Retro ’80s aerobics is now mounting a comeback.
We dive into why, plus all the benefits you’ll reap and the best exercises to try.
The thought initially occurred when Instagram started feeding me videos of 80s-style dance-based group exercise classes.
Decades later, so were the people in these IG reels.
Their moves were familiar, but the choreography was fresh.
And they werent just sweatin to the oldies as part of some 80s Night theme.
founder ofFitt Insider
They were working out in modern studios, many of which were solely dedicated to dance-based fitness.
Why is 80s aerobics trending, anyway?
According to some fitness pros, the interest in aerobics has never waned.
People have always enjoyed aerobics because dance is universal, she says.
Sadie Kurzban, founder and CEO of305 Fitness, which specializes indance cardio, shares a similar perspective.
Dance has always been popular, she says.
For Peloton, the move to include more aerobics-inspired low-impact cardio classes was driven by instructorRebecca Kennedy, CPT.
I wasnt getting injured.
I was feeling the benefits of endurance.
founder ofFitt Insider
I felt so good in my body.
Everybody on TikTok loves to learn these little dances, Kennedy says.
Its easy to pick up and follow along.
And once you get that endorphin rush, you connect that with the movement that youre doing.
So you associate this bang out of movement with being happy and feeling free and moving your body.
That could be another reason 80s aerobics is resonating with more people right nowhappiness.
I think the pandemic was a gloomy time for a lot of people, Kurzban says.
Maybe were all just ready to have a good time.
At this intensity, your effort is sustainable, and you might carry on a conversation without getting winded.
Almost any exercise that elevates your heart ratejogging, cycling, swimming, rowing, hikingwill work.
But 80s aerobics does offer a few unique benefits.
This keeps workouts interesting while also promoting a wide range of mobility and preventingmuscle imbalances.
It challenges your memory and cognition
Aerobics isnt just about physical exertion.
It can be equally challenging to learn new movements and remember the choreography.
When youre dancing, your brain has to make all of these connections.
Its so cognitively demanding, Kurzban says.
Youre having funyou dont feel like youre taking the SATbut its so good for your memory and brain.
In fact, someresearch2shows dancing can help reduce the risk of dementia.
It improves your bone health
With age,bone densitydeclines, making us more susceptible to fractures.
Exerciseespecially load-bearing andplyometric (jumping) exercisekeeps your bones strong andreduces the risk of osteoporosis3.
Anthony Vennare, founder of Fitt Insider
4.
Kurzban likens the phenomenon to animal interactions you see in nature.
A bunny rabbit thats attacked by a snake will, most of the time, play dead.
And when the snake goes away, its going to shake.
It will literally shake the trauma off, she says.
and three modern moves you may be seeing for the first time.
The classics
1.
Grapevine
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Jazz stretch
The modern moves
1.
Plie knee rotation
2.
Plie heel pop
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