14 ’80s Fitness Book Fads That Have Been Forgotten
These 14 fitness books from the 1980s were once bestsellers but are now mostly forgotten due to outdated advice and changes in health science.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the 1980s, fitness books were widely read by people looking for at-home guidance on weight loss, strength training, and body transformation. Many books reflected the trends of the time but lacked long-term relevance or scientific backing. Today, most of them are out of print and largely unknown to younger generations.
1. Jane Fonda’s Workout Book (1981)
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This book offered structured home workouts, stretches, and dietary suggestions. It included step-by-step photographs and became one of the most successful fitness books of the decade. It was designed mainly for women and supported light aerobic and toning exercises. While influential, its style and approach are no longer widely used in modern fitness.
2. The Nautilus Bodybuilding Book by Ellington Darden (1984)
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This book focused on resistance training using Nautilus machines. It provided routines for strength, hypertrophy, and conditioning with clear instructions. Nautilus equipment was popular in gyms at the time but declined as free weights regained favor. The book’s machine-based programs have become less common in current training plans.
3. Callanetics by Callan Pinckney (1986)
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Callanetics introduced small, precise muscle movements combined with deep stretching. The book targeted posture, core control, and body shaping. It appealed to people seeking low-impact options, especially those avoiding high-intensity aerobics. Its techniques were later absorbed into modern barre and Pilates-inspired methods.
4. The Lotte Berk Method (U.S. version, 1980s)
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Originally developed in the 1950s, this method gained attention in the United States in the 1980s through books and studio classes. The technique blended ballet, yoga, and strength training. Books offered visual guides to exercises and emphasized body alignment and flexibility. It laid the foundation for barre workouts seen today, though the original method is no longer widely practiced.
5. The Royal Canadian Air Force Exercise Plan (Popularized through the ’70s and ’80s)
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This official exercise manual presented short daily routines for all fitness levels using only bodyweight. It was designed for military use but gained popularity among civilians for its simplicity. The book offered structured progressions based on repetition counts and performance. Today, it is largely replaced by more varied and individualized fitness programs.
6. Kathy Smith’s Ultimate Video Workout Book (1980s editions)
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Kathy Smith became a top fitness figure through books and companion videos. Her routines featured cardio, toning, and stretching, often aimed at beginners. The book helped readers build consistent habits but included minimal strength progression. Her early books have since been replaced by more advanced programs and updated exercise science.
7. Raquel Welch’s Total Beauty and Fitness (1984)
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This book combined yoga routines with general fitness and wellness tips. It included photo sequences and focused heavily on flexibility and breathing. While it introduced yoga to many readers in the West, it lacked depth and accuracy compared to traditional practice. The book faded from circulation as yoga training methods improved.
8. The New Aerobics by Kenneth Cooper (1983 update)
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Dr. Cooper updated his original aerobics plan with a revised point system and new cardiovascular guidelines. The book promoted jogging, cycling, and swimming as primary forms of exercise. It helped shape the era’s aerobic fitness boom. Later, more balanced approaches that included strength and mobility made single-mode programs less common.
9. Weight Training for Women by Joanie Greggains (1980s editions)
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This book guided women through resistance exercises using light dumbbells and bodyweight. It encouraged home strength training at a time when it was still seen as male-dominated. While it helped introduce weightlifting to female readers, the low-resistance model has since been replaced by heavier, progressive systems. Its methods are now viewed as outdated for building muscle or improving endurance.
10. The 20 Minute Workout Book (Based on 1980s TV series)
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This book was created to complement the televised “20 Minute Workout” program. It offered short aerobic routines with accompanying visuals and music cues. The structure emphasized quick, rhythmic movement without equipment. Though widely followed at the time, the lack of strength training made it less effective over the long term.
11. The Stretching Book by Bob Anderson (1980)
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This guide organized stretches by activity, sport, and time of day. It was praised for clear illustrations and easy-to-follow sequences. The book promoted flexibility and injury prevention before these became mainstream concepts. Although revised in later years, the original 1980s edition reflects early ideas that have since evolved.
12. Aerobics for Women by Judi Sheppard Missett (1980s)
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This book, created by the founder of Jazzercise, offered dance-based aerobic routines tailored for women. It encouraged fun movement, music-driven exercise, and group motivation. The method became part of gym classes and at-home workouts during the decade. While Jazzercise still exists, this book’s original techniques are rarely used in modern programs.
13. Fit for Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond (1985)
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This book mixed diet and exercise advice based on food-combining principles and light daily movement. It claimed weight loss could be achieved through natural eating rhythms and moderate physical activity. Many health professionals later criticized its dietary claims due to a lack of scientific support. While popular in its time, it is no longer recommended as a credible health plan.
14. Fitness Is Feeling by Bonnie Prudden (1982)
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Bonnie Prudden’s book emphasized flexibility, stress relief, and functional movement. It combined therapeutic exercise with practical tips for daily activity. The routines required little to no equipment and were aimed at all age groups. While innovative for its time, modern fitness programs now rely on more structured training approaches.