Picture this…
It’s 1987.
Jane Fonda is on television, someone is wearing neon pink lycra that defies all known laws of fashion, and an entire room of people are enthusiastically grapevining to synthesiser music that sounds suspiciously like it was produced on a Casio keyboard.
Fast forward to today, and something unexpected is happening.
Aerobics is quietly making a comeback.
Not necessarily the fluorescent G-strings worn over leggings (thankfully), but the idea of exercising together, moving to music, and actually having fun while getting fit.
As physiotherapists, we spend a lot of time encouraging people to exercise. Yet for many adults, the word “exercise” immediately conjures images of lonely treadmill sessions, complicated gym equipment, or expensive boutique fitness classes.
Maybe we’ve forgotten something…
Exercise is supposed to be enjoyable
What Exactly Was Aerobics?
Traditional aerobics classes combined continuous movement with upbeat music to keep your heart rate elevated for an extended period.
Think:
- Step touches
- Grapevines
- Knee lifts
- High knees
- Star jumps
- Jazz hands (optional… but highly encouraged)
Was every movement biomechanically perfect?
Probably not.
Was it fun? Absolutely/apparently so.
The Good
It Gets You Moving
The biggest predictor of good health isn’t finding the “perfect” exercise.
It’s actually doing it.
Aerobics improves:
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Balance
- Coordination
- Bone health through weight-bearing activity
- Mood
- Energy levels
Many people who hated running happily attended aerobics classes three or four times a week because they genuinely enjoyed them.
Consistency beats perfection every time.
Music Is More Powerful Than We Think
Ever noticed how cleaning the house somehow becomes easier when your favourite song comes on?
Exercise works the same way.
Music can:
- Reduce the perception of effort
- Improve motivation
- Help maintain rhythm
- Make exercise feel shorter
- Increase enjoyment It’s hard to be miserable while dancing to a good playlist. (Unless the instructor insists on eight consecutive burpees.)
Community Matters
One of the biggest strengths of aerobics wasn’t the exercise.
It was the people.
Regular classes create friendships, accountability and support.
You’re far less likely to skip a class when Lexi from the front row notices you’ve disappeared.
The Not-So-Good
Let’s be honest…
Some aspects of 1980s aerobics deserve to stay firmly in the history books.
“No Pain, No Gain”
Fortunately we’ve moved beyond the belief that every workout should leave you unable to sit down for three days.
Exercise should challenge you—not destroy you.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Older aerobics classes often assumed everyone should jump, bounce and twist exactly the same way.
Modern exercise recognises that people have:
- Different injuries
- Different fitness levels
- Different goals
- Different bodies
Modifications aren’t “cheating.”
They’re smart.
Technique Sometimes Took a Holiday
Have you ever watched old aerobics videos?
Hundreds of people moving at high speed while the instructor enthusiastically shouts, “Higher! Faster! Keep going!”
Meanwhile someone’s knee is quietly filing a formal complaint.
Good movement quality still matters.
And Then There Was the Fashion…
Let’s take a respectful moment to remember:
- Neon lycra
- Leg warmers
- Giant scrunchies
- Headbands
- High-cut leotards
- Tiny shorts
- Enough hairspray to affect local weather patterns
Fashion historians may never fully explain why we collectively agreed this looked amazing.
Some trends deserve nostalgia.
Not necessarily resurrection.
So… Is Aerobics Back?
Sort of.
Today’s versions have evolved into:
- Dance fitness
- Step classes
- HIIT with music
- Zumba
- Functional fitness classes
- Group circuit training
The principle hasn’t changed.
People like moving together.
People like music.
People enjoy exercise that doesn’t feel like punishment.
The Physiotherapy Verdict
From a physiotherapy perspective, aerobics can be an excellent form of exercise when:
- The intensity matches your fitness level.
- Movements are modified for existing injuries.
- Progression is gradual.
- Good technique is encouraged.
- You actually enjoy it.
The best exercise programme isn’t the one that’s scientifically perfect.
It’s the one you’ll still be doing six months from now.
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