Let's Get Physical

Let's Get Physical

From Pop Culture Preservation Society by Pop Culture Preservation Society

April 13, 2026 · 1h 15m · Season 18 · Episode 265

About this episode

The episode explores the vibrant world of 80s fitness culture, highlighting iconic figures and trends.

Dust off your leg warmers and pull out the VCR, this week, PCPS is sweating it out Gen X–style . We’re diving headfirst into the neon-soaked world of 80s fitness, where high-cut leotards, terry cloth headbands, and very enthusiastic instructors ruled our living rooms.From the unstoppable energy of Jane Fonda to the joyful, glittery motivation of Richard Simmons, we revisit the VHS workouts that somehow turned our family rooms into aerobic studios. Along the way, we’re breaking down the iconic fashion (spandex, anyone?), the pulse-pounding music, and the movies that turned aerobics into a full-blown cultural moment.Join us as we laugh, reminisce, and maybe even get a little winded remembering a time when “feel the burn” was a lifestyle—and sweating to the oldies was basically a personality trait. Watch "Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter" Subscribe to our favorite magazine and get 83% off just by being a PCPS listener. Click here for a year of Remind Magazine for only $12. Shop our link at bookshop.org to support independent bookstores and the PCPS. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here Follow the Pop Culture Preservation Society on Instagram , Facebook an TikTok Support the…

People in this episode

Host: Pop Culture Preservation Society

Topics covered

  • 80s fitness
  • aerobics
  • Gen X culture
  • VHS workouts
  • iconic fashion
  • nostalgia

Keywords

  • 80s fitness
  • Jane Fonda
  • Richard Simmons
  • aerobics
  • VHS workouts
  • nostalgia
  • fashion

Sponsors

Remind Magazine

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter

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