Hey there. There’s something enjoyable about revisiting the workouts that defined fitness culture over the past few decades. Nostalgia, fun, and variety can all play a role in keeping you consistent. The key with these workouts, just like any fitness program, is to go at your own pace. A lot of the earlier programs were high impact and didn’t offer many modifications. So take your time, ease into it, and use these as ways to shake up your normal fitness routine without throwing yourself into burnout or injury.
Below, I’ve broken down the most popular retro workouts from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. I’ve also included resources so you can stream, purchase, or even join classes today.
1980s: The Aerobics Era
Jazzercise
Still going strong today, Jazzercise combines dance, strength, and cardio.
Find a class or stream onlineStep Aerobics
Using a raised platform and choreographed moves, this was the definition of 80s group fitness.
Stream step classes on YouTubeJane Fonda Workout Tapes
These VHS tapes became cultural icons. Many are now on streaming platforms.
Jane Fonda Original Workout on AmazonRichard Simmons: Sweatin’ to the Oldies
Richard’s positivity made everyone want to move.
DVDs available on AmazonBodybuilding Influence (Pumping Iron)
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pumping Iron brought bodybuilding into the mainstream.
Watch Pumping Iron on Amazon Prime VideoAerobic Dance Classes
Spandex, leg warmers, and high-energy music defined these.
Stream 80s aerobics on YouTubeCalisthenics
Push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks—gym class classics.
Learn calisthenics basics on FitnessFAQs“Toning” Workouts
While the term “toning” is outdated, these quick bodyweight circuits were popular.
Sample toning workout on YouTubeJack LaLanne Fitness TV Shows
Jack was decades ahead of his time in bringing fitness to living rooms.
Watch Jack LaLanne episodes on YouTubeSpinning (Early Indoor Cycling)
Studios began popping up late in the decade.
Find a Spin Class via SoulCycle
1990s: The Fitness Video Boom
Tae Bo with Billy Blanks
One of the biggest infomercial sensations of the 90s.
Stream Tae Bo on YouTubeCindy Crawford: Shape Your Body VHS
Supermodel-led home workouts became a thing.
Available on AmazonDenise Austin Workouts
Denise became a household name for approachable, upbeat fitness.
Stream Denise Austin workoutsKathy Smith Fitness Videos
Kathy was another big VHS star of the decade.
Shop Kathy Smith workoutsSpinning Classes Expand
Indoor cycling grew into mainstream gyms.
Find cycling classes at CycleBarAbs of Steel / Buns of Steel
Iconic VHS tapes focused on “problem areas.”
Abs of Steel DVD on AmazonMainstream Pilates
Pilates reformer studios grew in popularity.
Find a class through Club PilatesYoga’s Rise
Yoga moved into living rooms and gyms everywhere.
Explore yoga classes on Yoga with AdrieneElliptical Machines
Marketed as low impact cardio alternatives.
Shop ellipticals on NordicTrack
2000s: The Extreme Fitness Craze
P90X (Beachbody)
High-intensity home workout DVDs with Tony Horton.
Stream P90X on BODiInsanity with Shaun T
An intense cardio program from Beachbody.
Stream Insanity on BODiZumba
Dance cardio classes with global energy.
Find a class near youBoot Camps
Outdoor and gym boot camps exploded during this era.
Find boot camps near youCrossFit (Early Growth)
High-intensity barbell and cardio circuits with a strong community vibe.
Find a CrossFit gymBiggest Loser Workouts
Spin-off DVDs from the hit TV show.
Shop Biggest Loser workouts on AmazonHot Yoga
Practiced in heated studios for sweat and stretch.
Find a Bikram or hot yoga classLes Mills BodyPump
Strength training in a group fitness setting with light barbells.
Stream BodyPump via Les Mills+Curves Gym
Women-only circuit training gyms built around accessibility and community.
Explore CurvesTRX Suspension Training
Bodyweight training using straps and gravity.
Shop TRX Training
2010s: Functional & Social Fitness
CrossFit (Worldwide Expansion)
By now, CrossFit was global.
Find a CrossFit gymOrangetheory Fitness
Heart rate–based interval training.
Find a studioSoulCycle and Boutique Spin
Indoor cycling with a community vibe.
Find a class at SoulCycleBeachbody Next Gen (21 Day Fix, T25)
Shorter programs built for consistency.
Stream on BODiHIIT Workouts
Intervals became mainstream, especially with Tabata.
Sample HIIT workouts on YouTubeFitness Apps
Trackers like MyFitnessPal and Bodybuilding.com BodySpace reshaped home fitness.
Download MyFitnessPalPower Yoga
Marketed heavily toward men as strength-based yoga.
Try Power Yoga onlineBarre Workouts
Ballet-inspired strength and endurance classes.
Find a class at Pure BarreWearable Fitness Tech
Fitbit and Apple Watch became must-have tools.
Shop Apple WatchObstacle Races (Spartan, Tough Mudder)
Grueling races combining running and strength obstacles.
Register for Spartan Race
Looking back, each decade brought something new to the fitness space. Some of these trends were fads, others became staples, and some live on as community-driven movements. The main thing to remember is that consistency matters most. If one of these retro workouts excites you enough to get moving, that’s a win.
And if you’re ready to take a more sustainable approach…one built around your preferences, your pace, and your life, I’d love for you to join me in The YLF Experience. Together, we’ll build a fitness plan that works for you from the inside/out.