Even though it seems like yesterday, the 80s was a time when aerobics and fitness trends were at an all-time high. Everything was all about achieving the perfect physique, and workout apparel was just as vital as the exercises themselves. Despite the out-of-date fashion trends and somewhat cringe-worthy gimmicks, revisiting the craziest 80s fitness trends is an exercise in nostalgia that we can’t help but love.
1. Jazzercise
Invented by Judi Sheppard Missett in the late 60s, Jazzercise was a high-intensity cardio and dance workout that soared in the 80s. The routine would include fast-paced dance routines choreographed to upbeat music, blended effortlessly with strength-training exercises, and accompanied by all the neon spandex, leg warmers, and high-top sneakers one could manage. Today, Jazzercise still has a faithful following, including millions of participants worldwide.
2. Tae Bo
Tae Bo was an energetic kickboxing workout created by Billy Blanks during the early 90s, but its roots could be traced back to the 80s. A mixture of Taekwondo and boxing that began in a Los Angeles karate studio class, Tae Bo capitalizes on its utilization of kicks, punches, and dance, combined with high-intensity cardio workout routines. The distinctive Tae Bo tagline, “Sweat like a champion,” speaks volume of the workout’s intensity levels, which continue to command a cult following even today.
3. Thigh Master
Suzanne Somers made the Thigh Master famous, a workout device designed to tone and firm the thighs. The Thigh Master involves a squeezing motion that works the inner and outer thigh muscles. Millions of people bought this invention during the 80s, and Suzanne Somers became a household name.
4. Workout Videos
In the 80s, workout videos seemed to be everywhere, featuring several celebrities and fitness gurus. From Cindy Crawford to Jane Fonda, you could calculate thousands of calories burned in various living rooms worldwide. These videos made it possible for anyone to have a fitness routine right in the comfort of their home and were, for most people, the start of their fitness journey.
5. Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks have been around longer than we can remember, but they were an especially popular workout routine during the 80s. Jumping Jacks are a simple and effective full-body cardio workout that improves heart health, lowers body fat, increases flexibility, and enhances coordination.
6. High-Impact Aerobics
High-impact aerobics was popular in the 80s, and they provided a highly effective and intensive workout designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, coordination, and balance. It involves dynamic moves such as jumping and moving arms and legs in sync to the beat of energetic music, which over time, became a staple of 80s fitness routines.
Conclusion
The fitness craze of the 80s may be long gone, but its influence and impact are still felt today. Not only did these trends shape exercise routines as we know them, but they left an iconic legacy that would always remain unforgettable. We may not be crunching or squatting the old-fashioned way anymore, but it’s undeniable that these 80s fitness trends paved the way for future generations of fitness enthusiasts.
