Getting Fit For Dr. Oz

Tuesday, I enjoyed a brief return to the world of TV for an upcoming fitness segment on “The Dr. Oz Show.”

The Oz-ettes: (from left) Shurla, Sharon, Hillary, Tawanna, me and Darneice with Stepp Stewart

My action-packed day began at NYC’s Pearl Studios in Midtown, where I met the five fabulous women who would be joining me on camera -- Shurla, Hillary, Tawanna (a.k.a Sam), Darneice and Sharon. Superstar cardio dance instructor Stepp Stewart taught us a quick, high-energy routine that had us feeling the burn right away.

After an hour of rehearsing, we headed over (in a comfy chauffeured van) to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, home to “The Dr. Oz Show” and, of course, NBC.

In The Green Room: Hillary getting de-linted by a member of the crew

As we were escorted up to the sixth floor, I couldn’t help thinking about my previous stint at 30 Rock, when I wrote for WNBC’s morning news. I felt a familiar rush of adrenalin seeing all of the producers and on-camera talent running around.

If only I could get this star treatment every day

Perky show producer Jill made sure we were all comfortable in the green room, where we changed into Dr. Oz t-shirts. Next, we all took turns getting glammed up by the hair and makeup pros.

All smiles post-primping

While waiting to be called to the set, the ladies and I bonded over conversation about men and aging. Fabulous Fifty-somethings Sharon and Hillary raved about being comfortable in your own skin once you hit the big 5-0. A tangent about dating older guys led Darneice to quip--

“Some men aren't meant to mature.”

Lights, Camera, Action: On “The Dr. Oz Show” set

Finally, more than three hours after we’ve arrived, it was time for our one and only on-set rehearsal. The runthrough was, as Sam observed, a hot mess. Thanks, though, to some additional off-camera practice and a pep talk from Jill, we were pumped up for showtime.

If I do say so myself, we nailed our routine, garnering big applause from the studio audience and an on-camera shoutout from Dr. Oz himself.

We love Dr. Oz!

It was an exhausting, exhilarating day. Not only did I burn some serious calories, but I got to know some amazing women. We’re already planning a viewing party reunion as soon as we know the airdate. Watch this space for details about when to tune in!