Alex Carson
Fitness in the ’80s
Back in the ’80s, aerobics was very popular. You put on your sweatband, leg warmer, and a leotard, and popped a tape into the VCR. These ’80s workouts made many fitness gurus famous. After the aerobics craze ended, some of these people remained in the public eye, and some faded away. These Famous Faces Dominated ’80s Fitness – And This Is How They Look Today.
Fabio
Fabio Lanzoni was known by his first name only. A photographer discovered him in the gym, and he became a model in Italy. Soon, he was an international model. His chiseled look and his fantastic body landed him roles in movies and on the covers of romance novels. He also released his own workout video called Fabio Fitness. Today, he looks much different than he did in the ’80s. Currently, he has been working as a spokesman, a host, and a cameo actor. His most recent role was playing the Pope in the comedy disaster film, Sharknado 5.
Tammilee Webb
Tammilee Webb made a name for herself in the ’80s with the iconic fitness tapes, Buns of Steel and Abs of Steel. To sell her products, she relied on infomercials, which today is considered to be old school. Her method was effective, and she earned $10 million fro her videos. Today, she is in her 60s, but that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her passion for fitness. Her Instagram header is #BunsOfSteel, and she works as an online coach. She also does speaking events and works in video production. She may be in her 60s, but she looks terrific.
Cher
Cher started off as a singer before making her way to Hollywood as an actress. In 1987, she won an Academy Award for her performance in the 1987 film Moonstruck. During this time, she was known for sporting fitness-inspired attire such as leotards, headbands, and leg warmers. This paved the way for her 1991 bestseller, Forever fit. Shortly after, she released her fitness videos called CherFitness. Today, she is 79-years-old and had a jukebox musical written about her. She also has multiple projects in the works, including new music and a biographical film project. She also looks amazing.
Lou Ferrigno
Lou started lifting weights when he was 13-years-old. He wanted to be more like his role model and Hercules star, Steve Reeves. From there, he became one of the world’s most recognized bodybuilder. He went up against Arnold Schwarzenegger for Mr. Olympia, and he landed a role in The Incredible Hulk. Today, his focus is in Hollywood. He played himself in King of Queens and the 2009 film; I Love You Man. He also reprised the role of the Hulk, providing the character’s voice in The Avengers in 2012.
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda had two Academy Awards for Best Actress by 1978. During the ’80s, she got into fitness. Her first workout video, Jane Fonda’s Workout, was the highest-selling workout video for several years. After her first video, she released 23 more, five books, and 13 audio programs between 1982 and 1995. In 2010, Jane released two videos with workouts designed for older people. Today, she is 81-years-old and looks fabulous. She still loves acting, and recently earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for her role in the Netflix series, Grace and Frankie.
Greg Smithey
In the late ’80s, Greg Smithey released a popular workout video, The Original Buns of Steel. In his video, he guided his viewers through moves and techniques designed to tone their behinds. He also included many of the exercises that he used to be successful in vaulting. In the late ’80s, he re-released the video on DVD. Today, he isn’t doing much as far as fitness is concerned, but he still looks great and has his signature beard.
Jake Steinfeld
Jake Steinfeld is the man behind, Body By Jake. In the ’80s, he was the personal trainer to the stars. A few of his famous clients were Steven Speilberg and Harrison Ford. Jake’s broad shoulders and slim hips made him a sought-after trainer in Hollywood. Today, he is 61-years-old, and he serves as the CEO and Chairman of Body By Jake Global. His new online platform allows people to access his videos without breaking the bank. He also looks fantastic, barely changing over the years.
Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch took a different approach to fitness than most people in the ’80s. She focused mostly on yoga and stress relief in her books and videos. She also talked a lot about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. Today, she is making a great living selling her anti-aging secrets. She is 79-years-old, and she still looks fantastic. She is still working and is currently working on a Canadian comedy series.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
When Arnold was just 20-years-old, he earned the title of Mr. Universe. After that, he won the Mr. Olympia title seven times. The last title he won was in 1980, and in 1982, he landed his breakout role in Conan the Barbarian. Over the years, he has starred in many films. He was also the Governor of California for a while. Today, he is 72-years-old, and his body looks amazing. In 1997, he had heart valve replacement surgery and had to give up his workout regimen. When he returned to action movies, he worked out every day, starting at 6 am. He also adopted a vegan diet.
