Nostalgia for the 1990s has been sweeping the world, influencing everything from fashion to music and fitness trends too! South Africans are no exception, embracing the return of high-energy, community-focused workouts that dominated the decade. Here are some of the hottest 90s workouts that have made a massive comeback and why you should try them!
Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or trying a 90s trend for the first time, these workouts are worth a spot in your fitness rotation. They’re backed by research, effective and a whole lot of fun, guaranteed to boost your fitness, health and mood!
1. Step aerobics
Who remembers watching step aerobics on tv? Or maybe you’ve seen it in films? Step aerobics is a simple choreography with a raised platform (the step) that offers a full-body cardio-style workout. Today’s popular step aerobics classes have an added element of HIIT (high intensity interval training), while still being a low-impact workout that’s suitable for all fitness levels. Another reason for its popularity? The upbeat music and social nature of the class means it’s a great way to improve your mood.
- Tae Bo
This exercise fuses elements of taekwondo and boxing and gained popularity for its high-intensity full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility and endurance. This workout is a real calorie burner, making it effective for weight-loss too. - Dance Workouts
Thanks to the iconic music and MTV music videos, dance cardio classes rose in popularity in the 90s.Today retro dance classes with 90s hits are once again trending and provide a really fun way to stay active. Dancing is good for improving coordination and boosting your mood all while getting a sweat sesh in.
Looking to try a dance class online? Try our guided Dancing Workout here.
- Spinning
Spinning classes emerged in the late 90s, driven by their high-energy atmosphere and calorie-burning potential. Today, spinning classes are high-tech immersive experiences that often include modern additions like strength training or virtual reality experiences. Soul Cycle took the US by storm and, locally, most gyms in SA have dedicated spinning studios. Looking for something a little different? Try the music-centred and trendy Hustle & Heart in Cape Town or Spin Science in Johannesburg. Spinning is a great form of low-impact cardio, plus it builds strength and community classes create a fun, vibrant place to sweat.
- Pilates
Although Pilates was developed in the early 20th century, it gained popularity in the 90s for its focus on core strength and flexibility. It then garnered a bit of a reputation as a ‘boring workout’, but today is back with a new spin: pumped up music, reformer machines and studios dedicated to pilates fusion classes. Pilates is – at its core – a strengthening workout that’s both low-impact and focused on mindfulness. Pilates helps to improve core stability and flexibility while reducing back pain.
Looking to shake up your workout routine? We have a wide range of workout videos and programmes online at MedshieldMovement.co.za. Visit our ‘Workouts’ page here or try some of our ClickFit programmes, available for Medshield members.