Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Matt Staff
The ’80s aerobics craze wasn’t just about getting fit, it was a full-blown movement that brought people together through music, motion, and bold fashion. From living rooms to packed gyms, people of all ages jumped, kicked, and danced through routines led by energetic instructors in bright spandex and sweatbands. Stars like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons helped bring fitness into the mainstream, turning exercise into something fun, social, and wildly popular.
With neon leotards, leg warmers, and high-energy moves, the aerobics craze defined a generation and left a lasting mark on fitness culture. Whether you remember the era or are just discovering its charm, this visual throwback captures the unforgettable energy that made the ’80s one of the most iconic decades in workout history. Here are 20 vintage photos of the ’80s aerobics craze.
1. This aerobics team looks ready to go
The ’80s outfits go incredibly hard.
2. Who remembers Lionel Blair?
Lionel Blair gave virtual aerobic classes in 1983.
3. Aerobics classes at the Y, 1986
Leg warmers were a must-have in the ’80s.
4. Mary Hart, Markie Post, and Tracy Scoggins, 1980s
The ’80s hair is flowing in this one.
5. School aerobics in 1985
High school phys ed was way different in the ’80s than it is today.
6. Jazzercise class, 1989
There aren’t nearly enough leg warmers in this class.
7. Vital Aerobic Wear
Aerobic wear was a must-have if you went to an aerobics class in the ’80s.
8. Now that’s aerobics fashion
She’s got her towel, her leg warmers, and the color coordination locked down.
9. 20 Minute Workout was a hit in the 1980s
It promised to melt fat in just 20 minutes.
10. Olivia Newton-John, 1981
Let’s get physical was the gym anthem of the ’80s aerobics scene.
11. Mary Lou Retton, 1985
This is a Pony Aerobic and Exercise collection ad.
12. People Magazine Cover, July 26, 1982
The aerobic dance edition.
13. Men and women at an aerobics class with a live band
This photo was taken at the San Francisco Millberry Union, October 1987.
14. I want to Jazzercise, early ’80s
“If you want to be fit, look great, and have fun getting in shape, join a Jazzercise class today.”
15. Denise Austin, mid-1980s
The workout warrior herself.
16. Donna Mills, 1980s
Doing aerobics on a glass slab like that doesn’t seem ideal.
17. Men’s Exercise Active Wear, 1980s
You could catch all the ’80s fitness men in clothes like this.
18. What explains the nostalgia for ’80s dance aerobics?
And how did the trend die so quickly?
19. Who remembers the Aerobics gym?
People who weren’t alive in the ’80s have no idea how big of a thing aerobics classes were.
20. Rocking all of the aerobics gear, late ’80s
The headband, the leg warmers, and the colorful leotard? She’s ready for class.
Looking for more vintage ’80s content?
Check out these 20 Vintage Photos of 1980s Breakdancing, or travel back to ’80s high school with 20 Images That Show What It Was Like To Go To High School In The 1980s. Finally, look into the ’80s movie scene with 15 Action Movie Stars Who Redefined Machismo in the 1980s.
