What exercise fad of the 1980s was popularized by actress Jane Fonda?

The exercise fad that swept the 1980s, largely thanks to actress Jane Fonda, was aerobics. While aerobic exercise was developed in the mid-1960s by military physician Kenneth H. Cooper and later incorporated dance by instructor Jacki Sorensen, it was Fonda who truly brought it into the mainstream. Her iconic "Jane Fonda's Workout" video, released in 1982, became a cultural phenomenon, selling an unprecedented 17 million copies in its series between 1982 and 1995. This made fitness accessible to millions and fundamentally reshaped the home video and fitness industries.

Fonda's workout videos revolutionized at-home exercise, particularly for women, who had previously found gyms to be male-dominated spaces. The routines, developed with Leni Cazden, emphasized cardiovascular fitness through dance-based movements set to music. Beyond just exercise, Fonda's influence extended to fashion, popularizing ballet-style leg warmers and vibrant workout wear, which became synonymous with the 80s aesthetic. Her encouraging catchphrases, like "Feel the burn!", also became part of the era's lexicon.

The success of Jane Fonda's aerobics empire not only propelled her to fitness guru status but also funded her political activism, a key motivation behind her venture. Her accessible and engaging approach made exercise a social and stylish activity, moving it from a niche pursuit to a widespread cultural trend. Even today, the legacy of her pioneering work can be seen in the modern home workout industry and the enduring popularity of aerobics.