Confessions of an Aerobics Instructor

With all the hype that surrounds the ever-popular exercise industry; from the wardrobe essentials of active wear to the gym memberships, the fitness tracking accessories, and mass-produced elite gym equipment, Confessions of an Aerobics Instructor delves into the minds of the super humans that work in this business.

In Melbourne’s beautiful and historical Vaudeville venue, Speakeasy HQ, Joana Simmons takes us deep inside the fragile mind of the instructor Joy.  Joy may be on the brink of insanity. Her obsession with fitness has reached a level where there is no turning back; it’s gone too far, so now all is revealed in one hour bursting with energy fun and hysteria.

Confessions of an Aerobics Instructor is a workout for the gut; the gut-busting kind that you get from non-stop laughter for the entire spectacle, I can guarantee it.  Joy has a dig at the exercise industry that has for many become a cult, in fact she thrusts a major stab with all her power and might at it.   In a frenzy of aerobics activity, some rap, some singing, lots of yelling, Joy takes centre stage in the     essential lycra wear (that never sits comfortably) and she proceeds to reveal the truth about all the demons encompassing those obsessed and addicted to fitness.

While Joy struts her stuff around the room and on stage, breaking into a major sweat as she gives us her almighty, fuel injected moves, she tells the stories of binge eating, loss of control, the intolerant clients, the animosity and competitiveness between gym instructors. There’s no holding back; all the dirty laundry and vicious, scathing truths are laid out and it gets messy.

Simmons is phenomenal. You can see the prowess in her aerobic ability, very flexible and fit, but her talent does not end there; she has devised a show that is absolutely hilarious entertainment that showcases a well-defined performer and comedian.  The soundtrack is fundamental to the success of the show. Burgess has featured an exceptional mix of pop and rock and every song supports the anecdotes with added flair.   

Confessions of an Aerobics Instructor is full of colour, literally and divinely.  Whilst it’s superbly funny its also a show that sends positive messages that concur the fallacies of fad diets and poor body image. What a way to spread the word on some important facts. I loved it.

Lisa Romeo