If you have been paying attention at all, you have noticed that nostalgia is running rampant these days. The ‘what’s old is new’ cycle has always been a thing in fashion, but the current nostalgic atmosphere has a different feel beyond clothing and hair styles. Movie remakes, TV show reboots, old video games and other tech have all seen a resurgence, so why not fitness?

Nostalgia is a natural feeling and like other feelings, psychology studies it and attempts to explain it. A good synopsis of the psychology of nostalgia can be found in an aptly named 2020 Psychology Today article, “The Psychology of Nostalgia”. It is an interesting read and in the end is similar to ‘the chicken or the egg’ paradox. The main finding is that nostalgia is associated with feeling down. This can be momentary sadness or full blown depression. This makes sense as we tend to look back on the good times. In momentary low moods, remembering the good ole days provides relief. However, does the low mood cause nostalgic thoughts or does the nostalgic feeling cause you to realize your current low mood (chicken or the egg)? It can be fun to read and examine psychology as there is no right or wrong answer, just theories based on observations.

So how does all this nostalgia psycho-babble help us reach health and fitness goals? Positive thoughts and better moods are definitely helpful in staying active. That’s an obvious correlation, but does thinking about your favorite pet as a child make you want to get up and go for a walk? It might for some. For others it might take a more pragmatic approach to get moving. A review of some of history’s fitness trends and picking out those that are worth trying (or trying again) may be a better way to use nostalgia.

Taking a stroll down memory lane, you will pass some of the following trends and products:

1950's: Hula Hoops made their debut! Although a toy, they were also promoted as and used for exercise. If hula hooping is not your thing, you can try other activities thought of as play, .jump ropes and trampolines come to mind!

1960's: Fitness technology makes an appearance, but not in a good way with the vibrating belt. Although first used in the early 1900s, the belt machine as we know it was popularized in the 1960s. Standing and letting the belt do all the work to melt away extra fat was the idea, but some ideas just don’t work.

1970's: Jazzercise makes its debut. Now we’re getting somewhere. Dance oriented activities (hello, Zumba!) are all about having fun while reaping the benefits of exercise. This decade also brought disco into the world. Love it or hate it, there is no doubt that disco dancing instruction classes are good for the body. Another trend meant for fun, roller skating, hits the scene. Whether it’s roller skates for Generation X or inline skates for Millennials, hopping on some wheels is great exercise.

1980's: This decade is when the fitness industry really takes off. Fitness centers like Gold’s Gym and Vic Tanny are booming. The aerobics class era begins. It’s not necessary to emulate Olivia Newton-John or Jane Fonda and wear leotards, headbands, and leg warmers, but trying a group fitness class is always a good option. This decade also opens the way for infomercials and “As Seen On TV” products. Infomercials still exist and offer variations of exercise methods and products. Suzanne Summers and the Thigh Master and Body By Jake come to mind a two originals. The main takeaway from this decade is the popularization of fitness. That message still rings true and is carried on by today’s at-home products and fitness celebrities.

1990's: This decade is simply more of the same from the previous decade of decadence with things like Billy Blanks and Tae Bo, 8 Minute Abs, Buns of Steel, Bowflex, etc. The big addition is mainstreaming the science of exercise. This comes in the form of dietary supplements and more detailed exercise methods for performance. The pro, of course, is learning more about all the benefits of exercise and how important it is for health. The biggest con is the fringe science that uses bits and pieces of scientific studies to sell some of the costly supplements. Always make sure to discuss supplementation with qualified professionals before shelling out the big bucks. Some are simply not worth it, particularly for most people’s goals.

A trip down memory lane highlights some of the popular activities of recent history, some of which are still around. Nostalgia may motivate you to try something old and make it new again (inline skating, dance lessons, or a new to you group fitness class). There are endless activities that get you moving. The message is to find something you enjoy and stay active. If that means going back in time, finding a VCR, and Sweatin’ To The Oldies with Richard Simmons, so be it.