12 Obsolete Fitness Trends from the ’80s
These ’80s fitness trends once ruled the gym scene but now seem more like punchlines than workouts.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The ’80s had some wild workout trends that people really believed in back then. Bright outfits, VHS tapes, and strange gadgets filled gyms and living rooms. Some were fun, but many just did not age well. This list looks back at the fitness fads that have disappeared over time.
1. Neon Spandex Everything
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Neon spandex was everywhere in the ’80s, and it was not just about fashion. People wore these loud, stretchy outfits to stand out and show they were serious about fitness. Looking back, it feels like everyone was dressed for a disco rather than a workout.
2. Jazzercise Fever
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Jazzercise combined upbeat dance moves with aerobic exercise, turning gyms into energetic dance floors. It became incredibly popular through classes and tapes that felt more like performances. Today, the routines feel more like retro dance parties than real training sessions.
3. ThighMaster Obsession
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The ThighMaster claimed to tone your thighs just by squeezing the device while sitting on the couch. It became a pop culture hit thanks to constant TV ads featuring Suzanne Somers. Most people eventually realized it was more of a gimmick than a game-changer.
4. Workout VHS Tapes Everywhere
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Fitness tapes brought celebrity trainers into people’s homes, making living room workouts the new normal. Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons led energetic routines while viewers followed along on their carpeted floors. These tapes are now seen more as collector items than actual workout tools.
5. Step Aerobics Craze
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Step aerobics had people hopping on and off plastic platforms in time to fast music. The moves were quick, repetitive, and often tough on knees and ankles. Many fitness programs today have replaced this with lower-impact routines that are easier on the joints.
6. Sauna Suits for Quick Weight Loss
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People wore shiny plastic suits to sweat more during workouts, thinking it would help them lose weight faster. The suits trapped heat and moisture, making workouts incredibly uncomfortable. Eventually, it became clear that the weight loss was mostly water and not fat.
7. Bodybuilding Magazines as Bibles
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Before online advice, people relied on bodybuilding magazines for tips and routines. These glossy pages featured photos of bulky athletes and pages full of supplement ads. Much of the advice now seems outdated or even unsafe by today’s fitness standards.
8. High-Impact Aerobics
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Workouts in the ’80s often involved a lot of jumping, bouncing, and pounding on hard surfaces. These high-impact routines were fast-paced but tough on joints, especially for beginners. Eventually, gentler options like low-impact aerobics and yoga took over.
9. The Body Vibration Belt
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This machine wrapped around your waist and shook your body, claiming it would burn fat without effort. It looked strange and felt even stranger, but people still gave it a try. Today, it is remembered more as a joke than a real fitness tool.
10. Aerobicizing to Pop Hits
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Pop songs powered many fitness classes, turning workouts into musical events. Instructors created routines around radio hits by Madonna or Michael Jackson to keep people moving. The music was fun, but the routines often sacrificed form for flair.
11. Endless Crunches for Abs
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Back then, everyone thought crunches were the secret to six-pack abs. People would do hundreds at a time, often without proper form or guidance. Today, fitness experts know that a strong core needs more than just one repetitive move.
12. Exercise Boards and Wobble Devices
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Balance boards and wobble gadgets promised full-body workouts using tiny movements. Some people loved the challenge, while others just felt silly standing on a shaky platform. These tools quickly lost popularity once more practical equipment came along.