Kickin’ It Old School
Get fit with your granny’s fitness gurus.
Words by Holly D’Anna
If you’re feeling a retro kick and want a rockin’ summer bod, come check out these classic workouts that are coming back into fashion. If you like to dance, check out Richard Simmons in America’s all-time favorite, “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.” Sure, he might be older than your dad, and might seem ridiculously peppy in those silly looking outfits he wears (short shorts and a sparkling tank top… on a guy? Or anyone?), but throughout his videos, he constantly motivates and encourages viewers. It’s dorky, but you’ll fall in love after the first song, promise. If dancing around the room to eighties pop music isn’t your idea of good fun and exercise, the Tamilee collection will give you a body of steel and a good laugh. Jane Fonda also has her own collection, “Workout with Weights.”
If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, Drake Mag Online has previewed a few of these great fitness classics and broken it down into the type of workout, how long you will be sweating, the basic moves, and why we love it.
Buns of Steel: The Tamilee Collection
1994, VHS
3 workouts broken into 15-minute chunks; best for people with little time to exercise.
Tamilee is conversational and encouraging, but her attire is risqué at best—think skimpy leotards that don’t leave much to the imagination. Every move is explained in thorough detail, so this video is suitable for beginners as well as people looking to tone up their core muscles.
The first workout consists of several different variations on the classic squat, and while you get “buns of steel” as a result, you can also develop your abdominal muscles from getting a good laugh at the classic ‘90s vibe of the video. The second workout focuses on building up firm buttocks. The last workout uses step aerobics with lunges and squats These moves are slightly more complicated and more intense than the ones in the other programs, but you can mix it up with whatever workout you feel like doing that day.
Why we love it: concentrated and easy to do moves, and of course, the leotards.
Jane Fonda: Workout with Weights
1987, VHS
Two-part weight program totaling 90 minutes; best for those looking to tone without bulking up.
Jane Fonda takes us back to the awesome ‘80s, where women put belts around their shiny leotards and worked out in full makeup. The music choice is interesting but still upbeat, giving the viewer the complete “Flash Dance” flashback. The techniques are somewhat out of date but still fun to watch and imitate.
Class 1 uses muscles that focus on movement in only one joint. You can make the class easier or more challenging whenever you choose. Class 2 involves using multiple joints and is therefore more complex. For the first 6 weeks, you are recommended to only do Class 1, but after that, when you feel ready, you can alternate them. Fonda also suggests that you pair this workout with cardio for fitness since the weights workout will only tone specific muscle groups.
Why we love it: It breaks beginning and more advanced workouts into two separate classes and gives you suggestions for a complete fitness routine.
Ultimate Fat Burner with Denise Austin
2001, DVD
45 minutes broken into seven 5-minute intervals; best for people serious about fitting into those skinny jeans stat.
Denise Austin has discovered the best way to burn fat—interval circuit training workouts. She alternates between 3 and a half minutes of cardio and one and a half minutes of strength training, so you get the best of both worlds. Austin offers training tips to focus on before the actual workout and explains how her routine will reshape your body and burn winter fat. The DVD’s intervals each include fun exercises that keep your heart pumping for the entire workout. Austin really knows how to encourage her viewers and explain each move at the same time, so the viewer will feel built up as they slim down.
Why we love it: The updated DVD format makes workouts quick and easy—though we won’t say painless.
