Fun Fitness Flashback: 80s Aerobics
By: Nicole Nichols,
SparkPeople Blogger
11/13/2009 5:11 AM
: 304 comments
: 42,671 Views
(Disclaimer: As I write this, it's 4:55 p.m. and I need a blog post for tomorrow. While I guarantee this post will entertain and delight you, don't expect anything too deep.)
When you think of aerobics, what comes to mind? Tights, thong leotards, spandex and sweatbands? Well, you're not alone. Aerobics hit the mainstream in the 80s, and the "fashion" that went along with it (think: Olivia Newton John's "Get Physical" video) was probably just as famous as the signature moves, which could best be described as a cross of dance, calisthenics, and athletic training that is choreographed and set to music.
I recently stumbled upon a set of YouTube videos from the 1987 "National Aerobics Championship" where groups of, um…aerobicisers (?) competed for the title "America's Best Aerobic Athlete." These routines are mesmerizing.
If you're ready for a fun fitness flashback, you'll love the videos embedded below!
Update: The original video I posted here has been removed from YouTube by its owner, but I did find another version of the video where someone dubbed some newer hip hop music into the soundtrack instead of the original sound. You can see it below or click here:
And here's an example of one of the routines:
We've come a long way, baby! The hair, the music, the moves—this is 80s aerobics at its best. I wish I would have seen these workouts when I was developing ideas for my own "80s Aerobics" workout (on the Cardio Blast DVD), but I don't think I could hold a candle to these guys! If your workout routines resemble these videos in any way, it's time for a fitness intervention!
On a serious note, despite looking a bit corny, these routines are tough. It would NOT be easy to replicate a workout like this and keep up with it! They are fast-paced and anyone who actually followed a routine like that would have to get some great results. But I'm glad that fitness has changed so much since 1986. I can't imagine fitting in as a fitness instructor if I had to wear that much spandex and teach people to exercise like this. It would not come very naturally for me.
So I have to ask: Did you ever try aerobics during the 80s craze? Do you love it or hate it?
When you think of aerobics, what comes to mind? Tights, thong leotards, spandex and sweatbands? Well, you're not alone. Aerobics hit the mainstream in the 80s, and the "fashion" that went along with it (think: Olivia Newton John's "Get Physical" video) was probably just as famous as the signature moves, which could best be described as a cross of dance, calisthenics, and athletic training that is choreographed and set to music.
I recently stumbled upon a set of YouTube videos from the 1987 "National Aerobics Championship" where groups of, um…aerobicisers (?) competed for the title "America's Best Aerobic Athlete." These routines are mesmerizing.
If you're ready for a fun fitness flashback, you'll love the videos embedded below!
Update: The original video I posted here has been removed from YouTube by its owner, but I did find another version of the video where someone dubbed some newer hip hop music into the soundtrack instead of the original sound. You can see it below or click here:
And here's an example of one of the routines:
We've come a long way, baby! The hair, the music, the moves—this is 80s aerobics at its best. I wish I would have seen these workouts when I was developing ideas for my own "80s Aerobics" workout (on the Cardio Blast DVD), but I don't think I could hold a candle to these guys! If your workout routines resemble these videos in any way, it's time for a fitness intervention!
On a serious note, despite looking a bit corny, these routines are tough. It would NOT be easy to replicate a workout like this and keep up with it! They are fast-paced and anyone who actually followed a routine like that would have to get some great results. But I'm glad that fitness has changed so much since 1986. I can't imagine fitting in as a fitness instructor if I had to wear that much spandex and teach people to exercise like this. It would not come very naturally for me.
So I have to ask: Did you ever try aerobics during the 80s craze? Do you love it or hate it?
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Comments
BOY, how I WISH I had gotten into the habit THEN. Maybe I wouldn't have piled on the poounds and it wouldn't be SO HARD NOW !
BLESSINGS, Sparkers ! - 5/24/2012 7:32:41 PM
Ahhh, I miss the 80s. - 4/11/2012 6:28:20 AM
Dancing to the oldies was my style back then . . . and still to-day! - 4/23/2011 12:06:53 PM
- 2/7/2010 9:43:55 PM
The only thing I'd change is -- what was I thinking wearing a leotard!!???? - 2/6/2010 12:51:54 PM
but I just want to point out for the record, though, that that's not hip hop (even though there is a rapper). that's more like house music or something...
carry on! - 2/5/2010 5:45:27 PM
I wonder what they look like today. Probably still very fit. - 2/5/2010 1:48:34 PM
I used to exercise alot in the 80's when I was a kid in my one piece leotards, tights, and leg warmers. I still do sometimes. LOL. ;)
I'm a man. I don't know why most of us guys hate aerobics or have no desire to even try it. But I for one love it.
Bless you all and take care.
Warmly yours,
Chris - 12/14/2009 1:18:25 AM
- 11/24/2009 11:50:03 AM
I was in my 20's during the eighties. Graduated from college, lived on my own (do young people live on their own anymore? I think they all move back home now...). Yes, I had the leotards and tights (matching, thank you very much!) and leg warmers. Better yet was that my best friend from work and I both belonged to the same gym (Victory Lady-a women-only gym). We would work out every day after work. She and I are still friends, although she lives in another city.
Thank you for some fun and funny memories! - 11/22/2009 4:25:37 PM
But this was a learning experience. Though I knew about the wardrobe, I didn't know aerobics started in the 80s and they had aerobics dance competitions. That's pretty cool. - 11/20/2009 11:03:49 AM
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