The Comeback of Retro Fitness Trends
Nostalgia, it’s everywhere. Remakes dance across the movie theater screen, on the radio, even in our clothing (I’m looking at you JNCO). The health and fitness industry is no different. I remember the days when watching t.v. (on cable no less) and the newest fitness VHS is advertised. Put on your leg warmers, your muscle shirts, turn your boom box on and lets go for a stroll (or dance) down the fitness of yesteryear that’s coming back
Step Aerobics: The High-Energy Classic
We all can picture the bright neon leotards, leg warmer crimpy hair that’s in a high ponytail to the side as the woman moves up on the step. It was created in 1989 by Gin Miller to help her recover from a knee injury. Miller quickly realized the value of this low-impact work out that stresses endurance and coordination. Step Aerobics developed an partnership with popular brand Reebok, which helped to catapult it’s place in fitness history in the 1990s. Modern versions can include weights, resistance bands and can be found on online streaming platforms and apps. Much of the reason it is enjoying a come back is due to the community, the music and most of all how much of a workout you can get from this throw back group fitness modality.
Rollerblading & Roller Skating: The Coolest Cardio
Ok, so maybe I’m a little biased on this one. I have very fond memories of rollerblading at my local roller rink (Roller Kingdom) in the 90s and early 2000s. I still remember being devastated when it burned down long after it had closed. I also gave a go at Roller Derby not too long ago before life became too busy for me to continue it. (shout out to Roller Magic in Waterbury and the Connecticut Roller Derby league). Roller Skating became popular in the 70s and 80s disco scene. The 90s were ruled by the roller blade. Things such as the X-games making it even more popular. While it can be argued that neither have truly left, it is back due to Tik-Tok, and Instagram Reels. It’s pretty beneficial, being less of an impact on your joints which is something Running doesn’t enjoy. It’s even been updated in skating dance parties.
3. Jazzercise & Dance Aerobics: Sweatin’ to the Oldies
Jazzercise was founded in 1969 by Judi Shepard Missett. It’s a hybrid between Jazz (the dance style) and Aerobics. It took off again in the 80s with Richard Simmons and his near limitless energy which you could do right in your living room! Dancing is just fun, but you’re working your cardio vascular system too. As a Zumba Instructor I may be biased again, but if you’ve ever been in a Zumba class or a Dance Fitness class, the spirit of Jazzercise is strong.
5. Hula Hooping: More Than Just a Toy
It’s really amazing to think that the Hula Hoop dates back to Ancient Egypt, Greece and even North America. It’s been used as a ceremonial prop and entertainment for all. But the Hula Hoop craze we know started in the 1950s. In 1958 Wham-O invented the plastic Hula Hoop based off of an Australian bamboo hoop. In the first 4 months Wham-O sold over 24 million hoops! In the 1980s and 1990s it started becoming props for Dance Fitness classes, and in the 2000s the first weighted hoops were made. They are fantastic for Core strength, balance, Coordination and Endurance. Beside it kind of makes you feel like a kid again.
6. Tae Bo & Martial Arts Fitness
Billy Blanks was a well known name in the late 90s. A mixture of Taekwondo and Boxing Tae Bo were sold on VHS. It was like taking a martial arts class with out taking a class all from the comfort of your home. The Real value of it is that it is a great HIIT work out. Current day equivalents are Les Mills Body Combat and Zumba’s Strong Nation to name but a few.
7. Old-School Bodybuilding Routines
The Physique has been a subject of fascination for us since ancient times. The Ancient Greeks and Roman have left statues of their ideal body. In ancient China there is evidence of resistance training, and in India there is evidence of stones being used for strength training. In the 16th-19th century feats of strength were popular. Body Building as we know it had it’s first competition in 1901 Called “Great Competition.” and over time it became popular. The Golden Age of Body Building started in the 60s with the start of the Mr. Olympia contest and it was further popularized by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger. While it can be argued it hasn’t gone away the classic lifts like Squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses have come back into the spotlight. This is because lifting is just plain good for you. Muscle is a very protective tissue, and many of the body building techniques when applied improve overall health and wellness.
Conclusion
Regardless on if you’re just starting to get fit again, or are looking to break up your current training, The best thing to do is be consistent in your activity. These modes of exercise have survived the test of time for a reason. So try them out, who knows you might like them!
Mythic Fitness Journey 
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