I thought it was an exercie show and recorded it, thought that I could make use of such a thing durign the workday, etc., but it was an ad to buy
DVDs.
Sounds like you are talking about isometric exercises. Charles Atlas was a big fan of isometrics IIRC. Today, they are used much less often, certainly by any trainers I know. I think they have applications along with weight training and cardio. (Kegels are an example of isometrics used by women.)