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Getting Started with Retro Workouts

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

  1. Jazzercise
    Still going strong today, Jazzercise combines dance, strength, and cardio.
    Find a class or stream online

  2. Step Aerobics
    Using a raised platform and choreographed moves, this was the definition of 80s group fitness.
    Stream step classes on YouTube

  3. Jane Fonda Workout Tapes
    These VHS tapes became cultural icons. Many are now on streaming platforms.
    Jane Fonda Original Workout on Amazon

  4. Richard Simmons: Sweatin’ to the Oldies
    Richard’s positivity made everyone want to move.
    DVDs available on Amazon

  5. Bodybuilding Influence (Pumping Iron)
    Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pumping Iron brought bodybuilding into the mainstream.
    Watch Pumping Iron on Amazon Prime Video

  6. Aerobic Dance Classes
    Spandex, leg warmers, and high-energy music defined these.
    Stream 80s aerobics on YouTube

  7. Calisthenics
    Push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks—gym class classics.
    Learn calisthenics basics on FitnessFAQs

  8. “Toning” Workouts
    While the term “toning” is outdated, these quick bodyweight circuits were popular.
    Sample toning workout on YouTube

  9. Jack LaLanne Fitness TV Shows
    Jack was decades ahead of his time in bringing fitness to living rooms.
    Watch Jack LaLanne episodes on YouTube

  10. Spinning (Early Indoor Cycling)
    Studios began popping up late in the decade.
    Find a Spin Class via SoulCycle

1990s: The Fitness Video Boom

  1. Tae Bo with Billy Blanks
    One of the biggest infomercial sensations of the 90s.
    Stream Tae Bo on YouTube

  2. Cindy Crawford: Shape Your Body VHS
    Supermodel-led home workouts became a thing.
    Available on Amazon

  3. Denise Austin Workouts
    Denise became a household name for approachable, upbeat fitness.
    Stream Denise Austin workouts

  4. Kathy Smith Fitness Videos
    Kathy was another big VHS star of the decade.
    Shop Kathy Smith workouts

  5. Spinning Classes Expand
    Indoor cycling grew into mainstream gyms.
    Find cycling classes at CycleBar

  6. Abs of Steel / Buns of Steel
    Iconic VHS tapes focused on “problem areas.”
    Abs of Steel DVD on Amazon

  7. Mainstream Pilates
    Pilates reformer studios grew in popularity.
    Find a class through Club Pilates

  8. Yoga’s Rise
    Yoga moved into living rooms and gyms everywhere.
    Explore yoga classes on Yoga with Adriene

  9. Elliptical Machines
    Marketed as low impact cardio alternatives.
    Shop ellipticals on NordicTrack

2000s: The Extreme Fitness Craze

  1. P90X (Beachbody)
    High-intensity home workout DVDs with Tony Horton.
    Stream P90X on BODi

  2. Insanity with Shaun T
    An intense cardio program from Beachbody.
    Stream Insanity on BODi

  3. Zumba
    Dance cardio classes with global energy.
    Find a class near you

  4. Boot Camps
    Outdoor and gym boot camps exploded during this era.
    Find boot camps near you

  5. CrossFit (Early Growth)
    High-intensity barbell and cardio circuits with a strong community vibe.
    Find a CrossFit gym

  6. Biggest Loser Workouts
    Spin-off DVDs from the hit TV show.
    Shop Biggest Loser workouts on Amazon

  7. Hot Yoga
    Practiced in heated studios for sweat and stretch.
    Find a Bikram or hot yoga class

  8. Les Mills BodyPump
    Strength training in a group fitness setting with light barbells.
    Stream BodyPump via Les Mills+

  9. Curves Gym
    Women-only circuit training gyms built around accessibility and community.
    Explore Curves

  10. TRX Suspension Training
    Bodyweight training using straps and gravity.
    Shop TRX Training

2010s: Functional & Social Fitness

  1. CrossFit (Worldwide Expansion)
    By now, CrossFit was global.
    Find a CrossFit gym

  2. Orangetheory Fitness
    Heart rate–based interval training.
    Find a studio

  3. SoulCycle and Boutique Spin
    Indoor cycling with a community vibe.
    Find a class at SoulCycle

  4. Beachbody Next Gen (21 Day Fix, T25)
    Shorter programs built for consistency.
    Stream on BODi

  5. HIIT Workouts
    Intervals became mainstream, especially with Tabata.
    Sample HIIT workouts on YouTube

  6. Fitness Apps
    Trackers like MyFitnessPal and Bodybuilding.com BodySpace reshaped home fitness.
    Download MyFitnessPal

  7. Power Yoga
    Marketed heavily toward men as strength-based yoga.
    Try Power Yoga online

  8. Barre Workouts
    Ballet-inspired strength and endurance classes.
    Find a class at Pure Barre

  9. Wearable Fitness Tech
    Fitbit and Apple Watch became must-have tools.
    Shop Apple Watch

  10. Obstacle 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.

Join The YLF Experience

Getting Started With Weighted Vests

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