Aerobics Oz Style
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fitness, Television |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Harry Michaels |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Fate | Ended |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Aerobic fitness television program, exercise videos |
| Website | www |
Aerobics Oz Style is an Australian television series focused on aerobic fitness instruction, which was broadcast on Network 10 during early mornings from 6:00 to 6:30 am on both weekdays and weekends between 1982 and 1990, and again from 1994 until 2005. It also aired on Seven Network between 1991 and 1993. The program was distributed internationally prior to its termination by Network Ten in 2005.
TV series background
Conceived and produced by Harry Michaels, Aerobics Oz Style spanned over two decades from 1982 to 2005, producing more than 4,500 episodes under the production company Zero1Zero (now known as NEP Studios). Each half-hour installment followed a structured sequence: beginning with a warm-up, followed by two main workout segments, and concluding with a cool-down stretch. A single lead instructor guided the routine with support from four demonstrators. Initial episodes were shot inside a studio environment, while later productions incorporated outdoor settings around Sydney.
Format
The show’s episodes were centered around specific workout themes such as high and low impact routines, leg workouts, abdominal exercises, and overall body toning. As the series progressed, new themes like kick-boxing, Latin dance, and pilates were introduced; earlier editions included light hand weights and dynabands. The exercise attire transitioned over time from traditional leotards and bicycle shorts to halter tops paired with snug shorts.
The cast of instructors and demonstrators represented a broad demographic, catering to viewers of various ages and genders. The program also gained a young audience who often tuned in early before popular children’s programming like Cheez TV.
Tie-in Merchandise
During its broadcast tenure, the Aerobics Oz Style brand extended into a collection of exercise videos featuring longer workout sessions and additional styles such as Swiss ball exercises not shown on television. This collection consisted of 22 titles that featured exclusive musical tracks distinct from those used in the televised episodes.
Theme music
In 1998, the British duo U NO HU (Gary Williams and Philip Barber) produced more than 300 original instrumental dance and chill-out compositions specifically crafted for the show’s broadcasts and accompanying videos. This refreshed soundtrack contributed to a 20% increase in viewership ratings on BSkyB, bolstering the program’s established fan base. Additionally, Australian band TISM created a parody of the show in their 1998 music video for "Whatareya?".
Current broadcasts
Aerobics Oz Style continues to be aired in Australia through the Aurora Community Channel (channel 183) available on Foxtel, Optus, and Austar, with daily airings at 6:30 am and 2:00 pm AEST. In Europe, the series is broadcast every day on Sky Sports channels at 6:00 GMT, with multiple repeats throughout the day. Since 2011, Sky Sports has increased early morning broadcasts of the program.
Talent
- June Jones – (1983–2005) – original instructor and demonstrator
- Wendi Carroll – (1990–2005) – instructor and demonstrator
- Michelle Dean – instructor and demonstrator
- Taryn Noble (née Polovin) – (1998–2005) – instructor and demonstrator
- Helen Tardent – (2000–2005) – pilates instructor; former professional dancer with the Royal Academy of Dance; currently operates a Pilates studio in Double Bay, Sydney
- Kate McCracken – (2002–2005) – demonstrator and dancer
- Erinjayne Gard – (2000–2005) – demonstrator
- Jodie Low – (1996–2002) – demonstrator; crowned Miss Fitness Australia in 1996
- Amanda Breen – instructor and demonstrator; later served as Director – People & Culture at Les Mills Asia Pacific; reportedly considered for a Trainer position on Biggest Loser Australia
External links
- Official site
- Official YouTube channel
- Aerobics Oz Style listing on IMDB
- Articles with short description
- Australian non-fiction television series
- Aerobic exercise
- Network 10 original programming
- Seven Network original programming
- 1982 Australian television series debuts
- 2005 Australian television series endings
- 1980s Australian television series
- 1990s Australian television series
- 2000s Australian television series