What Celebs Who Did Fitness Videos In The '80s & '90s Look Like These Days

Wardrobes in the '80s were characterized by vibrant fitness gear and as much Lycra as possible. During a decade defined by larger-than-life hair and a "bolder is better" attitude, exercising became brighter and more focused on body-conscious silhouettes. A fitness boom meant consumers couldn't wait to get their hands on colorful legwarmers, leotards, and leggings, and designers were rolling out neon collections. The obsession with fitness was prompted by a newfound love for home workouts and exercise videos that made exercising more accessible. Celebrities were usually at the forefront of such trends, embarking on their own fitness journeys and using the videos to share their routines with fans.

While fitness fashion trends had evolved by the '90s as baggier shapes and minimalist trends took over, the fitness craze extended into the era. Matching sets, including Juicy Couture tracksuits, became increasingly popular and maintained the romanticized fitness aesthetic. With the development of technology, celebrities started to release DVDs featuring calisthenics, weight training, and power walking. 

The obsession with fitness videos has resurged in recent years as social media influencers have been attempting the recorded workouts and posting their reactions online. Upon realizing how difficult some of the routines are, these vintage workout videos have been revived once more. After a content creator showed herself trying an '80s-style workout on Instagram, users flocked to the comments to express how transformative these videos are. "I bought all the Jane Fonda's on DVD, and I'm still shook," one person wrote. From Fonda to Alyssa Milano, these celebs had their own fitness workouts back in the day, and that hard work still shows today! 

As a former dancer and head cheerleader, it's no surprise that Paula Abdul's singing career eventually expanded to include an aerobics video. In 1994, Abdul released a dance-inspired fitness tape titled "Paula Abdul's Get Up and Dance!" Due to her fluctuating relationship with exercise, the singer released the workout video to inspire others to commit to a fitness routine. Abdul showcased her lean frame as she danced to her music, executing both low and high-impact movements. As of 2026, Abdul has maintained her strong physique and exuded confidence wearing an embellished gown at the 2026 pre-Grammy Gala.

Award-winning actor Alyssa Milano may be best known for her starring childhood role as Samantha Micelli in the sitcom "Who's the Boss?," but she made waves with her workout video in the '80s, too. In 1988, when she was just 15 years old, the actor released the fitness VHS titled "Teen Steam." In 2026, Milano nodded to her fitness tape on Instagram, comparing her younger self to her daughter. At the World Accreditation Celebration, the proud mom showed off her gleaming smile and donned a daring look that featured an extremely scooped neckline.

In addition to being a supermodel, Cindy Crawford popularized beauty marks and became a beauty inspiration. She went on to release several workout videos throughout her career on the runway. "Shape Your Body" was released in 1994, but the vintage tape has regained attention in recent years. Despite appearing more mature, Crawford slipped into her 60's seamlessly, and her look remains almost unchanged. In 2026, the model showcased her chiseled cheekbones and sharp jawline when she walked the runway for Gucci. It's clear Crawford still takes pride in her natural genetics, considering the beauty mark above her lip was also on display.

Hollywood legend Jane Fonda has worn some memorable outfits, but she also released one of the best-selling fitness videos of all time in 1982. Fonda revolutionized fitness when she released "Jane Fonda's Workout" and appeared on-screen dressed in vibrant sportswear. Her videos featured a mix of dance-inspired and endurance training sequences. Approaching 90 at the time of this report, it's safe to say Fonda looks fantastic. As of 2026, the star embraces her natural silver locks and continues to experiment with bold fashion choices. At the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, she arrived at the event wearing a sequin-clad black gown and a statement necklace.

Singer-songwriter Cher has had a complete transformation since the '60s. Given her willingness to embrace almost any trend, Cher's 1991 workout video titled "CherFitness: A New Attitude" wasn't a surprise. In true Cher fashion, she donned a tutu over a leotard in the workout video. In 1992, she released a second one titled "CherFitness: Body Confidence." In recent years, Cher has continued to incorporate '80s-style workouts into her routine, and at the 2026 Met Gala, the singer proved age has no limits in fashion when she arrived wearing a leather corset and a sheer lace bodysuit.

As the middle sister of the Jackson family, La Toya Jackson starred in Michael Jackson's carefully orchestrated music videos. Having built a career alongside the King of Pop, Jackson quickly shared her agility secrets with the world. In 1993, she released a workout video titled "Step Up," where she performed a cardio routine wearing a vibrant yellow leotard and leg warmers. Jackson has continued to experiment with statement accessories, and in 2026, she arrived at the "Michael" premiere wearing elbow-length gloves. Red lipstick and false eyelashes completed her look, and a skin-tight black gown highlighted her petite frame.

Despite stepping away from the Hollywood social scene, Heather Locklear was once a television star who rose to fame in the '80s on the daytime drama, "Dynasty." Her glamorous roles immediately made her the perfect aerobics instructor, and in 1990, she released her aerobics video titled "Heather Locklear Presents: Your Personal Workout." In recent years, Locklear has maintained her bleached blonde locks and lasting love for pink. On a rare occasion in 2026, Locklear attended the Brave & Rescued Awards wearing a dusty pink vest and jeans. She layered her look with a trendy denim jacket.

Sally Struthers is best recognized for her portrayal of Gloria Stivic in the 1970s sitcom "All in the Family." She quickly became a television icon, and it wasn't long before she embraced the fitness boom by releasing her own exercise VHS in 1987. In the video, which incorporates the "Balboa Fitness Walking Technique," Struthers is shown wearing a vibrant blue tracksuit and a voluminous blonde bouffant. In recent years, Struthers looks almost identical to the blonde bombshell in the video. However, at the 2024 Emmy Awards, her embellished black blazer and tulle skirt suggested she had toned down her vibrant style.