by Jane Duncan, freelance writer
July 13 2021
In 1984, Jack LaLanne, dubbed “The Godfather of Fitness,” inspired the world by chaining 70 rowboats to his body and towing them a mile. He was 70 years old at the time.
These fitness stars may have been another colourful ‘80s fad, but they certainly did get everyone moving - they even inspired movie star Olivia Newton John to sing “Let’s Get Physical!”
Richard Simmons was flamboyant, funny and certainly had a trademark 1980s hairstyle that always maintained its glory, both before and after a workout.
Jane Fonda was actually 45 years old when she released her first exercise video. Throughout the 1950s, Jane worked as an actress and a model, but in the 1980s, she became a household name in fitness.
In 1982, Jane released a VHS tape based on her exercise book called Jane Fonda’s Workout. Embracing aerobic fitness, Jane became extremely popular, both in America and over the pond in the UK. She was showing the world that you didn’t have to be in your 20s to start your fitness journey - you just needed a floor mat and plenty of enthusiasm.
Suzanne Somers appeared on Three's Company and Step by Step, but arguably had a more successful career in fitness during the 1980s. Clad in her skimpy pink leotard, Suzanne promoted working out at home and, in particular, gave the world possibly the most famous piece of exercise equipment ever - the Thighmaster. Whether or not the Thighmaster actually worked is up for debate, but it certainly made Somers a small fortune. 40 years later, you can still buy one online if you fancy having a go.
The 1980s was a decade of big personalities and fun when it came to fitness. The workout stars of the day donned their trusty legwarmers, jumped around, and inspired us all to get off the couch and get moving.
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