The 1980s were an era of groundbreaking fitness enthusiasm. People were ecstatic about new ways to get in shape, but not every trend stood the test of time. From flashy gym commercials to peculiar home workout equipment, the decade brought with it an abundance of both beneficial and questionable fitness practices. Dr. Mike Israetel, an exercise scientist and longtime professor, reminisces about the highs and lows of 1980s fitness with a humorous, critical eye. Whether discussing questionable fitness tech or odd spa routines, his insights reveal how far fitness has come and what can be learned from this unforgettable period.

Dr Mike Israetel, PhD in Sport Physiology and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, is a well-respected professor in the bodybuilding community. He doesn’t only talk about workouts and fitness tips, he often dives deep into health and nutrition.

The fitness landscape of the 80s was littered with peculiar commercials promoting high-end gym facilities. These ads often made working out seem like the next frontier, as if stepping into a futuristic spaceship rather than a gym. The trend of circuit training in gyms was sold as revolutionary, though today it’s a staple in most fitness centers. Not to mention the emergence of hybrid equipment, designed to deliver full-body workouts but often causing more harm than good. While some of the training concepts were on point, others, as Dr. Mike points out, were downright risky and gimmicky.

In this article, we delve into the highs and lows of 1980s fitness trends, through the lens of modern exercise science. We critique not only the effectiveness of the workouts but also their lasting impact on fitness culture today. Through this analysis, we hope to understand which aspects of 80s fitness should remain in the past and which are still relevant today.

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The 1980s Fitness Boom: A Cultural Phenomenon

Fitness in the 1980s was an exciting new frontier for many. Exercise and gym memberships became widely popular, largely due to a combination of media influence and the emergence of corporate fitness centres. High-tech gyms were marketed as must-have memberships, and fitness became synonymous with being fashionable and trendy.

Commercials for gyms like the “Bally Matrix Fitness Center” sold the idea of sleek, futuristic workouts with promises of sculpting perfect bodies. These gyms had everything from running tracks to swimming pools, which for the time, seemed cutting-edge. However, as Dr. Mike humorously points out, these advertisements often took themselves a little too seriously, presenting suburban gym facilities as high-tech health clubs straight out of a science fiction movie. What was particularly interesting about these commercials was their heavy focus on serious weightlifting alongside cardiovascular training—something that remains a staple in modern fitness programs.

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The Rise of Home Workout Equipment: Innovation or Hazard?

With the surge in fitness enthusiasm, home workout equipment started to explode in popularity. This is where things started to take a dangerous turn. Many people were ill-equipped to use these new devices correctly, leading to a spike in workout-related injuries. Dr. Mike explains that while lifting weights can be incredibly beneficial for health and longevity, improper use of exercise equipment, especially at home, can be deadly. The lack of instruction and improper set-up of home gyms often resulted in severe injuries—some fatal.

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As he mentions, one of the most common causes of death related to lifting involved home bench presses where individuals would staple their necks with the barbell. With no spotter or safety mechanism in place, tragedies ensued. Despite the perceived convenience of home workouts, without proper safety precautions and guidance, home equipment posed significant risks.

The Jane Fonda Influence: A Step in the Right Direction?

No discussion of 80s fitness is complete without mentioning Jane Fonda and her revolutionary home workout videos. Fonda’s workout tapes became cultural icons, and her emphasis on aerobic fitness was a major influence on the exercise trends of the time. She encouraged cardiovascular exercise and body sculpting, two aspects of fitness that remain important today.

While Dr. Mike acknowledges the value of Fonda’s focus on technique, such as proper form during dumbbell exercises, he also critiques the light weights and repetitive movements as insufficient for anyone serious about building strength. The aerobic fitness revolution spearheaded by Fonda encouraged millions to work out, but as Dr. Mike suggests, the workout routines were often more geared toward getting people off the couch rather than building a truly functional and strong physique.

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Exercise Machines and Gadgets: Where Did They Go Wrong?

A peculiar aspect of 1980s fitness was the prevalence of specialized machines that promised to target specific muscle groups. One of the most common sights in 80s gyms was the leg extension machine. While such machines were popular, they often focused on isolating muscles at the expense of overall functional movement. Dr. Mike advocates for compound exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, such as squats or deadlifts, over single-joint isolation exercises.

By contrast, the technology used in fitness equipment back then was often gimmicky, trying to sell a “quick fix” rather than a sustainable fitness program. For example, the Smith machine, which was touted as a safer option for squats and bench presses, often created more problems than it solved. As Dr. Mike explains, the Smith machine locks you into a single plane of motion, which can lead to poor movement patterns and injuries if not used properly.

Dangerous Spa Routines: More Than Just Relaxation

The wellness spa trend of the 1980s took fitness to new levels of exclusivity and expense. Some spas charged exorbitant fees for clients to be subjected to extreme diets and caloric restrictions that would now be considered unethical and even dangerous. One notable example highlighted by Dr. Mike is the infamous “Golden Door” spa, where guests were fed a meager 700 calories per day—barely enough to sustain basic bodily functions, let alone fuel an active lifestyle.

The extreme diets and routines offered by these high-end spas were less about health and more about catering to an aesthetic ideal. Dr. Mike humorously compares the $10,000 spa fees (adjusted for inflation) to modern-day cults, where participants were stripped of their individuality and forced into restrictive regimes under the guise of achieving inner tranquility.

Exercise Scientist Critiques 1980s Fitness Trends

Fitness in the 2020s: What Have We Learned?

The 1980s may have been an exciting time for fitness enthusiasts, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of balance, science, and safety in exercise. Today, the lessons learned from the excesses and errors of 80s fitness have shaped more effective, sustainable approaches to working out. Compound movements, proper technique, and a focus on overall functional fitness have become the gold standards of training.

While the flashy outfits and enthusiasm for exercise should be celebrated, the poorly constructed machines, dangerous fad diets, and unsafe home equipment are better left in the past. Dr. Mike’s humorous yet insightful critique serves as a reminder that fitness is a lifelong journey, and the best practices are rooted in science, safety, and sustainability.

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