fitness music

Pump It Up: A History of Fitness Music

From the aerobics boom of the 80s to the high-energy playlists of today, fitness music has always been a vital component of keeping us moving. But where did this genre, with its pulsating beats and motivational lyrics, come from?

Early Days: The Boogie Beat

The seeds of fitness music were planted in the 70s, as disco music took the world by storm. Its infectious rhythms and high-energy tempo were perfect for dance classes and aerobics routines. Groups like the Bee Gees and Donna Summer became synonymous with the movement, their music encouraging people to “Stayin’ Alive” and “Shake Your Groove Thing.”

The 80s: Rise of the Synthesizer

The 80s witnessed the explosion of synth-pop and electronic music, perfectly capturing the spirit of the fitness craze. Artists like Olivia Newton-John, with her hit “Physical,” and Richard Simmons, with his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” videos, popularized using music as a tool for working out. This era also saw the rise of aerobics-specific music, with artists like Jane Fonda releasing albums specifically designed for fitness routines.

The 90s: Techno Takes Over

The 90s saw a shift towards more techno and electronic music, with artists like Haddaway (“What Is Love”) and Snap! (“Rhythm Is a Dancer”) becoming anthems for the dance floor and gym. The rise of club culture and the growing popularity of dance classes like Zumba further cemented the role of high-energy electronic music in fitness.

The 21st Century: From Pop to Hip-Hop

The 21st century has seen a fusion of genres within fitness music. Pop stars like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Rihanna dominate workout playlists, while hip-hop artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Kendrick Lamar provide motivational energy. With the rise of streaming services and personalized playlists, fitness music has become increasingly accessible and diverse.

Funny Fitness Facts

• Richard Simmons’s “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” videos were so popular they even spawned a line of exercise equipment!
• The music for “Rocky IV” was originally intended for a Jane Fonda aerobics video.
• The song “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor was originally written for a movie called “The Lords of Discipline” but became synonymous with Rocky after being featured in “Rocky III.”
• Many fitness music albums feature bizarre covers, like an 80s aerobics album featuring a woman in a leotard doing a handstand.

Fitness music has evolved alongside our fitness routines, providing the perfect soundtrack to our sweat sessions. From disco to hip-hop, it continues to motivate and inspire us to push our limits and achieve our goals.