20 Photos of What Gym and Fitness Classes Looked Like in the 1980s

Daniel Bonfiglio Published 12/06/2024 in wow

No decade did fitness like the 80s.

With colorful tights, leotards, headbands, and uncomfortable levels of positivity, 80s gym classes are instantly recognizable. Were those aerobics cults actually helping anybody? Perhaps, but their pervasiveness across all parts of 80s health is undeniable.

From school gym class to Jane Fonda, here are 20 photos of 80s gym and fitness classes.

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1.
Jane Fonda's "Low Impact Workout," 1986.
2.
1980s high school gym class.
3.
Susan Sarandon in the gym, 1980s.
4.
Men and women at aerobics class with live band at UC San Francisco Millberry Union, October 1987.
5.
6.
The popular “Bodies in Motion” class with Gilad.
7.
Fitness class at the “Y,” 1986.
8.
Aerobics fashion.
9.
10.
Jane Fonda in 1982.
11.
12.
13.
14.
From the 1988 Crystal Light National Aerobic Championship.
15.
TIME Magazine of Women & Fitness, 1982.
16.
17.
Russian Aerobics team, 1980s.
18.
‘80s video instructor on a talk show.
19.
Aerobics with 1st year students of Kazan Aviation Institute in 1985 Soviet Union.
20.
Aerobic fashion ads.

1.
Jane Fonda's "Low Impact Workout," 1986.
2.
1980s high school gym class.
3.
Susan Sarandon in the gym, 1980s.
4.
Men and women at aerobics class with live band at UC San Francisco Millberry Union, October 1987.
5.
6.
The popular “Bodies in Motion” class with Gilad.
7.
Fitness class at the “Y,” 1986.
8.
Aerobics fashion.
9.
10.
Jane Fonda in 1982.
11.
12.
13.
14.
From the 1988 Crystal Light National Aerobic Championship.
15.
TIME Magazine of Women & Fitness, 1982.
16.
17.
Russian Aerobics team, 1980s.
18.
‘80s video instructor on a talk show.
19.
Aerobics with 1st year students of Kazan Aviation Institute in 1985 Soviet Union.
20.
Aerobic fashion ads.