Back then, smartphones or YouTube was not a thing yet so watching workout videos wasn't really something you could do so easily. People had to buy VHS tapes of different videos that were released by various fitness gurus or celebrities.
Decades ago, having your own program that was seen on TV or VHS did make a person very popular and rich. Have you ever wondered what these fitness icons from back then have been up to these days? Who is still buff? Who now has sagging skin? All your questions will be answered, thanks to this list.
Heather Locklear – Then, 1990
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Heather Locklear had a very exciting acting career back in the 1980s. Most of you would remember her for the roles she had in shows like Dynasty and T.J. Hooker. Back in 1990, she was able to release her very own workout video called Your Personal Workout.
She had short hair at that time and looked amazing in a leotard. People definitely believed they can achieve her fabulous physique if they followed her instructions in the video.
Heather Locklear – 56, Health & Legal Troubles
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Heather Locklear looks like she has slowed down the aging process a bit and this later resulted in a ton of rumors that she went under the knife. She also has been headlining articles lately after she was arrested a number of times in 2018.
In June 2018, it was reported that Locklear was rushed to a hospital after an alleged overdose. As of the moment, she's reportedly receiving treatment for her long-term recovery from her different vices and problems.
Debbie Dobbins – Then, 1993
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Debbie Dobbins would be most remembered for being a woman who competed at numerous fitness events. Back in 1993, she was able to finish at third place in the Miss Fitness USA competition. She also joined the Miss Galaxy competition but she only ended up at second place.
Outside her competitions, she got her earnings from her work as a leasing company employee and aerobics instructor. She was also known for being a cheerleader for American football teams like the Los Angeles Raiders and Portland Breakers.
Debbie Dobbins – Died At Age 30
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Debbie was quite successful as a fitness model because she was able to appear on the covers of Iron Man and Musclemag International. She also modeled for Iron Man's activewear and swimsuit issue.
Sadly, her life was cut short when she was only 30 years old back in December 1993 after she was involved in a house fire. Due to the smoke inhalation, she wasn't able to come out of the fire alive. Everyone was shocked by her sudden death.
Lou Ferrigno – Then, 1970s
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Lou Ferrigno is well-remembered as a champion bodybuilder. His first win was back in the 1969 IFBB Mr. America. He managed to bag the IFBB Mr. Universe title for four years. He and Arnold Schwarzenegger were even able to train together.
But his success as a bodybuilder did not earn him money so he later worked as a sheet metal worker. His financial struggles later went away when he starred as The Hulk on The Incredible Hulk which aired from 1978-1982.
Lou Ferrigno – 66, Delaware County Special Deputy
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In more recent years, Lou Ferrigno has been known for being a contestant on the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice. His voice was also used for The Hulk's voice in the first two Avengers movies.
He lives a more private life these days but sources say that he has been serving in Delaware County's Sherriff Department as a special deputy since 2013. He's still very buff even if he is in his 60s and his net worth is estimated at $12 million.
Cher – Then, 1991
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The so-called Goddess of Pop a.k.a. Cher became an established singer in the 1960s. By the 1980s, she was able to become a successful actress as well. In 1991, she released Forever Fit: The Lifetime Plan for Health, Fitness, and Beauty which was her very own exercise book.
The following year, she ventured into doing videos and released CherFitness: Body Confidence and CherFitness: A New Attitude. She showed off her wonderful figure in the videos and she always wore her signature black curly hair.
Cher – 72, New Album & Ongoing Tour
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If you've seen Cher in the recent Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again movie, then you would know just how much she has been able to take care of her physique all these years.
She must be using one wicked anti-aging cream because her skin looks so magnificent at her age of 72. She recently released a new album entitled Dancing Queen which is basically her covering ABBA songs. She also has the Here We Go Again Tour which will last until May 2019.
Nancy Kerrigan – Then, 1993
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Nancy Kerrigan was a popular competitor in the figure skating scene from back then. All that time on the ice had made her so fit that she barely even needed to go to the gym. The year 1993 was probably her best year in terms of her career because she was named as the United States National Figure Skating Champion.
The following year, she was involved in a tragic attack that was apparently orchestrated by Tonya Harding's ex-husband. Harding was another figure-skating competitor.
Nancy Kerrigan – 48, Doing Cameos & Super Bowl Correspondent
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If you want to know more about the attack she experienced back in 1994, then you should watch the movie I, Tonya. After retiring from figure skating, Kerrigan was known for appearing in different ice skating shows. She was one of the contestants of the 24th season of Dancing With The Stars. Sadly, she only lasted for seven weeks.
Her more recent activities include some cameos in TV shows and being a Super Bowl correspondent for Inside Edition. Her net worth is estimated to be at $8 million as of today.
Raquel Welch – Then, 1984
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Raquel Welch first gained popularity as an actress way back in the 1960s. She is well-known for the roles she had on One Million Years B.C., Bedazzled, and Myra Breckinridge.
