Aerobics TV star Sue Becker was also a talkback radio host 'way ahead of her time'

Published

6 months ago

June 3, 2024

Aerobics TV star Sue Becker was also a talkback radio host 'way ahead of her time'

In 1992 Rae Earl was a student at home in England watching a BBC program called TV Hell.

The show was a compilation of “diabolical moments” from British television history — programs that quickly disappeared into entertainment purgatory.

Featured was a show from 1972 called Boomph with Becker, an aerobics program for seniors presented by an eccentric fitness guru called Sue Becker.

“I was fairly entranced as much as the nation was,” Ms Earl told Leon Compton on ABC Radio Hobart.

“It was pre-internet so you can’t say it was viral but once you saw it a lot of people were talking about it.”

Described by the BBC as idiosyncratic, Becker starts off in a green dress but is soon prancing around elderly people in a black leotard encouraging them to “boomph” with her.

“It’s wonderful, it’s so eccentric,” Ms Earl said.

Thirty years later, and now an author, Ms Earl would begin dedicating her time to finding out more about Becker’s life and writing a PhD about her.

She discovered there was much more to Becker than her moment in TV Hell.

Becker and pop star Normie Rowe.(ABC News)

A ‘fascinating’ life

About seven years ago BBC Archives shared the clip of Boomph with Becker again, and Sue Becker was back on Ms Earl’s mind.

Ms Earl was now living in Tasmania, and discovered that Becker had spent a decade on the island as well.

Becker was a radio presenter in Tasmania for a decade.(ABC News)

“I couldn’t find much about her, but the more I did find, the more interesting she became,” Ms Earl said.

“I started to look into her life, she was fascinating.”

Born in England, Becker attended the revolutionary I.M Marsh College of Physical Training in Liverpool.

“It was one of the first places in the world that thought women should be involved in sport and education,” Ms Earl said.

Becker then travelled widely, and in the 1950s she moved to Papua New Guinea by herself to reportedly learn native dance.

She married the doctor who treated her for malaria and hepatitis and lived there for about six years, before getting divorced.

Becker during an interview in 1991 about leaving Tasmania.(ABC News)

TV aerobics fame

In 1966 Becker ended up in Australia, and shot to TV fame through her own aerobics show on the ABC called Swing In Time.

“She wore diamanté fishnet stockings with a black leotard, her figure was to die for,” Ms Earl said.

Becker doing facial exercises in the 1960s.(ABC News)

In the 1970s she took her manager to court over what she believed was an unfair deal.

It settled out of court but hampered her ability to work in the industry in Australia.

This led to the infamous one-off season of Boomph with Becker in the UK, which would be repeated for decades to come.

Just last month BBC Archives re-shared a clip from it and it received 380,000 views.

“She disappeared from view except for when she’s been used as a joke, which I think is criminal,” Ms Earl said.

Becker interviews former Tasmanian premier Robin Gray in the late 1980s.(ABC News)

Beckers Broadside

As well as her aerobics programs, Becker was on air for the ABC, initially in Sydney and then all throughout the 1980s on radio in Tasmania.

Her program Beckers Broadside was one of the earliest talkback radio programs, and one of the first with a woman hosting.

The hour-long program saw her interview all types in a very matter-of-fact way, including prime ministers and premiers.

Her signature deep, gravelly voice became an iconic sound across Tasmania.

A transcript shows Becker hotly debating Malcolm Fraser over the cost of living and interest rates.

Rae Earl is writing a book and PhD about Becker.(ABC News)

“She is way ahead of her time,” Ms Earl said.

“She’s a talkback presenter in the 80s, and female.

“There were not many of those.”

a black and white typed transcript of an interview — Becker’s interview with prime minister Malcolm Fraser.(Supplied: Australian government)

Ms Earl said her PhD would explore the relationship radio presenters had with their audience, and what happened when they were no longer on air.

“She allows me to examine women in the entertainment industry, it’s also a story of empire, it’s a story of post-war Britain and Australia.”

Ms Earl also plans to write a book about Becker, and wants her to be remembered for more than Boomph With Becker.

“She’s kind of been forgotten, and I think this is an act of criminality,” she said.

“She was on air for the entirety of the 1980s so I would really like to get her back into the public consciousness.

“She’s a protean talent.”

Becker parted ways with the ABC in 1990 and moved to Queensland to be closer to her son.

She died in 2007.

ABC listeners remember Sue Becker

ABC Radio Hobart listeners shared memories of Sue Becker on the Mornings program.

Cathy: “Sue Becker, wow, a blast from the past! I was one of thousands who tuned in wearing my sports gear and joining in with exercising.”

Melegueta said: “The way she was, she put a lot of people’s backs up but in herself I thought she was just wonderful.”

Mary: “She was dynamic, exciting. I had four children under five in the 70s so I was frantically busy but I wanted to be fit too. She was a real drawcard when I had time to hear her. I do remember her very fondly, she was an exciting personality.”

Keith: “She was quite outrageous in some ways.”

Kay: “I remember the husky voice, black leotard and colourful scarf around her neck.”

Sue: “We were living in Port Moresby in the 1960s and 70s and Sue had a show on air on aerobics.”

Ms Earl would like to hear from people with memories of Sue Becker via suebeckerproject@gmail.com

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Jonathan Daviss Trains With Big Weights to Get ‘Outer Banks’ Ripped

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Press Room

Jonathan Daviss Trains With Big Weights to Get ‘Outer Banks’ Ripped

JONATHAN DAVISS IS not the type of guy to go light. When he showed up to the MH Fitness Hub to show off his workout, he didn’t need to stack weight plates on the bar to recreate a working set of back squats. But the 24-year-old star of Netflix’s hit Outer Banks series—who introduced himself simply as JD on camera—didn’t even think about slacking, even though he was only demonstrating his routine. He threw 315 pounds on the barbell, stepped up to the rack, and repped out his set.

