Memorable Fitness Trends from the '80s

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As far as I am concerned, any amount of exercise is good and trying new things can keep you interested in staying active. I never shy away from participating in a new class at the gym or trying out a workout DVD. I had some funny flashbacks as I put together this list of memorable fitness trends. Hey, remember the 80s?

Jazzercize
I have to admit that I never jumped on the Jazzercise wagon but I can remember seeing women that carried their Jazzercise tote bags, proud to be a part of the craze. The Jazzercise program was founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett. I can remember its popularity growing in the 80s. A classic Jazzercise class is one hour long and consists of dance movements that total about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, followed by strength training moves.

Jane Fonda’s Aerobic Workout
Ladies, gather your legwarmers and striped leotards. Who doesn’t remember Jane Fonda and her work out clan as they moved in perfect sync to teach high impact aerobic moves? Did you notice that they are doing these high impact moves on a hard surface and aren’t wearing shoes? Didn’t you love that you could burn calories and pick up some fashion tips at the same time? You were probably pretty dedicated, that is until you started have problems with your knees! Ouch! Thanks a lot, Jane!

Gilad’s Bodies In Motion
Bodies In Motion was a half hour aerobic and toning workout show which launched in 1983 and aired on ESPN from 1985 to 1996. I was a big fan of these at home workouts. Through the beads of sweat that began with the exercises, I could feel serenity as Gilad’s show took me to exotic Hawaiian beaches that he used as a backdrop for his gym. The peaceful scenery took my mind off the work and made it enjoyable to follow Gilad and his obedient helpers. Following its run on ESPN, the show aired on Fox Sports and The Health Network from 1996 to 2002. As of 2002 the show has been airing on Discovery’s new fitness channel Fit TV. It is currently the show is the longest running fitness show in the US. I may just have to subscribe to Fit TV, if only for the nostalgia.

Step Aerobics
In the late 1980s, I loved step aerobics. This choreographed routine was used with a fitness device called the “step” and “risers” to raise the height. The routines had a lot of repetition and the level of impact was better on my knees. I learned a whole new fitness vocabulary, including walk away Joe, L-step, travel and many, many more.

To be continued with Memorable Fitness Trends from the 90s.

Resources:
-Wikipedia.com

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Haralee Blogger

I loved Jazzercise and was devoted to it until my job sent me traveling and my convenient class moved after about 7-8 years. My sister teaches NIA and in her classes I will see some women struggling with a step and wonder, did you not Jazzercise 20 years ago? And Jane, well that burn may have contributed to her hip replacements. I am a class exerciser, at home I just get distracted too easily. Pilates and Yoga and NIA are the new Jazzercise!

March 2, 2010 - 9:17am

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