17 ’80s Aerobic Workout Trends That Are No Longer Taught
Many 1980s aerobic workout trends are no longer taught because they lacked proper form, caused injuries, or didn’t support long-term health.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Aerobic workouts in the 1980s were fast-paced, loud, and filled with repetitive high-impact movements. These routines often ignored safety, joint health, and long-term fitness benefits. Many of the methods have since been replaced with safer, more effective training.
1. High-Impact Aerobics
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This type of workout required fast jumps and movements where both feet left the floor. It put pressure on the knees, ankles, and hips, especially on hard surfaces. Many people developed joint pain or injuries after doing these routines for long periods. Modern aerobics avoids these moves or uses low-impact versions instead.
2. Jazzercise With Bouncing
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In the 1980s, Jazzercise often included uncontrolled bouncing. These fast, loose movements strained joints and muscles without strengthening them properly. The risk of pulled muscles or joint pain was high, especially in group settings without supervision. Instructors today teach more controlled, stable movements.
3. Step Aerobics With Tall Platforms
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Early step aerobics sometimes used platforms that were too high. This created poor knee alignment and caused lower back strain during repeated stepping. It was especially risky for beginners or those with weak joints. Most instructors now use adjustable steps at safer heights.
4. Arm Circles With Weights
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Using small hand weights for fast arm circles was common. This caused unnecessary stress on the shoulder joints and rotator cuffs. There was little strength gain from the movement and a high chance of injury. Trainers now teach slower, targeted strength exercises.
5. Leg Warmers for Support
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Leg warmers were worn to keep muscles warm during exercise. Many believed they helped with injury prevention, but they had no real physical benefit. They did not support joints or muscles in any useful way. Today’s workout gear focuses on function, not appearance.
6. Neon Leotards and Tights
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The bright, tight outfits of the era looked bold but weren’t always practical. They restricted movement and caused overheating in high-intensity classes. Some fabrics didn’t breathe well, leading to discomfort. Activewear now focuses on stretch, airflow, and skin protection.
7. Nonstop Jumping Jacks
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Instructors often had students do jumping jacks for long periods without rest. This repetitive motion placed stress on the joints, especially in the ankles and knees. The constant impact made it unsuitable for many people. Current routines include more variety and better rest intervals.
8. Dance Moves With No Form
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Dance aerobics in the 1980s often focused on rhythm and speed over correct body mechanics. Many people twisted or turned without proper alignment. This caused back and joint problems in the long run. Today, instructors pay more attention to movement quality.
9. Speed Over Control
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Faster movements were often encouraged to keep energy high. However, when people moved too fast, they lost proper posture and control. This increased the risk of falls and pulled muscles. Slower, controlled movements are now seen as more effective and safer.
10. Floor Work Without Mats
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Participants often performed sit-ups and leg lifts directly on hard floors. This led to discomfort, bruising, and even injury in the lower back and hips. There was little to no spinal support during these exercises. Mats are now a basic requirement in fitness classes.
11. Back Arches and Leg Lifts
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Some workouts had people lie on their stomachs and lift their legs or arch their backs. These movements put direct pressure on the lower spine. They offered minimal muscle benefit and increased the chance of back injury. Safer core exercises have taken their place in most classes.
12. Punching Movements in the Air
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Participants were often told to punch rapidly in the air as part of cardio. Without guidance, this led to poor arm alignment and shoulder pain. It didn’t improve strength or coordination in a meaningful way. Boxing workouts today include coaching on form and body mechanics.
13. Unsupported Neck Crunches
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Many crunches were done with hands pulling behind the head. This led to people straining their necks or hurting their spines. The form was often poor, especially in fast-paced classes. Core workouts now emphasize neck support and proper posture.
14. Long Cardio Without Breaks
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Cardio sessions often lasted an hour or more without water or rest. This led to dehydration, fatigue, and increased injury risk. Recovery time was not part of the program. Now, rest and hydration are essential parts of fitness training.
15. No Modifications for Beginners
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Classes usually followed one pace and level for everyone. Beginners often struggled to keep up and faced higher injury risks. There were few options for adjusting moves or intensity. Modern classes provide clear modifications for different fitness levels.
16. Fast Toe Taps and High Knees
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These fast-paced drills were often done with no instruction on form. Participants would move quickly without watching their posture or step placement. This increased the chances of ankle rolls or joint pain. Trainers now break down each movement before increasing speed.
17. Loud Music Over Instructions
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The music in many classes was played at high volume, often louder than the instructor. This made it hard to hear cues or corrections. As a result, people performed exercises incorrectly. Today’s classes balance music with clear voice guidance.