Suzanne Somers
Suzanne got her big break starring in Three’s Company and then became the spokeswoman for the Tighmaster, which was huge in the ’80s. She starred in many infomercials, and then landed a role in the TV series, She’s the Sheriff. Today, she is 72-years-old and has taken great care of herself. In 2015, she was a contestant on Dancing With the Stars, and she and Tony Dovolani finished 9th that year.
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa reached stardom while starring in Who’s the Boss?. The show ran until 1992, making her a teen idol. In 1988, she released her own workout video called Teen Steam. It played out like a soap opera before Alyssa started the workout. She even sang in the video. Today, Alyssa is 46-years-old and looks fantastic. She has starred in many shows since including Charmed and Mistresses. Most recently, she starred in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
Billy Blanks
Billy Blanks did more than making a workout video and sold it. He created a new form of exercise called Tae Bo. It is a blend of boxing and taekwondo, and it quickly gained popularity. Many celebrities, including Paula Abdul, went to his studio, and he sold over 1.5 million tapes in the first year. Today, he still looks incredible. He runs Tae Bo Nation and sells marketing subscriptions, which allows other people to become certified instructors. In 2019, at 64-years-old, he released his first workout video in 20 years on iTunes called Billy’s Boom Boxing.
Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear sot her start in acting in the 80s on Dynasty and T.J. Hooker. Despite being a busy actress, she still found time to shoot Personal Training Sessions, which allowed fans to use the same workout techniques as she did. Today, she is 57-years-old. She looks great, but her life has been a struggle. She has been admitted to treatment centers for alcohol addiction, and in 2018, she attacked a police officer.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John didn’t become a fitness icon because of her passion for working out. It all started with her hit song, Physical, which became the anthem for aerobic lovers. She never made a fitness tape, but her music and her look inspired millions to “get physical.” At 71-years-old, she battled breast cancer. In May 2017, it traveled down her back. She became a spokesperson for the use of cannabis because it has helped her soothe the pain.
Tony Little
Tony Little was a bodybuilder until 1983 when he was injured in a car accident. While healing, he created workout regimens that he put in books and film. His over-the-top infomercials sold thousands of copies. His trademark ponytail and his “total body” slogan made him incredibly popular. Today, he still looks great, and he has a large perm. He is also the man who invented the Gazelle glider, which he sells online and in major department stores.
Denise Austin
Denise Austin was known in the ’80s as America’s Fitness Sweetheart. She went to the University of Arizona on a gymnastics scholarship and earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education. Unlike many actors who released fitness tapes, Denise was an expert on the subject. Today, she looks incredible and is still releasing workout videos. She also published 12 books, and people turn to her for nutrition and fitness advice.
Gilad Janklowicz
Gilad is an Israeli who came to the United States to attend film school at UCLA but soon found a different path. He got into fitness and released a television workout series, Bodies in Motion, in 1983. It lasted until 1996, making it the longest-running fitness show in history. Today, Gilad is 65-years-old, and he continues to give fitness tricks and diet advice to his followers on YouTube. He still looks great and has also earned a spot in the National Fitness Hall of Fame.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis became a fitness icon in the ’80s and never promoted any type of exercise regimen. In 1985, she starred with John Travolta in the film Perfect, which followed the lives of members of a Los Angeles health club. Today, she is 60-years-old and still looks great. She is still acting and even reprised her role in the new Halloween film.
Mr. T
Mr. T was very popular in the ’80. He played B.A. Baracus in the hit TV series, The A-Team, and also played Clubber Lang in Rocky III. In 1985, he became a professional wrestler. Today, he is 67-years-old and has been working as a host for television. He was also a contestant on Dancing With the Stars in 2017.
