Visiting "The Fonda Factor "

This is an article from the New York Times printed November 17, 2007 discussing fitness trends. I thought that it shared a lot of relevance to my own article "Thank you Jane Fonda" with the evolution of fitness with the 1980s style aerobics to the current trends of today. All of the fitness icons discussed in the article have witnessed the fitness revolution that began in the 1980s. The instructors mentioned in the article are all over 40 years of age and some are actually currently in their 50s like Denise Austin and Kathy Smith. My own love for fitness was inspired by Jane Fonda and Kathy Smith through their fitness videos and workout books.

Exercise itself can be pretty boring but combined with powerful music it can make it fun and almost party-like for many. Even the people who choose to move through walking, running or cycling have an MP3 player attached to their sleeve. (Note how the Walkman has evolved into the MP3 player.) Many of the fitness trends that "died" out have come back with a vengeance. The 80s style aerobics and 90s style kick box workouts have now become workouts like Turbo Jam and Turbo Kick. The old style aerobic dance video is now a hip hop style cardio workout like Hip Hop Abs.

Even the old standby, The Firm, has gone through several transformations ending with their Transfirmation set. The late 90s and early 2000s found The Firm introducing several variations of steps for the workouts until the recent release of Firm Transfirmation CardioWeight System which does not use a step at all. For many of the Firm Believers in my age range this is a welcome transformation because the knees start to take their toll after several years of step aerobics.

I feel honored to have witnessed and to have been involved in this fitness revolution/evolution. I have gone full circle right along with it. I have followed the trends doing all of the workouts along with everyone else. I believe that it all boils down to the fact that you have to move and keep moving. The way you move may change as you age but it is important that you keep moving through your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and however long you live to. More and more research links physical activity to brain stimulation. An active body stimulates an active mind. Another case for people to stay active.

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