Be Fit With Biray

I came across this video while doing my weekly YouTube rounds; following up on the latest fitness clips.

Although this video comically blends the Jedi lifestyle with traditional fitness culture, it actually hits on a concept that we’re seeing more regularly in health clubs around the world: fusion classes.

People are always trying to figure out ways to motivate people to exercise. And if integrating or fusing two interests into one gets folks excited to workout, I say more power to them! After all, pole dancers and strippers branded “StripTease Aerobics” - why not Star Wars fans?

I interviewed VanRoble, the production team behind this video, and discovered more about the inspiration behind JediGym:

Biray: How many months of training did Darth Vader have to go through to prepare for his role as a fitness master? (Was it as enduring as the Spartans in movie 300?) Does he have a six pack under that black robe?
VanRoble: We’re not sure how long he has trained. He just showed up as himself- he’s actually very scary.

Biray: Will you be doing any promotional campaigns in conjunction with NBC’s Biggest Loser or any other gyms? Will ‘LightSaber’ combat classes be the next big craze to follow Taebo?
VanRoble: Surprisingly, JediGym is real. Go to NYJedi.com and you will meet the real Master Flynn. People really do work out in Star Wars wardrobe. We’re thinking of starting a Harry Potter gym, or maybe Lord of the Rings. We’ve heard that a guy in Iowa just started up a Matrix gym- and that they workout in slow motion.

Biray: Where did the team get the idea for this movie?
VanRoble: The real world- NYJedi is real.

Biray: When will we expect to see the full feature?
VanRoble: No feature, but a tight 6-minute short film will be out soon. We’ve submitted to the Atomfilms Star Wars challenge so stay tuned to see it. I can promise a laugh- which I hear is a good workout.

True, laughing is definitely the best medicine. I’ll be looking forward to getting my dose of health in their upcoming JediGym flick.