If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We’ve entered a very fitness-centric eraa “trend” we can certainly get behind.
It’s safe to say that within the past century, women have morphed into full-blown fitness badasses.
Graphic House/Getty Images
Meet the Experts
Daniel Levineis a trends expert and keynote speaker.
He is the publisher of WikiTrend.org and the director of Avant-Guide Institute.
Take a look at the progression of women’s exercise trends through the ages!
Henry Guttman / Getty Images
After World War I, however, we moved into a time period known as the Roaring Twenties.
He recommended, six to eight yawns, each followed by the operation of swallowing.
Activewear
Activewear has come along way from what they wore in the start of the 20th century.
John Kobal Foundation / Getty Images
The 1920s woman’s idea of activewear: dresses, high heels, and pearls.
My, how far we’ve come.
Of course, you don’t really need activewear when your workout consists of a Vibro-Slim and yawning!
Jon Brenneis / Getty Images
1930s1940s: Glamour Girl Workout
This era was all about repetitious movement using one’s own body.
This was also the period that people started dedicating a block of time to working out.
Believe it or not, cigarettes weren’t known to be a health risk in the 1930s.
Steve Chenn / Getty Images
You know, so you could smoke and exercise at the same time.
It wasn’t until 1964 that the U.S.
Surgeon General said that smoking caused cancer and other health issues.
Link Together, Lead Together
Women were no longer wearing high heels and pearls to work out in the this decade.
They wore a one piece short outfit, similar to what we call a romper today, with bloomers.
They swapped out their heels for zippered gym shoes as well.
For the first time, women sweating while working out was not only accepted, but encouraged.
The health clubs were a popular spot to exercise.
This was the time period that people began to see the benefits of self-care.
The first at-home massagerwas used in this decade.
In the 1950s, women were dressing a little more sporty, wearing cotton leotards, often with collars.
All that would change in the late 1950s.
Believe it or not, people rarely would go for a jog for exercise before this decade.
“The 1970s was the beginning of jogging as a popular activity,” says Levine.
“Before then, you would almost never see people running on the street or in the park.”
The Sauna Suits were another wellness trend.
You would wear this full body plastic suit and it promised you would sweat the pounds off.
This decade had a very distinctive activewear look, thanks to the creation of spandex.
Women wore leotards, often belted, along with tights and leg warmers.
Another groundbreaking invention in this decade?
But women were focused on toning another body part during the ’90s and 2000s as well: their bums.
Buns of Steelwas a famous video series that worked the tush right from the comfort of your living room.
Transitioning into the 2000s,Tae Bo, a martial arts-dance fusion class was all the rage.
You couldn’t turn on the television without seeing Billy Blanks on your screen.
Yoga studios also began popping up in this decade as people started seeing the benefits of this exercise.
Frozen diet meals Lean Cuisine were also a popular trend this decade.
TheAb Rollerwas the must-have home exercise equipment to tone the midsection.
This was the decade of scrunchies, crop tops, and fanny packs.
Activewear in this decade was brightly colored and colorblocke and big, clunky sneakers were all the rage.
People were still wearing leotards and tights, however, leggings were also starting to become popular.
It’s no wonder ClassPass sessions have jumped to a whopping $99 a month.
The Pineapple Diet was all the rage this decade.
On this eating plan, you only ate pineapple two days out of the week.
Needless to say, this diet is no longer encouraged today.
Keto Diets were also starting to take off during this timeframe.
Brands like Lululemon exploded in popularity, with their high-end activewear that was as functional as it was stylish.
Toning shoes, such as those made my Sketchers, promised you could get in shape as you walked.
“So, where is this all going?
Online, of course,” says Levine.
“Look to the success of Peloton to inspire other forms of working out remotely.
Alone, but together. "
The University of British Columbia.On the History of Fitness: A Look at Popular Trends.
Cooper KH.The History of Aerobics (50 Years and Still Counting).Res Q Exerc Sport.
