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Home / Blog / 12 Reasons Why the 1980’s Fitness Craze Was Awesome

12 Reasons Why the 1980’s Fitness Craze Was Awesome

By Olivier Poirier-Leroy, NASM-CPT

1. Before LuLuLemons and Under Armour, if you wanted to wear matching outfits to the gym you wore matching unitards. Preferably torn.

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2. Even then, it was important to spot your workout partner, while also remembering to have fun.

 

3. The 1980’s fitness craze had it’s own unofficial spokesperson — Olivia Newton-John — who encouraged physical activity.

olivia newton john lets get physical

4. But really, it was about the unitards.

5. Legwarmers…

legwarmers

6. Thong and biker short combo–

thong and biker shorts

7. And of course, your subtle jogging jacket–

jogging tracksuit

8. People in the 1980’s knew that cardio was very important.

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9. Cardio was so convenient in the 1980’s that you could do it from home.

Aerobics3_LivingPages

10. But there was always time for a group flex-down.

bodybuilders 1980s

11. And let’s be honest, how many of us didn’t want to start running and create training montages of our own to “Eye of the Tiger”–

rocky-steps

12. Until finally, after the 1980’s fitness craze had passed us by, we are still able to look back on the fashions of that decade with a reverent eye–

Filed Under: Blog

About the Author

Olivier Poirier-Leroy, NASM-CPT, is a former national-level athlete, Olympic Trials qualifier, certified personal trainer, and complete workout nerd. He has been featured on NBC Sports, Muscle & Strength, BodyBuilding.com, and more.

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