’80s-style aerobics is making a big comeback in modern fitness, but why now? As today’s workout culture shifts toward connection and fun, this retro trend is resurfacing in modern exercise.
Origin of aerobics
In the 1960s, American Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper developed a variety of aerobic exercises to help people with cardiovascular disease.
In the ’70s, these movements became popular through the creation of exercise videos starring the likes of Jane Fonda. By the ’80s, aerobics was a big part of the culture, with lively fitness classes incorporating music and high-energy movements, creating a fun form of exercise.
Examples of popular retro workouts include gymnastics, classic cardio, and power walking. These exercises, which require only your own body weight, are simple but effective. Let’s look into some.
©Getty Imagesgymnastics
Calisthenics promotes strength and coordination by using your own body weight to perform movements such as push-ups, burpees, squats, and handstands. This has become a very popular form of exercise for increasing muscle strength and improving balance purely using your own body weight.
©Getty Imagesjazzercise
Dance-based fitness has also become popular in recent years, inspired by Jazzercise classes. Modern classes blend choreography and cardio to create fun and effective routines. Dance workouts not only have great physical benefits, but they also support mental health by increasing serotonin and reducing stress through music and movement.
©Getty Imageswater aerobics
Water aerobics is a joint-friendly form of exercise that is good for your body and improves muscle strength. The increased resistance of the water allows you to train your muscles effectively and efficiently.
©Getty Imagesroller blades
Rollerblading helps strengthen the muscles in your lower back and buttocks due to the side-to-side motion when skating. This outdoor activity encourages you to move your body in a completely different way than other forms of exercise and is a great way to get out of the house.
©Getty Imageshula hoop
Hula hooping is not only great entertainment, it has also been used as a form of exercise for many years. Weight hoops are popular right now, burning calories quickly and toning your core, arms, and legs.
©Getty Imagesparkour
Parkour as told by nutritional and exercise scientist Amelia Phillips Hello! , is a sport that incorporates strength, balance, and coordination. “It’s a very community-friendly sport that works the whole body and brings people together.”
©Getty Imagesmartial arts
Martial arts and kickboxing training have a great impact on a person’s social life and physical health. A true mental sport, this type of exercise has been proven to improve mental health. Taebo and martial arts became popular in the 90s with a culture of empowerment. Therefore, with the current political and economic situation in the world, its popularity is expected to increase further.
©Getty Imagespower walking
In some cases, simply walking may be the most effective form of exercise. Power walking in particular is simple but stable, and can be enjoyed in groups or alone. Picking up the pace will get your heart rate up, and lower intensity will improve your heart health.
©Getty Imagesclassic aerobics
Finally, classic aerobic steps are a fun form of exercise that burn high calories and improve cardiovascular health. Most often done by watching fun exercise classes on TV, it has become popular again during the coronavirus pandemic.
©Getty Imagesathletics and lifestyle
The 80’s fitness boom saw a rise in popularity of stretchy fabrics, bright colors, and beautiful accessories, sparking a crossover between gym wear and fashion and leading to the current obsession with wearing athleisure in everyday life. As a result, brands like Lululemon, Alo, and Tara are making incredible profits.
Who Amelia Phillips Shared With Hello! That retro style is becoming “fashionable again, especially for Millennials and Gen
Today, group fitness is on the rise, with classes and running clubs serving as both a form of exercise and a way to meet new people. They are giving people the opportunity to connect with others instead of just training alone at the gym.
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