As more and more people are staying home due to the coronavirus pandemic, regular activities, like going to the gym, are being replaced with ones that you can do from the confines of your own space.
And while a run around the block is great for the body, mind and spirit, there’s nothing like a visit to the 80s and 90s and the exercise fads, led mostly by the world’s biggest celebrities, that had the world in a hot sweat.
From the original workout queen Jane Fonda to Get Up and Dance with Paula Abdul and that weird Tae Bo with Billy Blanks, you bet we are going to try every single one of them.
So, grab your satin leotard, tights and leg warmers — scrunched up around the ankles, of course, place your sweatbands on your head and review TheLatch—’s list of insanely fun and hilarious — yet highly effective workouts from the 80s and 90s by our entertainment editor, Anita.
Jane Fonda’s Original Workout
All bow down to the original #Fitspo workout Queen, Jane Fonda.
In 1979, the actor-cum-activist started a hugely popular workout studio in L.A.
Then, in 1982, Fonda released the original Jane Fonda Workout on video, which soon became the top-selling VHS tape of all time with 17 million copies sold worldwide.
Looking back at these epic exercises, you can’t help but giggle at the 80s clothes and hectic electronic music. Coupled with a bevvy of back-up “exercisers”, Fonda’s enthusiasm is infectious and the best thing of all.
But, the holistic approach combined with easy, low impact movements was the secret formula to success (and Fonda —now 81-years-old — insane youthfulness) and above all, it’s just a whole lot of fun!
Paula Abdul’s Get Up and Dance
You had me at Paula Abdul…
Before Abdul was a judge on American Idol, the American singer and dancer (who has sold 53 million records worldwide) had a Zumba-type workout that mixed the art of dance with aerobics.
The star was already hugely successful from her songs such as Opposites Attract (“I take 2 steps forward, I take 2 steps back…”) but was also largely known for her killer dance moves in her music videos.
Tae Bo with Billy Blanks
There wasn’t a time in my childhood that I don’t remember seeing the hugely popular Tae Bo by Billy Blanks.
And if you want to know the truth, I was today years old when I discovered that Tae Bo is a shortened amalgamation of “Tae Kwon Do and Boxing”.
Soaring to new heights in the 90s, the Tae Bo ethos became a mantra for exercise lovers everywhere.
Total commitment to whatever you do.
Awareness of yourself and the world.
Excellence, the truest goal in anything you do.
The Body as a force for change.
Obedience to your will and your true desire for change.
Unreal.
Shape Your Body, Cindy Crawford
Want to look exactly like one of the OG supermodel’s Cindy Crawford? Well her Shape Your Body workout is the one for you.
While I’m obviously kidding, Crawford’s full workout was a mix of aerobic intensity and body-strength training to work, you guessed it, your entire body.
There are two workouts you can do (with one blessed YouTube user adding in the timings for you) and all you need is a dining chair.
Supermodel body activated.
Stretchin’ to the Classics, Richard Simmons
I cannot stress to you enough how much you need to just even watch Stretchin’ to the Classics with fitness guru and comedian, Richard Simmons.
Now a podcaster and TV star, Simmons made a name for himself with his Sweatin’ to the Oldies series where you, sweated to…well, some really great golden oldie songs. Of course, being the early 90s, “oldies” are now considered vintage, so it’s truly a sight to see.
But you’re really in for a treat with his 1991 hit Stretchin’ to the Classics (below) which is both mesmerising and confusing.
The classics he is referring to are “classical” scores and as Abby Sanders, who uploaded it to Youtube (below) describes, it’s “shot on glitter paper and edited by a family of unicorns” and “is quite possibly the best video of its kind ever made.”
We concur.
You’re welcome.
—