even if you've never set foot inside a health club, much less worked as a trainer, almost everyone knows what it's like to deal with a diverse group of co-workers in a stressful environment. And on that score, most viewers will find themselves able to relate to Work Out.

Nonetheless, there is some doubt as to whether Middle America will take to this show. Besides featuring so much queer content, it lacks a certain amount of positivism. This isn't Extreme Makeover by far. People talk smack about one another. They show weak morals and catty personalities. Besides Jackie and maybe Doug, no one is exactly a good role model. They often lack maturity and tact. It's a little like Baywatch: Reality. All surface, but no depth. But, hey, who doesn't love Baywatch?

With Work Out, Bravo continues to lead the pack in gay programming. Watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Life on the D List, Project Runway and Work Out should appease any gay man's television needs for an evening. Though Work Out isn't groundbreaking in any sense, it is nice eye candy for a night or two.

And mark my words; it certainly will inspire you to go to a gym. It makes even the most in-shape people feel like they aren't spending enough time working out. Hopefully, it will enthuse the public to get off the couch, start eating healthier, and treat their bodies like temples. If not, well, at least you get to see good-looking guys with their shirts off.

What gay man doesn't want to watch that?

Work Out premieres on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 from 11 p.m.-12 a.m. ET/PT on Bravo. Starting Tuesday, July 25, Work Out will move to its regular night and timeslot at 9:00 p.m. ET /PT.

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