Reality on Bravo

I’m not the hugest Work Out fan, but I do admire the fact that the show isn’t afraid to bring up tough subjects in life, other than weight loss. On tonight’s episode, the things that stuck with me the most was the opening few scenes with the group therapy and Skylab clients. One of the clients revealed that her father had committed suicide, and Jackie shared that her father had also committed suicide.

This is a subject that rings dear to my heart.

When I was a senior in high school, one of my male friends called me, in tears, because he was so upset that he was just going to kill himself rather than face his problems. It’s an incredible about of pressure for someone to basically say to you, “If you don’t convince me otherwise, I’m going to shoot myself right now.” He didn’t shoot himself. I don’t take credit for that, because I think that if he really wanted to shoot himself, he would have done it no matter what I would have said, but I do think that I gave him a reason to calm down and think about enjoying life.

Then, when I was in college, my roommate (and one of my best friends) had a lot of problems with the health of her parents, who were both dealing with depression and other issues. She was constantly the parent in most situations, even though we were ourselves still finding our way. When we were juniors, she got the phone call that her father had killed himself (or so they thought–it wasn’t actually confirmed until much later, but he did, in fact, commit suicide). I didn’t have to go through it myself, but I cried my eyes out more than once because I watched someone I loved so much go through such a horrifying reality. I didn’t know what to do for her, or what to say. Her father, Don, was a great guy. He was funny and sweet, and he cared about Jillian a whole hell of a lot. At the same time, I understand why he though he had to do this.

My last semester at college, one of the girls I had hung out with during the summer also decided to end her life. I didn’t know her well, but it was hard hearing that this girl with her whole life ahead of her and many people who loved her just one day decided that life was too hard and so KJ jumped off of a traffic overpass.

Suicide is something that touches all of our lives. I’m not saying that my personal experiences are the same as what my high school friend or my roommate or KJ’s family went through. However, I believe very strongly that I do know that kind of pain and I do understand how it feels to be so upset that you can’t think of any other option. I also know that, no matter how horrible things may seem at the moment, there is someone who will talk to you and make life worth living.

If you are thinking about suicide, even a little, please read this website. Also know that whoever you are, I am here to talk. Stay safe, everyone.

Jackie Warner, Work Out, Skylab, Sky Sport & Spa, suicide

Here’s the quick run-down of what happened on last night’s episode of Work Out. Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen the show yet!

Jackie juggles two relationships at once, which is fine because both girls know about it…but it is not fine that she was on a date with one girl and then the other girl showed up. This was the first night she and Rebecca kissed…does that mean nothing? Just because you’re a lesbian, doesn’t mean you get to be a jerk to your date. It also doesn’t mean that you get to share all of your intimate secrets on camera. I think it was really rude how Jackie was talking about her getting “better at sex.” Her date was obviously a bit uncomfortable–and even if she wasn’t, I was uncomfortable. There aren’t different rules for lesbians. We didn’t hear Gregg talk to Zen about their sex life on camera!

The trainers are clearly bothered by their boss dating an employee and by the disrespect she showed to Rebecca by inviting another women to dinner after Zen’s gig. She talks to them about it, but you know what? They’re right. It is unethical to date an employee. I don’t care if you are Jackie Warner. I think that this lady is on a real power trip, and it’s not pretty. As a business owner, you have to be a role model to your employees.

Doug turns 44 in this episode, and again, I think that the show’s producers are treating this entire issue with total disrespect. They’re capitalizing on Doug’s death by building up the tragedy-factor. I’m glad they have him on the show, don’t get me wrong, but the way they are portraying him isn’t necessary. For example, in this episode they focused SO MUCH on the fact that his parents died at a young age. In fact, much of the show revolved around him. It’s just my personal belief that they should have edited the shows as normal instead of sensationalizing Doug’s death.

Jackie Warner, Doug Blasdell, Work Out, Bravo

Jack Warner from workout was recently interviewed by AfterEllen.com. See what she has to say!

AfterEllen.com: How are things at Sky Sport & Spa?
Jackie Warner: They’re great. It’s an exciting time. I started Skylab, which is an offshoot of Sky Sport, and that’s featured heavily in the second season. It’s the life-changing camp [where] you can live [and] breathe fitness and nutrition. I’m hoping to really inspire people with that. READ MORE.

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Jackie Warner, Workout, Sky Sport & Spa, Bravo

Last night’s show was certainly interesting. I have to say though, this show gets on my nerves a little because there are so many different people it follows. Hard to keep up with the jumping around sometimes! Here’s a brief recap of what happened:

“I don’t miss that girl who’s name I won’t say. She’s a little bitch. But I do miss the loving. I need to find a new lesbian. You’ll do. Oh, you’re not a lesbian? We’ll change that, because I’m Jackie Warner, and I’ll do what I want.”

“I’m going to court for being black.”

“Doug is the perfect trainer, and I’m so happy I finally found him and the editors/producers or this show are assholes because they’re setting everyone up for the news of his death later this season!”

“I’m going to make out with a new lesbian lover at the batting cages, even though a heterosexual couple doing the same thing would be overly gross. I’m Jackie Warner, I do what I want.”

“Jesse is going to teach you all to cook chicken breast. We needed filler for the show so we filmed this even though it was really boring.”

Jackie: “Zen, you can totally see through Rebecca’s nightie and I love it.”
Zen: “The slumber part cannot get any more awkward.”

“I was wrong. It just got more awkward.”

“haha! I will have my revenge for the stupid slumber party by making fun of Jackie’s hair!”

“No fair!!!! How come Jackie gets a gay lover coworker and I don’t!”

“Am I a lesbian or just an attention whore? You decide, America, because I don’t know!”

Workout, Bravo, Jackie Warner

Ok, Ok, I know I’ve been neglecting to cover this show, but I was caught up with missing the RHOC. Workout isn’t my favorite Bravo reality show, but we’ll see if it grows on me as time goes on. In any case, here are some great pictures from the Season 2 premier, which the cast watched together, along with a number of prominent members from the gay and lesbian community.

Zen Gray, Jackie Warner, Rebecca Cardon, and Erica Jacobson

Andre Riley and Brain Peeler

Gregg Butler

Jesse Brune, Brian Peeler, and Jackie Warner

[tags]Jacki Warner, Jesse Brune, Brian Peeler, Zen Gray, Rebecca Cardon, Erica Jacobson, Gregg Butler, Andre Riley, Workout, Sky Sport and Spa