The 1990s was a decade of bold fashion choices, technological advancements, and fitness trends that captured the hearts (and thighs) of millions. Infomercials dominated late-night TV, promising life-changing results with simple workouts you could do from the comfort of your living room. From high-energy Tae Bo to the iconic ThighMaster, the ’90s were all about breaking a sweat in style. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at some of the biggest fitness trends that defined the decade and how fitness culture has evolved since.
The Infomercial Fitness Boom
The ’90s brought us an endless supply of fitness infomercials, where a friendly (often overly enthusiastic) spokesperson would promise you could achieve the body of your dreams without leaving your home. These segments were not just about selling products—they were full-on performances. Whether it was Tae Bo, Buns of Steel, or the ThighMaster, these workouts became household names. The success of infomercials came from their accessibility. Anyone with a TV and a desire to get fit could join in, and many did.
Fitness culture in the ’90s revolved around accessibility and simplicity. Gyms weren’t yet as omnipresent as they are today, so infomercial fitness provided a solution for those looking to tone up, slim down, or just break a sweat without needing a membership.
Tae Bo: Punch, Kick, and Cardio Power
At the heart of the ’90s workout craze was Tae Bo, created by martial artist Billy Blanks. This high-intensity workout combined boxing, taekwondo, and aerobics to create a full-body cardio experience. Tae Bo promised to get you in shape and help you release stress by throwing punches and kicks in the air. It was fast-paced, fun, and made you feel like a fighter—even if you were just kicking along to the VHS tape in your living room. Tae Bo took the world by storm, and for a while, it seemed like everyone was doing Billy Blanks’ signature moves.
ThighMaster: Squeeze Your Way to Toned Thighs
The ThighMaster became one of the best-selling at-home fitness devices of the ’90s, largely thanks to Suzanne Somers, who became the face of the product. Known for her role in Three’s Company, Somers’ bubbly personality and infomercial demonstrations made the ThighMaster a household name. The simple, spring-loaded device promised to tone thighs with easy squeezing motions, and its infomercials were hard to resist. It’s said that Somers earned upwards of $300 million from ThighMaster sales, making it not just a fitness tool but a cultural icon of the decade.
Jazzercise: Dance Your Way to Fitness
Although Jazzercise began in the 1980s, it found new life in the ’90s, becoming a favorite workout for those who loved to combine fitness with fun. Jazzercise classes were set to high-energy pop music, and the routines incorporated a blend of jazz dance, strength training, and aerobic exercises. With its lively and social atmosphere, Jazzercise made working out feel like a dance party, not a chore. This fitness trend appealed to a wide range of ages and fitness levels, offering a full-body workout that could be enjoyed with a side of rhythm.
Step Aerobics: Up, Down, and All-Around
Step Aerobics was a defining fitness trend of the ’90s, seen nationwide in gyms and living rooms. Using a simple step platform, participants would follow choreographed routines that involved stepping up, down, and around to music. It was an effective way to increase the heart rate while improving coordination and leg strength. Classes were often packed with participants decked out in neon leotards and scrunchies, enthusiastically keeping pace with the energetic beats. Step aerobics also became a favorite for home workouts, with infomercials selling step platforms so you could follow along with VHS tapes at your own pace.
Buns of Steel: Targeted Toning at Its Best
Buns of Steel was your go-to workout in the ’90s if you wanted to focus on a specific body part. This series of VHS tapes, led by fitness instructors with intense determination, promised to sculpt and tone the glutes through a series of squats, lunges, and leg lifts. It was grueling, to say the least, but the idea of achieving rock-hard “buns” was too appealing to pass up. Buns of Steel became a pop culture phenomenon, not only for its results-driven approach but for the catchy name that made toning your glutes sound like a superhero endeavor.
Pilates: The Core Strengthening Revolution
Pilates had been around for decades, but the ’90s brought it to the masses as more people sought workouts, emphasizing strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Pilates focuses on controlled movements designed to improve core strength, posture, and overall body alignment.
While not as high-energy as Tae Bo or step aerobics, Pilates offered a more deliberate approach to fitness, attracting those who wanted to tone up without the high-impact strain. It became trendy among dancers and those recovering from injuries, providing a low-impact workout that could still deliver major results.
Stationary Bikes: Pedaling for Fitness
While spin classes as we know them today were still in their infancy, stationary bikes were a staple in ’90s home gyms and fitness centers. They offered a way to get a low-impact cardio workout without leaving the house. Stationary bikes became especially popular thanks to infomercials promoting their convenience. Adjustable resistance allowed riders to mimic the challenge of outdoor cycling from the comfort of their living rooms. Whether used solo or in class, stationary biking became a reliable way to burn calories and build endurance during the decade.
Evolution of Fitness Culture: From Tapes to Tech
The fitness trends of the ’90s were shaped by a combination of convenience, catchy marketing, and a desire to stay active without needing to hit the gym. While we’ve moved on from VHS tapes and late-night infomercials, fitness culture today owes a lot to those early at-home workouts. Nowadays, we stream classes on-demand, follow influencers for fitness inspiration, and track every step with wearable tech. But the fundamentals haven’t changed—we still seek ways to stay fit and active, even if the tools have evolved.
Looking back, there’s a certain charm to the simplicity of ’90s workouts. Whether you were mastering your Tae Bo kicks or squeezing a ThighMaster during your favorite sitcom, these trends offered an accessible way to get moving. And who knows? Maybe it’s time to dust off those old tapes and give them another go—just for nostalgia’s sake.
