I'll agree with "movie shorthand." I've occasionally seen some funky positions to show off badass-ery or how hard a character is working*, but there's a general trend to show the exercises that are instantly recognizable as hard. Exercises that are difficult/important, but not impressive looking, don't make the cut.
*(Ethan Hawke's hanging sit-ups in Gattaca comes to mind.)
no subject
Date: 2012-07-23 03:27 pm (UTC)*(Ethan Hawke's hanging sit-ups in Gattaca comes to mind.)