Jane Fonda’s Workout: The Revolution That Changed Fitness Forever
“I think of women’s fitness history as B.J. and A.J. — Before Jane and After jane,” Ken alan, a kinesiologist who taught aerobics in the 1970s, said in a 2020 interview.This statement encapsulates the seismic shift in fitness culture brought about by Jane fonda, a trailblazer whose influence transcended the gym and seeped into pop culture.
Ms. Fonda initially entered the exercise business to raise money for her husband, the progressive activist Tom Hayden, who had dreams of running for local office. In 1979, she opened her first studio, Jane Fonda’s Workout Studio in Beverly Hills. Its exercise classes — taught to Top 40 hits and sometimes led by Ms. Fonda herself — were packed with locals, tourists, and the occasional A-list celebrity. Her signature class was a cardio and resistance routine set to the Jacksons or REO speedwagon that worked all the major muscle groups.
The studio’s success soon led to “Jane Fonda’s Workout Book” in 1981,which sold two million hardcover copies,hit the top of the new York Times best-seller list,and prompted the biggest royalty check Simon & Schuster had ever signed.
Thanks largely to Ms. Fonda’s influence,america’s obsession with Lycra,leotards,and getting fit transcended the gym and seeped into pop culture. That same year, olivia Newton John released “Physical,” an ode to exercise that became the country’s number one single.But the real revolution was still to come.In May 1982, Ms. Fonda released the “Jane Fonda Workout” on a still-niche VHS tape, featuring her signature workout routine.In its first three years, the tape sold 850,000 copies — more then “Alien” or “jaws” — and became the best-selling home video up to that point, despite costing $59.95 (the equivalent of $190 today).
Some credit the video with helping to launch the entire VHS industry.in 1980, about two and a half percent of households owned a VCR; by 1985, about
More than 40 years later, when we sign up for a road race or go to a CrossFit gym, lift a kettlebell or do a downward dog, we are still sweating in the world they built.
| Key Milestones in Jane Fonda’s Fitness Revolution |
|—————————————————–|
| 1979 | Opens Jane Fonda’s Workout Studio in Beverly Hills |
| 1981 | Releases “Jane Fonda’s Workout Book,” selling 2 million copies |
| 1982 | Launches “Jane Fonda Workout” VHS tape, selling 850,000 copies in three years |
| 1985 | VCR ownership in households jumps to a third, partly driven by workout videos |
| Total | 22 workout videos released, collectively selling over 17 million copies |
Jane Fonda’s legacy is not just about fitness; it’s about a cultural shift that redefined how we view health, beauty, and self-care. Her impact continues to resonate, proving that her revolution was not just a trend but a lasting change.
Jane Fonda’s Fitness revolution: How She Redefined Health, Beauty, and Self-Care
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In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Jane Fonda transformed the fitness industry, creating a cultural shift that redefined how we view health, beauty, and self-care. From her iconic workout studio in Beverly Hills to her best-selling books and VHS tapes, fonda’s influence continues to resonate today. We sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a cultural historian and fitness expert, to discuss Fonda’s lasting impact on fitness culture and pop culture at large.
The Birth of Jane Fonda’s workout Studio
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter,let’s start at the beginning.jane fonda opened her first workout studio in Beverly Hills in 1979. what made her approach to fitness so revolutionary at the time?
Dr. Emily Carter: Jane Fonda’s studio was revolutionary because it wasn’t just about exercise—it was about creating an experience. Her classes were set to Top 40 hits, and she often led them herself, which was a huge draw. She combined cardio, resistance training, and a sense of community that made fitness accessible and fun. It wasn’t just for athletes or bodybuilders; it was for everyone, especially women who had been largely excluded from the fitness conversation.
The workout Book That Started It All
Senior Editor: In 1981, Fonda released “Jane Fonda’s Workout Book,” which sold 2 million copies and became a New York Times bestseller. Why do you think the book resonated so deeply with people?
Dr. Emily Carter: The book was a game-changer because it brought her studio experience into people’s homes. It was detailed, easy to follow, and empowering. Fonda didn’t just provide exercises; she explained the science behind them and emphasized the importance of self-care. At a time when women were increasingly entering the workforce and juggling multiple roles, her message of prioritizing health and fitness was incredibly timely.
The VHS Revolution
Senior Editor: The release of her first VHS workout tape in 1982 was another milestone. it sold 850,000 copies in three years and became the best-selling home video of its time. how did this impact the fitness industry and VHS technology?
Dr. Emily Carter: Fonda’s VHS tapes were a cultural phenomenon. They made fitness accessible to people who couldn’t afford gym memberships or didn’t feel comfortable in traditional gym settings. The tapes also played a meaningful role in popularizing VCRs. In 1980, only about 2.5% of households owned a VCR, but by 1985, that number jumped to a third. Fonda’s tapes were a major driver of that growth. They showed that home video wasn’t just for movies—it coudl be a tool for self-enhancement.
A Lasting Cultural Shift
Senior Editor: Fonda released 22 workout videos, selling over 17 million copies collectively.How did her work influence broader cultural attitudes toward health and beauty?
Dr.Emily Carter: Fonda’s videos helped redefine beauty standards. In the 1970s, the ideal female body was often very thin, but Fonda promoted a toned, athletic physique. She made it clear that fitness wasn’t just about looking good—it was about feeling strong and healthy. This shift was reflected in magazines, films, and TV shows, which began featuring more muscular, athletic bodies. Fonda’s influence also helped normalize exercise as a essential part of daily life, not just a hobby for the elite.
Jane Fonda’s legacy Today
Senior Editor: More than 40 years later,Fonda’s impact is still felt. How has her work shaped the fitness culture we know today?
Dr. Emily Carter: Fonda’s legacy is everywhere. Whether it’s CrossFit, yoga, or home workout apps, her emphasis on accessibility and empowerment continues to inspire. She showed that fitness could be a form of self-expression and self-care, not just a chore. Her work also paved the way for other fitness icons, from Richard Simmons to Peloton instructors. Jane Fonda didn’t just start a trend—she started a movement that’s still evolving today.
