The 1970s were a pivotal decade for fitness, marking a significant shift in how people viewed and approached physical activity. This era witnessed the rise of various fitness trends, a change in societal attitudes towards women in sports, and the popularization of different exercise formats. From the high-energy workouts of Jane Fonda to the body-sculpting world of “Pumping Iron” and the growing acceptance of Yoga, the 70s laid the foundation for the modern fitness landscape we know today.
The Rise of Aerobics and Jane Fonda
Aerobics gained significant traction in the 1970s, largely thanks to pioneers like Jacki Sorensen and Judi Missett, who combined dance with fitness. Sorensen founded Aerobic Dancing Inc., while Missett created Jazzercise, a high-intensity workout blending jazz dance, ballet, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing. These programs popularized group exercise, making fitness fun and accessible, especially for women.
However, it was Jane Fonda who truly revolutionized the home workout scene in the 1980s, building upon the foundation laid in the 70s. After breaking an ankle in 1978, Fonda sought an alternative exercise method and partnered with Leni Cazden to open “Workout” studio in Beverly Hills in 1979. Recognizing that most gyms were designed for men, she aimed to create a welcoming environment for women and her studio was a big success. Fonda then released “Jane Fonda’s Workout Book” in 1981. This book, followed by her hugely successful workout videos, became a cultural phenomenon, selling millions of copies and encouraging women to embrace fitness in the comfort of their own homes. Her workout routines combined aerobics, strength training, and flexibility exercises, emphasizing a holistic approach to fitness. Fonda’s impact was profound, transforming home workouts into a mainstream activity and inspiring a generation to get moving.
Jazzercise and the Dance Fitness Revolution
Jazzercise emerged as a major fitness craze during the 1970s. Founded by Judi Sheppard Missett in 1969, it combined jazz dance with fitness moves, creating a high-energy workout that was both effective and enjoyable. The program’s popularity soared, making it the second-fastest-growing franchise in the US by the early 1980s, second only to Domino’s Pizza. This highlighted the growing trend of dance-based fitness programs and their appeal to a wide audience.
Bodybuilding and ‘Pumping Iron’
While aerobics focused on cardiovascular fitness, the world of bodybuilding was also experiencing a significant transformation in the 1970s. The release of the documentary “Pumping Iron” in 1977, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, catapulted bodybuilding into the mainstream. The film offered an inside look at the intense training regimens, dedication, and artistry behind sculpting the human physique. It demystified bodybuilding and presented it as a legitimate sport and art form, inspiring many to pursue their own fitness goals.
The Impact of ‘Pumping Iron’
“Pumping Iron” was a game-changer for the sport, turning it from a niche subculture into a widely recognized and respected discipline. The movie had two main impacts on American culture, first by normalizing the perception of bodybuilders and turning them into athletes and second by adding fuel to the growing fitness craze in late 1970s and early 1980s. It showcased the dedication and discipline required, changing the public’s perception of muscle building. The film’s success led to a surge in gym memberships and home fitness equipment sales, with gyms popping up in almost every corner, as well as inspiring future generations of athletes. Beyond bodybuilding, “Pumping Iron” also highlighted the need for greater transparency and discussion around performance-enhancing drugs in sports, though the film itself did not explicitly address this issue. The film transformed Schwarzenegger into a household name, laying the foundation for his Hollywood career.
The Growing Popularity of Yoga
While aerobics and bodybuilding captured the spotlight, yoga was also quietly gaining popularity during the 1970s. Although yoga’s roots date back thousands of years, the 1970s saw a greater acceptance and understanding of its benefits in the West. More individuals started practicing yoga, drawn by its ability to promote physical health, mental well-being, and stress reduction. Yoga began to be seen as a holistic practice that could complement other forms of exercise.
Yoga in the 1970s
In the 1970s, yoga studios started to emerge in cities across the United States and Europe. Books and magazines dedicated to yoga further fueled its growth and by the end of the 70s, yoga was no longer a niche practice but a more established part of the fitness landscape. Before the 70s, yogis would use anything they could find as props, but in the early 70s, B.K.S. Iyengar created the first belts specifically for yoga, marking an advancement in yoga practice and equipment. This period saw an increase in the availability of yoga books and media. For example, in 1971, “Yoga & Health” was launched in the UK, showcasing the growing popularity of yoga. Even the fashion world started to incorporate yoga into their shoots, demonstrating the increasing cultural impact of the practice.
Other notable fitness trends
Beyond the dominant trends, several other fitness activities gained popularity during this decade. Running saw a significant rise, with many taking to the streets for the first time. Both men and women formed running groups and participated in 5k and 10k races, laying the groundwork for today’s popular running culture. Also, in the 1970s the idea of being fit and healthy become a reason to exercise, rather than just trying to be skinny.
Fad Diets and Their Dark Side
It’s important to acknowledge that alongside the positive trends, the 1970s also saw the rise of dangerous fad diets. The “Last Chance Diet,” involving a low-calorie shake made from animal by-products, led to tragic consequences. The Scarsdale diet, a short-term low-carb program, also gained popularity. These diets highlighted a more problematic side of the fitness movement, where people sought rapid results through unhealthy means.
The Shift for Women in Fitness
The 1970s were pivotal for women’s involvement in fitness. Before this decade, many believed that exercise was harmful for women, perpetuating myths about its effect on their reproductive health. However, the rise of the women’s movement challenged these traditional views. With the passage of Title IX, more women were accepted as athletes, and they began participating in individual workouts and group classes in unprecedented numbers. This era marked a turning point for women’s physical activity, paving the way for a more inclusive fitness culture.
Conclusion
The 1970s were a transformative decade for fitness, laying the groundwork for many of today’s fitness trends. The era witnessed the rise of aerobics, propelled by figures like Jane Fonda, the mainstream acceptance of bodybuilding through “Pumping Iron”, and the growing popularity of yoga. These developments, coupled with a shift in societal attitudes toward women’s fitness, created a more dynamic and inclusive fitness landscape. The 1970s were not just a period of bell-bottoms and disco, but also a pivotal time when people began to understand the importance of exercise for overall health and well-being, creating a lasting impact on fitness culture.
