Reel Talk’s Alison Bailes – Top Five Getting Back in Shape Movies

by Alison Bailes of TV’s Lyon and Bailes Reel Talk 

Alison recently gave birth to her second child, son Frederick, on October 18th.  She also has a daughter named Agatha Violet. 

As we have all just eaten our way into the new year, I imagine that a fair few gym memberships will be purchased and new running gear pulled on in the next few days and weeks.

I myself will be recommitting to getting into shape, after having a baby in October. I hope to be getting more than four hours of sleep a night pretty soon, which will give me the renewed energy to attack the treadmill during the cold winter months. So below you’ll find my list of films that should be watched when that badly needed motivation is lacking.

"Rocky"
If you don’t belong to a gym, just head to your nearest butcher’s meat locker and pound those cow carcasses. Then run triumphantly through your town to the highest point, arms raised above head. "Eye of the Tiger" is, of course, essential iPod listening.

"Perfect"
Just watching Jamie Lee Curtis in those hi-cut leotards is enough to make me drop down and pump out the push-ups. Leg warmers not needed, but cool headband a must.

"G.I. Jane"
I’ve always wanted to be ordered around and shouted at in boot camp — especially if my unit leader was Viggo Mortensen.

"Pumping Iron"
An introduction to Arnold Schwarzenegger. His body was impressive, his regimen extreme, but it was his cutting remarks and passive aggressive manipulation that makes him the star of this documentary.

"Terminator 2"
If you are in prison or a mental institution, you can still get in shape! Just put your bed on end and do chin ups from the bar. Sarah Connor’s not only the mother of the future savior of mankind — she’s got the biggest guns in town!

Do any of these movies inspire you to get into shape?