Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
These 26 Amazing ‘80s Fitness Trends Starkly Contrast With What Working Out Looks Like Today
Working out is the best way to get fit and feel healthy. For decades, people have been trying out different workout routines and fitness trends to see what feels the best for their bodies. That’s also why gyms and exercise styles have evolved so much over time.
If you look at fitness trends from just four decades ago, you’ll notice how far we’ve come from the workout routines of the 1980s. From the fashion to even the type of exercises done, these photos will show you just how much gyms have evolved over the years.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
"Parachute" In Gym Class
RELATED:
#2
Do Schools Still Have These?
Richard Ross 14 hours ago
Probably have 3 point harnesses. Hard hat. Safety glasses and hi viz jacket to do this nowadays.
#3
Cardiofunk On Vhs In England, 1989
Presenter: Carolan Brown 12 Minute Warm-up, 7 Minute Abdominal Floor Work, 35 Minute Cardiofunk Low Impact Aerobics, 6 Minute Cool Down
One of the biggest fitness evolutions that happened in the past was the steady increase of women working out. Now, women make up around 50% of exercise club members. That wasn’t always the case, especially in the 80s. What actually motivated women to work out more was the rise in new types of fitness routines.
Jazzercise was one such trend that invited women to experience the joy and flair of working out by combining exercise with dance. This type of workout routine challenged the typical machismo that was normally associated with exercising.
It motivated women to have fun with fitness while also burning calories and trimming their waistlines. People either took group classes for it or watched Jazzercise videos on their Video Home Systems (VHS).
#4
A Very 1980s Scene: Men And Women At Aerobics Class With A Live Band At UC San Francisco Millberry Union (October 1987)
Socks Thecate 15 hours ago
That leotard with the high cut legs - glad that went out of fashion.
#5
Kathy Smith: Starting Out Classic From 1987
LizzieBoredom 14 hours ago
Rule #1) White socks with white sneakers, and Rule #2) Arched, fake windows in the background.
#6
In The 1980s, Bodybuilding Became A Craze
Even though some of the workout trends from the 1980s are still in use today, the fashion of fitness enthusiasts has changed drastically. Gymgoers used to wear colorful sweatbands while exercising, and if they didn’t have one, their workout felt incomplete.
Unitards, leotards, and legwarmers were definitely the craze. People combined a lot of quirky colors and had no problem mixing many styles in one go. This type of dressing sense also became popular because of the quirky workout videos they had.
#7
My Uncle Training For The U.S. National Bodybuilding Competition (Early 80s)
#8
When Leotards Were In, Aerobics Was The New Craze, And Classes Were Packed At Our Old Ladies Gym In West Ryde
LaserBrain 14 hours ago
Legend has it that they're still trying to get out of their gym memberships.
#9
Evolution Of The Training Rooms
One of the most fondly remembered exercise trends of the 80s was the ‘Jane Fonda’ workout video series. It featured Jane Fonda, an actress, activist, and writer whose guided workout videos were owned by almost every woman in America.
Dressed in legwarmers and a leotard, Jane would show women how to exercise in a fun and interesting way. People found this an easy way to lose weight and also stick to the habit of working out while in the comfort of their own homes.
#10
Kathy Smith: Rubber Band Workout (1986)
#11
29 Minute Beginners Workout (1988)
#12
Jazzercise 1982 By Judi Sheppard Missett
Judi Sheppard Missett and her jazz moves in her 80s: "Shape Up with Jazzercise" workout video.
One of the most interesting things about exercising in the 1980s was how hardcore every workout was. There were no fancy machines and equipment, so people had to make do with other options and train to a much higher intensity.
The absence of phones meant that folks were not getting distracted as much and could stick to their exercise routine. It was also the time when many people got heavily invested in bodybuilding and started bulking up.
#13
My Father In The Army Gym, 70s/80s
#14
VHS: Joanie Greggains One On One (1987)
LizzieBoredom 14 hours ago
I personally wouldn't do my workout at a construction site, but that's me.
#15
Kathy Smith Fat Burning Workout (1988)
The 80s certainly saw a rise in the number of women working out at gyms. Although these spaces were first mostly occupied by men, women made an effort to join in and exercise. That’s why you can see many types of people working out at the gym and striving to create a healthier and happier lifestyle for themselves.
Do you also like working out? If so, what’s your favorite thing to do at the gym?
#16
Stormie Omartian: Low Impact Aerobic Workout (1987)
Serena Myers 10 hours ago
If I got on one of those mats I'd never get up again, unless I could get onto my hands and knees and crawl until I found something I could use to pull myself up! Too many years kneeling on cold damp ground on archaeological sites!
#19
1988 Crystal Light National Aerobic Championship Opening
#20
Superbody Low-Impact Aerobic Workout 1987 VHS
Deborah Crocker shakes her 'Moroccos' to the beat in this calorie burnin' eighties workout.
#23
In The Gym In Lyubertsy, Moscow Region, 1987
#25
Aerobics Down Under (1984)
Hosted by Everyone's Dad in the 80s, 'Aerobics Down Under' takes spunkiness and stretchiness to the next level the Australian way and even features a special line dancing inspired routine.
Add New Image
Related on Bored Panda
