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She told me to give someJane Fondaworkout videos from the 80s a try.

I laughed off the suggestion at first.

woman sweating in the gym

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Wacky and whimsical, sure.

But a viable workout option?

It wasnt until 1984 that the womens marathon was introduced at the Olympic Games.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Fonda taught women that it was okay to break the weaker sex mold.

I was sold: I wanted to let go of my worries anddance alongwith Jane Fonda.

So, I embarked on a week-long mission of trying five of her most iconic routines.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Heres how it went down.

The video begins, and it suddenly feels like Im watching the opening scene ofFootloose.

Fondas philosophy of fitness as a form of empowerment clearly still had a long way to go.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

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Then Fonda emerges, turning to the camera, smiling, as she asks: Are you ready?

This workout is no low-effort gimmick.

Within the first five minutes, Fonda is slapping the floor and throwing her head back with feral enthusiasm.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Within the first five minutes, Fonda is slapping the floor and throwing her head back with feral enthusiasm.

Fondas posse have smiles plastered across their faces, and theyre constantly whooping.

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The class is fast-paced and energetic, but not difficult to keep up with.

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I shouldve figured this workout was made for a more… mature crowd.

I decide to stick with it.

At this, the one token man in the group proclaims Ill drink to that, Jane!

to which Fonda laughs in exasperation and responds, Oh Herb, you dont drink!

Cardio and I have always been mortal enemies, so I go into this workout expecting the worst.

I feel like a cowgirl learning how to tap dance.

By this point, my limbs are screaming for a rest day, so I take Friday off.

When Saturday rolls around, Im ready to tackle my final workout of the week: FondasComplete Workout.

This video is truly comprehensive, with strengthening and aerobic exercises to target every muscle group.

At what point in history did working out stop being this fun?

However, there have been some changes made to fitness culture that I very much appreciate.

Like with most workouts from this time period, the intention is to beautify, not strengthen.

Fondas rhetoric takes some of the enjoyment out of the experience for me.

But I cant be too hard on her.

At the end of the week, I feel stronger, and happier.

Fondas magnetism is timeless, something that will draw me back to the tapes again and again.

Theres a rawness and levity to them that, I believe, is unmatched today.

The question is: Do Fondas workouts hold up fitness-wise in the 21st century?

Well, that depends on what youre looking for.

Are they comparable to anF45 classor weight training at the gym?

These classes are not as targeted or hardcore.

But they do provide a full body workout that gets your blood pumping and evokes pure, unadulterated joy.

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