12 Vintage Exercise Videos That Wouldn’t Sell Today
This is a roundup of outdated workout videos that once ruled living rooms but now seem awkward, over-the-top, or just plain bizarre.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These old-school exercise tapes were all the rage at one point, thanks to neon spandex, cheesy music, and overly enthusiastic instructors. They promised fast results and fun vibes, but most would never fly in today’s fitness world. Looking back, it is clear that fitness trends have come a long way.
1. Jane Fonda’s Workout Craze
Georges Biard on Wikimedia Commons
Jane Fonda was the face of home workouts in the ’80s, and millions followed her lead. The tapes were high-energy and packed with pep, but the leotards and nonstop chatter feel more exhausting than motivating today. What once empowered a generation now feels like a VHS time capsule.
2. Richard Simmons’ Sweatin’ to the Oldies
Bonnie Schiffman; Distributed by Elektra Records on Wikimedia Commons
Richard Simmons brought unmatched flair to fitness with disco tunes, sequins, and dance routines. While his energy was contagious, the over-the-top theatrics would probably confuse modern gym-goers. It is fun to rewatch, but it feels more like a musical than a workout.
3. Buns of Steel Intensity
Carnaval.com Studios from The Inner Mission San Francisco, Earth on Wikimedia Commons
Buns of Steel was no joke, and those lunges were brutal. The serious tone and no-nonsense vibe feel more like punishment than motivation now. Plus, the focus on body perfection makes it feel dated and unrealistic.
4. Gilad’s Bodies in Motion
U.S. Navy photo by Storekeeper 1st Class Blaine W. Smith on Wikimedia Commons
Set on Hawaiian beaches, Gilad’s workouts looked more like vacation videos. The exercises were solid, but the cheesy music and slow pacing make them hard to take seriously today. Still, that ocean backdrop was hard to beat.
5. Cindy Crawford’s Striking Workout VHS
Ibsan73 on Wikimedia Commons
Cindy Crawford’s tape felt more like a fashion shoot than a fitness routine. The glamorous settings and supermodel poses made it visually stunning, but the exercises lacked structure. Today’s audiences would want more sweat and less smizing.
6. Tae Bo Explosion with Billy Blanks
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sharay Bennett on Wikimedia Commons
Tae Bo took off in the late ’90s, blending martial arts and cardio. It was intense, loud, and totally different from anything else at the time. Now, it feels too frantic and scripted for today’s more mindful fitness crowd.
7. Aerobicise for Late-Night TV
myself on Wikimedia Commons
Aerobicise was more about the visuals than actual fitness. The slow camera pans and sensual vibe made it feel like soft-core exercise. Today, it would raise more eyebrows than heart rates.
8. Denise Austin’s Perky Pep Talks
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Denise Austin was known for her relentless positivity and high-pitched motivation. Her beachside workouts were cheerful, but the voice and vibe can feel a bit too sugary now. It is hard to focus on form when being constantly cheered on like a toddler.
9. Step Aerobics Obsession
Gustavo Fring on Pexels
Step aerobics was a full-on craze, and instructors made even simple moves sound like battle drills. The music was fast, the steps were faster, and it left many tripping over platforms. It was fun then, but today’s fitness world prefers smoother transitions and safer pacing.
10. Chair Workouts That Made No Sense
Miriam Alonso on Pexels
Some tapes introduced chairs as props, but the movements often looked odd and impractical. Instead of offering real support or challenge, they just added awkward choreography. It felt more like interpretive dance than strength training.
11. Dance Fever-Inspired Workouts
Peli on Wikimedia Commons
Dance fitness had a disco twist back then, with routines that looked straight out of a club. They were flashy and full of spins, but not always practical for burning calories. Now, workouts lean more toward function over flair.
12. Celebrity Cash-In Tapes
ThoroughlyReviewed on Wikimedia Commons
Many celebs jumped on the fitness video trend, even if they had no training at all. These tapes focused more on fame than form, and the workouts often lacked any real benefit. Today’s audience demands credibility, not just a famous face.