That willingness to load up the weight might just be because he has a different mindset than the norm. “I’m one of the weird ones,” Daviss said. “I actually prefer doing legs over arms.” He called out squats, hang cleans, power cleans, or deadlifts as his favorite exercise, depending on the day—all major movements that will build up leg strength and power—mostly because he knows he can use heavy weights for those movements.

Daviss has built a workout with trainer Rhys Athayde that allows him to push big weights while also prepping him for his Outer Banks role as Pope Heyward—who, as the pair joked, has his shirt off for a lot of the series. The combination of heavyweight lifts, jumps, and dedicated core work help him to look the part. It also helps that the actor has an athletic background: He played two years of varsity football in Texas, and he credits his training knowledge on that experience.

Check out Daviss’s workout, which challenges the actor to harness his power and strength to build up his body for Outer Banks.

Jonathan Daviss’s Outer Banks-Ready Workout

Warmup

Resistance Band Stretch and Floor Work

The Workout

Barbell Bench Press

3 sets of 10 to 12 reps

Single, Double Leg Box Jump

3 sets of 10 to 12 reps each

Barbell Back Squat

3 sets of 10 to 12 reps

Cable Kickbacks

3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per arm

Core Superset

Farmers Carry

5 sets of 20 yards

Hanging Knee Raise

30 second hold, then reps to failure

Want more celebrity workout routines? Check out all of our Train Like videos.

Fitness

Alchemy X brings Fitness and Holistic Health Facility to Philly's Navy Yard

Published

9 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Press Room

Alchemy X brings Fitness and Holistic Health Facility to Philly's Navy Yard

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Fitness and Holistic Health Facility Alchemy X moved from South Philly to the Navy Yard this past June.

Owner DaraMarie Adams opened Alchemy X in 2022 with the help of her fitness instructor turned into close friend, Alexis Guthrie.

With Dara’s previous experience working in finance, she took classes with Alexis to clear her mind.

Alchemy X was born after discovering they shared the same dream of creating a community space based on fitness and wellness.

Alchemy X now has two rooms and 11 instructors for their pilate-based classes of various levels.

The newest addition to Alchemy X is the coffee and juice bar where Adams makes juices, cleanses, and detoxes based on your needs and seasonal drinks.

You can visit the Alchemy X website to book your next class.

website | Website|Instagram|
1200 Constitution Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19112.

Fitness

Sweat in Style: Exploring the Boom in the Exercise Fitness Apparels Market

Published

17 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Press Room

Sweat in Style: Exploring the Boom in the Exercise Fitness Apparels Market

WiseGuy Reports

A Market Pumped for Growth
The market size for exercise and fitness clothing was projected to reach USD 340.35 billion in 2023. It is anticipated that the market for exercise and fitness apparel would increase from 357.4 billion USD in 2024 to 528.5 billion USD in 2032. During the forecast period (2024-2032), the exercise fitness apparels market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR (growth rate) of approximately 5.01%.

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Shifting Trends Fueling the Demand

The Rise of Athleisure Athleisure, a blend of athletic and leisure wear, has been a game changer in the fitness apparel industry. Consumers now demand clothing that is versatile, stylish, and comfortable, suitable for both workouts and everyday wear. With celebrities and influencers endorsing fitness gear as a fashion trend, athleisure has taken center stage, appealing to a broader audience beyond gym-goers.

Wellness and Fitness as a Lifestyle The global pandemic acted as a catalyst, transforming how people perceive fitness and well-being. Home workouts, virtual fitness classes, and outdoor activities became popular, fueling the demand for quality exercise apparel. People are investing more in activewear that supports their fitness goals, enhances performance, and provides maximum comfort.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices Today’s consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious, pushing brands to innovate in sustainable activewear. Companies are leveraging recycled and organic materials, adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and creating products with reduced carbon footprints. This shift toward sustainability is not only a trend but also a necessity as brands aim to capture the environmentally aware segment of the market.

Key Companies in the Exercise Fitness Apparels Market Include:

Nike

Adidas

Lululemon Athletica

Under Armour

Puma

Columbia Sportswear

VF Corporation

Asics

Mizuno

New Balance

Anta Sports

Li Ning

Fila

361 Degrees

Kappa

Technological Innovations Transforming Activewear

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing fitness apparel. Moisture-wicking fabrics, odor-resistant materials, and compression wear that aids muscle recovery are just a few examples of how technology is enhancing performance. Furthermore, smart textiles equipped with sensors to monitor biometrics like heart rate and body temperature are slowly entering the market, catering to the growing demand for data-driven fitness experiences.

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The Impact of E-commerce and Social Media

E-commerce has become a significant distribution channel for exercise fitness apparel, making it easier than ever for consumers to browse and purchase products. Online platforms offer a wide variety of styles and brands, while social media plays a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences. Fitness influencers and brand ambassadors showcase the latest trends, making activewear more aspirational and accessible. Direct-to-consumer brands are also using digital marketing and e-commerce to gain traction, offering personalized experiences and convenient shopping.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges. Intense competition, fluctuating raw material prices, and the need for constant innovation can put pressure on brands. Moreover, meeting the demands for sustainability while maintaining affordability and performance quality is a balancing act that many companies are still navigating.

Future Outlook

The future of the exercise fitness apparels market looks promising, with several growth opportunities on the horizon. Expect to see more hybrid garments that blur the lines between fitness wear and everyday clothing, as well as further integration of smart technologies. Customization and personalization will become key focus areas, as consumers seek apparel that reflects their individual style and preferences.

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