FAB FITNESS FADS TRENDS

Fab Fitness Fads

Military Training

While fitness training has been around for a long, long time—think training soldiers for the Roman army, and the first Olympic games in ancient Greece—interestingly enough, the modern fitness culture may possibly be traced to the huge worldwide popularity of the Royal Canadian Air Force Exercise Plans, published in 1961. The RCAF exercises included arm circling and sit-ups, toe touches, jumping jacks, and other gentle exercises and were to be performed for eleven minutes a day and promoted as “ideal for both the champion athlete and the modern housewife.”

Hula anyone? One of the earliest fitness crazes was developed around a simple invention… the Hula Hoop. Swung around the hips, neck or arms, the plastic hoop became a part of recreation programs in schools and at home. And at one time, the “Hula Hoop Song” by Georgia Gibbs even hit #32 on Billboard’s Top 100.

Jazzercise In the 70s, Jazzercize kicked off a lasting trend of choreographed exercises set to music, but when Jane Fonda entered the market with her signature workout book and videotapes, the fad transformed into a fitness phenomenon. And ever since there have been spin-offs like step and water aerobics, Belly Fit, Cardio Dance Club and the Latin-inspired Zumba programs.

Jiggle it! At one point we were hopeful that those extra pounds could be jiggled away using the rather awkward and cumbersome vibrating belt machine, but alas, it was not to be!

& Trends

Let’s get physical, physical I wanna get physical Let’s get into physical Let me hear your body talk, your body talk Let me hear your body talk

– Lyrics from the Olivia Newton-John hit

ThighMaster Did you have a ThighMaster? Millions did, and they were enticed to “Squeeze. Squeeze your way to shapely hips and thighs,” by blonde bombshell—and principal owner of the company— Suzanne Sommers. While the gizmo also became the butt of jokes on the late-night comedy scene of the 1990s, it continues to sell today on her website where the ThighMaster Gold will set you back $39.99 USD.

Tae Bo The 90s saw the appearance of Tae Bo developed by Billy Blanks. It combined taekwondo and boxing, as well as elements of ballet and hip-hop. This popular and intense form of workout burned 500 – 800 calories an hour, and in the first year alone, over 1.5 million VHS tapes, showing how to do the workout in the comfort of your own home, were sold.

CrossFit CrossFit is one of the latest fitness programs to emerge. Developed by gymnast Greg Glassman, it focuses on whole-body training by conquering obstacles and combines gymnastics, weightlifting, and calisthenics. There is also a strong communal aspect to this program as participants do their challenges and workouts together.

Maggie Bugg co-owner of CrossFit Qualicum Beach