
80S FITNESS FADS THAT DESERVE A COMEBACK
By freelance writer Jane Duncan
May 13 2020
Aerobics
Aerobics was the most popular among the fitness crazes of the 80s, and millions of people all over the world flocked to gyms and dance studios to participate in this workout. This exercise trend was also the reason why gym goers invested in workout gear, and people would show up to exercise class wearing flashy leggings, shiny unitards, and leg warmers, paired with the requisite matching sweatbands and wristbands. Meanwhile, those who couldn’t make it to the gym would tune in to shows such as 20 Minute Workout, which was considered as the most successful aerobics show of the decade. If you or your parents happen to keep old aerobics tapes around, you can follow along to them, or go on YouTube and follow along to routines taught by Richard Simmons or Denise Austin.
The Total Gym
Jazzercise
Long before people danced up a storm in Taebo and Zumba classes, there was Jazzercise. This dance-based exercise which was founded in the late 60s, became one of the most successful franchises of the 1980s, and everyone from teenagers to seniors loved it as it encouraged everyone to find the joy in working out. To this day, people still attend Jazzercise classes in every US state and in 25 countries. Original Jazzercise classes can be found on YouTube, but you can also attend online classes on websites such as Jazzercise On Demand.
The 80s was surely an iconic decade for exercise as people discovered how much fun it is to get fit. Now more than ever, these fitness trends deserve a comeback, as working out should be a joyful part of every one’s life.

More Jazzercise by Judi Sheppard Missett (1982)