80s Workout

80s Workout
Jane Fonda in her iconic workout attire, which heavily influenced 1980s fitness fashion.
Other names	Aerobics Fashion
Decade of origin	1980s
Key motifs	Leotards, leg warmers, sweatbands, neon colors, high-top sneakers, spandex, bike shorts
Key colours	Bright neon (pink, green, yellow, blue), pastels, often in high-contrast combinations
Key values	Fitness as fun, energy, optimism, self-expression, social performance
Related aesthetics	Camp Mallsoft Memphis Design Vaporwave
Iconic figures	Jane Fonda, Olivia Newton-John, Richard Simmons

80s Workout refers to a fitness trend and an associated fashion aesthetic that gained immense popularity throughout the 1980s. The movement transformed exercise from a private or athletic-focused activity into a mainstream cultural phenomenon that was social, fun, and highly stylized. Driven by the rise of aerobics and celebrity fitness personalities, the aesthetic is defined by its vibrant, colorful, and form-fitting attire, which has since become an iconic and nostalgic symbol of the decade.

History and Cultural Impact

The 1980s fitness craze was largely ignited by the popularization of aerobics, a form of rhythmic exercise set to music. Actress Jane Fonda became the face of this movement with the release of her wildly successful Jane Fonda's Workout home video in 1982. Her accessible routines and eye-catching workout wear made her a household name and set the standard for fitness fashion. The aesthetic was further cemented in popular culture by media like the 1981 music video for Olivia Newton-John's song "Physical" and the 1983 film Flashdance, both of which showcased dance-inspired fitness attire.

This era marked a shift in how exercise was perceived. It was no longer just about health but also about being seen, making the gym or aerobics class a social venue. The fashion was designed to be noticed, emphasizing energy and self-expression. While Jane Fonda was the primary female icon, fitness guru Richard Simmons became a prominent male figure, known for his flamboyant and cheerful persona, and his signature look of short shorts and graphic tank tops.

Fashion

The 80s Workout fashion is characterized by its bright colors and layered, body-conscious silhouettes. The centerpiece of the typical female outfit was the high-cut leotard, which was often worn over shiny spandex tights or leggings. Leg warmers, originally a functional item for dancers, became a ubiquitous fashion accessory worn scrunched down over the ankles. Essential accessories included matching sweatbands for the forehead and wrists.

The color palette was dominated by bold neon hues of pink, green, yellow, and blue, frequently combined in high-contrast patterns. Paint-splatter designs and pastel combinations were also common. For footwear, high-top aerobic sneakers, usually in white, were the standard. Hairstyles were often styled for activity, with high side ponytails held in place by scrunchies being a popular choice.

Music

Music was the driving force of the 80s workout, providing the high-energy beat for aerobic routines. The playlists of the era were filled with upbeat pop, dance-pop, new wave, and rock tracks that were motivating and fun. The songs were characterized by strong rhythms and catchy choruses that were easy to follow during a class. Quintessential workout tracks from the decade include "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston, and "Jump" by Van Halen. In 2018, MGMT released their song "She Works Out Too Much," which can be seen as a retro interpretation of this aesthetic.

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