15 Retro Fitness Club Features That Have Disappeared
Many features that once defined fitness clubs in the past decades have disappeared as exercise habits, technology, and gym business models have changed.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Fitness clubs of earlier decades offered unique equipment, services, and environments that are rarely found today. As fitness trends evolved and new technologies emerged, many old features were phased out. This list highlights 15 retro fitness club elements that have quietly disappeared from the modern gym scene.
1. Bodybuilding Posters and Murals
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Older gyms often displayed large posters or wall murals of professional bodybuilders and fitness icons. These visuals served as inspiration and reflected the gym’s focus on serious weight training. Over time, many fitness centers replaced these images with neutral designs to appeal to broader audiences. The bold visuals of muscle icons are now mostly seen in niche bodybuilding gyms.
2. Metal Lockers with Built-In Ashtrays
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Some older fitness clubs had metal lockers with ashtrays attached inside or nearby, dating back to when indoor smoking was more common. While it may seem strange now, smoking in changing areas or lounges was once allowed. As health standards changed, smoking was banned, and these features were removed. Most modern gyms use plastic or wooden lockers with designated no-smoking areas.
3. Men-Only and Women-Only Workout Days
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Several clubs had specific hours or entire days where only men or only women could use the facilities. This was based on privacy and social norms of earlier decades. As gym culture shifted toward inclusivity, this practice largely disappeared. Today, most gyms operate under open-access rules for all members.
4. Nautilus-Only Workout Circuits
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In the 1970s and 1980s, Nautilus machines became popular for their resistance-based circuit workouts. Some clubs were designed entirely around these machines, offering guided routines with little variation. As fitness methods diversified, most gyms added free weights, cardio equipment, and functional training spaces. Full Nautilus circuits are now uncommon.
5. Carpeted Workout Floors
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Many fitness clubs used wall-to-wall carpet, even in weightlifting areas. This was once seen as comfortable and easy to maintain. Today, most gyms use rubber flooring or vinyl tiles for safety, hygiene, and durability. Carpeted weight rooms are now considered outdated and less sanitary.
6. Chrome Dumbbells and Machines
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Older fitness centers often featured polished chrome dumbbells, benches, and machines. These created a uniform, metallic aesthetic and reflected gym culture of the time. Chrome equipment has mostly been replaced with rubber-coated weights for noise reduction and durability. Only some classic gyms still use chrome equipment for nostalgia or aesthetics.
7. Sauna and Steam Rooms in Every Gym
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It used to be common for gyms to offer both saunas and steam rooms as standard amenities. These spaces were considered part of the health and recovery process. Many newer gyms have removed them due to maintenance costs, liability concerns, or space limitations. They are now more commonly found in premium or wellness-focused clubs.
8. In-Gym Juice Bars
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Fitness clubs in the 1980s and 1990s often included smoothie or juice bars where members could buy protein drinks or snacks. These areas were popular for socializing post-workout. While some boutique gyms still offer this, many larger chains have replaced them with vending machines or retail counters. The juice bar is no longer a standard feature.
9. Hard Copy Sign-In Sheets
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Members used to sign in manually with a pen and paper at the front desk. Attendance records were kept in binders or logbooks. With the rise of digital systems, most gyms now use keycards, apps, or fingerprint scanners. Manual sign-in sheets have been phased out.
10. Workout Record Charts on the Wall
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Gyms sometimes had charts posted where members could record their reps, sets, or goals. These served as motivation and tracking tools before fitness apps existed. Digital tools and personal devices have taken over this function. Wall charts are rarely used now, except in some small group training programs.
11. Aerobics Classes with Step Platforms
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Step aerobics classes were once one of the most popular fitness programs in gyms. Members followed instructors on raised plastic platforms to music in group studios. While still offered in a few places, most gyms have replaced them with newer formats like HIIT or spin. Step aerobics has become a specialty class, not a regular feature.
12. Tanning Beds Inside Gyms
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Some fitness centers included tanning beds as a paid or complimentary amenity. This reflected past trends linking fitness with tanned skin. Tanning beds have declined due to health concerns, regulations, and liability risks. Most gyms have removed them entirely.
13. In-House Massage Chairs and Coin Vibration Plates
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Certain clubs used to feature coin-operated massage chairs or vibration machines marketed for recovery or circulation. These machines were seen as fitness tools in earlier decades. Modern recovery methods now rely on foam rollers, compression devices, and guided recovery programs. These outdated machines are rarely seen in current gyms.
14. In-Person Class Schedules on Bulletin Boards
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Class times, events, and announcements were often posted on corkboards near the entrance. Members would read and remember schedules or take a printed copy. Most fitness centers now use digital displays, websites, or apps to communicate schedules. The bulletin board has mostly disappeared from the front desk.
15. Separate Lounges or TV Rooms
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Some gyms had member lounges or small rooms with televisions where people could relax after working out. These spaces reflected a more social approach to gym membership. As gyms moved toward compact and efficient designs, many of these spaces were removed. Today’s fitness centers prioritize floor space for training over casual hangout areas.