14 ’80s Exercise Class Trends That Won’t Return
This list highlights 14 exercise class trends from the 1980s that have faded away and are unlikely to come back.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The 1980s were full of flashy and unusual fitness trends. People wore bright outfits, followed along with VHS tapes, and worked out in ways that seem strange today. These exercise classes were popular back then, but most of them feel outdated now. This list shows which trends are gone for good and why they are best left in the past.
1. Neon Leotards & Spandex
Infrogmation of New Orleans on Wikimedia Commons
The tight neon one-piece leotards were the ultimate statement piece in 1980s fitness classes. They squeezed every curve and reflected every drop of sweat under bright studio lights. While they looked bold and energetic on VHS tapes, they are far too constrictive and garish for modern workouts.
2. Slouchy Leg Warmers
David Jones on Wikimedia Commons
Slouchy leg warmers were an iconic accessory in winter workouts, worn over tights, socks, and sneakers. They added both warmth and an extra pop of color to the ensemble. Kids today would likely find them bulky and unstylish compared to contemporary compression sleeves.
3. High Tight Scrunchie Ponytails
Christian Mesiano on Wikimedia Commons
These elastic scrunchies were engineered for lifting big ’80s hair off the neck during intense step aerobics sessions. They often matched the bright workout outfits and added even more height to the high ponytails. Modern fitness fans would see them as impractical and overly extravagant.
4. Sweatbands Everywhere
Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons on Wikimedia Commons
Sweatbands started on the forehead but quickly spread to wrists, knees, and even elbows as coordinated accessories. They soaked up sweat but also served as flashy fashion statements. Today, people prefer light-wicking headbands and breathable fabrics instead of layered neon strips.
5. Broad Jump Calisthenics
Ansel Adams on Wikimedia Commons
Broad jump routines involved dramatic lateral leaps across the studio floor, accompanied by shouted counts and flashy hand claps. The exercises looked impressive on VHS, though they lacked grace and subtlety. These routines have vanished because they offered little benefit and increased the risk of injury.
6. Macarena Style Step Routines
Kirt Edblom from Albany, Oregon, United States on Wikimedia Commons
Step platforms were a huge craze with choreography that felt part aerobics, part interpretative dance. Some routines were as intricate as the Macarena, complete with synchronized arms and steps. The fad ended when simpler, low-intensity step classes became favored for better accessibility.
7. Jane Fonda VHS Workouts
Images Alight on Wikimedia Commons
Jane Fonda’s VHS workouts were the gold standard of home fitness in the 1980s, featuring real sweat and occasional pauses for actors to catch their breath. Fans loved the theatrical voice-overs and bold outfits. Today, people tend to follow online, on-demand videos that offer more variety and interactivity.
8. Matching Outfit Sets
Angula Berria from Irun-Mosku, Euskal Herria on Wikimedia Commons
Neon matching outfit sets were mandatory and demanded perfectly coordinated leotards, cropped sweatshirts, and tube socks. You simply could not enter class without looking like you stepped out of a music video. Modern gyms now encourage functional sporty wear with mismatched tops and bottoms to suit individual style.
9. Group Freeze Dance Circuits
Kampus Production on Wikimedia Commons
Participants carried out quick circuits and froze on cue every few minutes, creating an oddly synchronized group freeze dance effect. The chaos felt fun and spontaneous but also a little forced. This trend fizzled out as fitness moved to more structured formats with clear progressions.
10. Parent Child Sweatin Sesh
Valeria Ushakova on Pexels
Family aerobics became a fun catch-all event, and backyards and studios welcomed both parents and kids. Everyone jumped in from six-year-olds to grandparents, creating a community atmosphere. Today, most families opt for guided kids fitness programs or outdoor parents’ events rather than combined session formats.
11. Floor Crunch Sets on Mats
Tyler Read on Wikimedia Commons
Crunch routines were a staple, often done in neat rows on slippery vinyl mats. Every session ended with sweaty sit-ups, headbands sliding, and plenty of grunts. People now use advanced core work equipment or trial varied floor-based movement to make sessions less repetitive.
12. Mall Studio Aerobics Culture
MART PRODUCTION on Wikimedia Commons
Aerobic classes were often held in mall studios, not gyms, drawing in shoppers and music lovers browsing stores. They offered air-conditioned dance cardio sessions and pumped rock ballads through small PA speakers. This vibe disappeared when full gym complexes became the preferred fitness format.
13. Punchy Skipping Jumps
KoolShooters on Pexels
Punchy skipping jumps were short bursts of rebound energy thrown between choreography sets. They felt punchy and fun but rarely increased fitness in any measurable way. In modern circuits, high-intensity intervals focus on more effective plyometric movements instead.
14. Cigarette Breaks Post Workout
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Instructors often allowed smoking breaks after cool-down moments of class, leaving studios filled with smoke. It seems unfathomable now, yet it was part of the culture at the time. Today, such habits are strictly banned in all fitness and public health spaces.