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Arnold Schwarzenegger, Total Body Workout

Reviewed by Chris Ching

Reconciling the physical and spiritual worlds through athletic expression has always been a part of recorded history. The Greeks competed in Olympic Games not only for personal acclaim, but to glorify the gods they worshipped. The Shaolin monks of China practiced Kung Fu as the most accurate expression of their inner being. Now, Arnold Schwarzenegger carries on this tradition with Total Body Workout, a piece of work destined to bring out a new age of enlightenment amongst the people of the Earth.

Here's the formula: the Terminator and present Governor of Cah-lee-forn-yah raps workout instructions and encouragement on top of pop songs like Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' " and Tommy Tutone's "867-5309/Jenny". True, his rhymes might not be exactly be "def" in the truest sense of the word, but there is little difference between Arnie's call to "Squeeze Your Buttocks" and Mystikal's to "Shake Your Ass." Arnold's intonations hit hard but also belie an emotional core that touches the heart. Attention Eminem! Hold on tightly to your King of Rap Crown, because if Arnold sets his site on you then its "Asta La Vista Baby!"

Other tunes Arnold truly makes his own are "Think I'm In Love" by Eddie Money and "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls. If he ever blesses the world with Total Body Workout Volume Two, I suggest he add to his repertoire, Olivia Newton John's "Physical", "Working For the Weekend" by Loverboy, and "Tubthumbing" by Chumbawamba. If he chooses to be more avant garde, "Ebony and Ivory' would be an excellent artistic move.

Like all of history's major creative figures (Aristotle, Michelangelo, Picasso, etc.), Arnold both entertains and challenges his audience. More importantly, he reflects and amplifies the human spirit. Total Body Workout is the perfect antidote during these times when so many of us feel less optimistic about the world around. Just pop in this CD, listen to that famous teutonic voice instruct you to "Make Your Thighs Burn" backed by Blue Oyster Cult's "Burning For You" and life's beauty becomes so much more apparent.

Rating: (4 out of 4 stars)