5 Gym Fads From the 90s You Almost Forgot

Before fitness apps and streaming workouts, the 90s ruled with bold trends and innovative routines. Gyms buzzed had creative energy and home workouts thrived on motivational tapes. These unforgettable fads combined fun and fitness, shaping the way people moved. How many of these nostalgic favorites did you experience firsthand?
Tae Bo

Blending martial arts and aerobics, Tae Bo burst onto the 90s fitness scene and had an unmatched intensity. Billy Blanks sold millions of VHS tapes, fueling a nationwide craze. Drills combined powerful punches, high kicks, and upbeat music, making it a calorie-burning spectacle you couldn’t ignore.
Step Aerobics

Step aerobics turned gyms into dance floors with rhythmic moves atop a raised platform. Created by Gin Miller in 1989, it dominated the 90s fitness world. Adjustable steps, tailored intensity, and catchy soundtracks kept the energy high. Its social, sweaty fun transformed cardio into a group celebration.
Spinning Classes

Cycling became electrifying in the 90s with the rise of spinning classes. Invented by Johnny G in 1989, these high-energy workouts paired intense pedaling with motivational music. Gyms embraced the trend, offering dim lighting and powerful beats to simulate outdoor rides. Spinning turned stationary bikes into heart-pounding adventures.
Jazzercise

Energetic routines set to jazzy tunes gave Jazzercise enduring popularity into the 90s. Its dynamic mix of dance and aerobics made fitness entertaining and accessible. Founded by Judi Sheppard Missett, it paired vibrant leotards with sweat-breaking moves, proving exercise could be both glamorous and exhilarating.
Resistance Bands

Colorful and compact, resistance bands took 90s fitness by storm. These versatile tools were embraced for strength training and rehabilitation. Gyms, trainers, and therapists alike hailed their portability and adaptability. They became a staple for achieving full-body workouts without heavy equipment, reshaping fitness routines everywhere.