The 1980s was really the start of health and fitness becoming mainstream to the masses. Thus emerging during this time were many popular fitness instructors that were promoting aerobics and various other workout methods. Some of these instructors became so popular that they even had their own exercise videos or television shows, and many in fact became household names!
80s Fitness Instructors
With most people working out at home in front of their televisions, it was easy for these popular instructors to share their techniques with the masses. Lets take a stroll down memory lane and look at the most popular 1980s fitness instructors and what made them famous!
1. Jane Fonda
For most of us, the name Jane Fonda quickly brings to mind her workout videos. She was most popular in the 1980s with three successful exercise series on television called “The Workout” (1982), “Prime Time Live” (1987-88), and finally “Jane Fonda’s New Workout” which ran from 1989 until 1994.
However, she also had another claim to fame during this period: music! In 1981, she produced an album titled “Movin’ Up,” which included a single that made it to #17 on Billboard magazine’s Top 100 chart – not too shabby for someone who didn’t start as a musician! Her most popular workout video sold over 17 million copies!
Jane Fonda was also an 80s workout fashion icon, I mean who could forget those neon workout tights? Her memorable workout outfits only contributed to her fame in the 80s.
2. Richard Simmons
Another memorable 80s fitness instructor was Richard Simmons. His trademark dolphin shorts and afro puff are instantly recognizable, as was his larger than life personality!
Richard Simmons’ most popular form of exercise was the “disco workout,” which was brought to light in 1978 on his television show, but he really hit the height of fame during the 1980s. In fact he became so well-known that even people who were not interested in working out knew him as an icon of fitness – and some went so far as to impersonate him!
Probably his most iconic fitness masterpiece was a mini-series called “The Sweatin’ to the Oldies” (1988). After this successful video series came out, none other than Oprah Winfrey was singing its praises on her talk show. The videos are based on aerobics and dancing, making them fun for all ages, and are still wildly popular today.
3. Kathy Smith
Kathy Smith was most popular in the early 1980s with her aerobic workout videos. She started as a personal trainer for celebrities before moving on to creating her videos. Her series was so successful that she became one of the first women to have a video game based on her workouts!
The games were released for both the Commodore 64 and Apple II computer systems and allowed players to follow Kathy’s exercises. In 1987, she even starred in her own television show called “Kathy Smith: Get Fit!” which aired until 1991.
4. Billy Blanks
Billy Blanks is mostly famous for his Tae Bo workout videos. He started as a karate instructor before creating his martial arts-inspired fitness program. In 1988, he released his first Tae Bo video, which became an instant hit.
The videos are based on a combination of boxing and taekwondo, and have been credited with helping to start the fitness and martial arts craze that we see today.
5. Denise Austin
Denise Austin was also very popular in the 1980s. She had her line of workout videos, and also her own television show called “Denise,” which ran from 1986 until 1990.
She also became one of the most successful authors of fitness books during this period, with many of her books going on to being bestsellers! Her most famous book was “Power Eating,” which came out in 1988, helped turn many towards the vegetarian lifestyle.
These are just a few of the most popular 1980s fitness instructors. Did your favorite fitness guru make the list?