By 1984, she launched The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program which was basically her own line of fitness videos and books. The book she released wasn't only about working out and eating habits for it also talked about some beauty and makeup tips.
Raquel Welch – 78, Successful Entrepreneur
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Raquel Welch has sure been blessed in the aging department because she does not look like she is already in her late 70s! Welch is quite an accomplished actress and her best performances were in movies like The Three Musketeers and Right To Die.
She also has a skincare line, jewelry line, and a popular wig line called HairUwear. Her more recent acting work was on How To Be A Latin Lover and Date My Dad.
Tony Little – Then, 1990s
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Tony Little was probably among the first ones to appear in the fitness infomercials during the 1990s. Other than flaunting those bulging muscles, the certified trainer was famous for his enthusiastic voice and the long ponytail that was said to be his signature style.
Tony's passion for fitness was up to a level that he even addressed himself as the personal trainer of America. No wonder he also won multiple bodybuilding championships during his youth and also wrote a book about weight loss which turned out to be a huge hit as well.
Tony Little – 61, Appeared In A Car Rental Commercial
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Tony Little's infomercials became a part of pop culture for decades. You can actually see one of his infomercials in the film, Jennifer's Body - as it's been featured in one scene. Despite being in his 60s already, he is still quite fit and active.
He has been married to Melissa Hall for nearly two decades already and they have twin boys together. Oh, and he still maintains his signature long hairstyle to this day.
Jamie Lee Curtis – Then, 1985
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Talented actress Jamie Lee received her big break in acting back in the late 1970s when she starred in the movie, Halloween. Since then, her net worth just kept growing because she kept getting cast in different projects.
Back in 1985, she starred in the film Perfect alongside John Travolta. Although the movie did not do well at the box office, Curtis was still recognized for her aerobics skills on screen.
Jamie Lee Curtis – 59, Actress, Author, Blogger, & Philanthropist
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Jamie Lee Curtis has been in the industry for about four decades now but she isn't retiring just yet. She still continues to pursue acting and she recently appeared in the new Halloween movie.
Aside from acting, she engages in many philanthropic activities and also blogs for The Huffington Post. She is also a children's book author who has released thirteen books. Her hair color might be all white and grey, but she is definitely rocking the look!
Olivia Newton-John – Then, 1981
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If you ever heard about a song that is referred to as 'aerobics anthem', you would probably know Olivia Newton-John who gave the track (Physical) her voice. The workout-themed video filmed by the singer gained her immense popularity, and right after it hit the charts, the headband donned by the star became a fashion accessory.
Apart from having a thrilling musical career, Olivia was also successful as an actress, and her most notable performance was in the rom-com Grease, a movie that is famous for the best selling number You're the One That I Want.
Olivia Newton-John – 69, Battling Cancer
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Since making it big in the acting and music scene, Olivia Newton-John continued to pursue music, go on tour, and make various TV appearance through the years. She was last seen as a judge on shows like Dancing With The Stars and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Although, she has been laying low since 2017 because she discovered that her breast cancer has returned. We pray for her recovery and we're sure she's facing this new battle bravely.
Jane Fonda – Then, 1982
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Jane Fonda is another actress who was able to help people get fit through different workout videos. Her very first video entitled Jane Fonda's Workout was released in 1982 and it was the highest-selling VHS in history.
She also came out with a book called Jane Fonda's Workout Book which also managed to become a best-seller. Growing up, what kept her fit was taking ballet classes. But after a foot fracture, she later turned to aerobics.
Jane Fonda – 80, Still Acting
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Since 1982, Jane Fonda continued to release new videos for the next three decades. Her last video was released in 2012 and it was called Jane Fonda's Am/Pm Yoga for Beginners. She actually announced back in the early 1990s that she was retiring but she decided to make a comeback a year later.
These days, she continues to star in the show Grace & Frankie. Also, can you even tell she's now 80? She has truly been blessed in the anti-aging department!
Fabio Lanzoni – Then, 1980s
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The hunky Fabio Lanzoni was a big hit back in the 1980s for being the guy on the cover of a ton of romance novels. He was actually like a "Madonna" because he was known by only "Fabio."
His luscious long hair and big muscles just made him such a dream guy for all the women during that time. He eventually made his way to acting in different TV shows and movies.
Fabio Lanzoni – 59, Occasional Acting
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Apart from being the hot cover guy of famous romantic novels, Fabio also took pride as a writer in the same genre. It can be said that his commercially hit personality was the reason many big brands hired him for years.
However, his professional journey didn't stop there - the Italian hunk also got engaged in some business ventures in women's clothing and health supplements. Although Fabio has slowed down in recent years, he manages to delight his fans through his occasional screen appearances on both small and big screen.
Denise Austin – Then, 1988
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How would you imagine a fitness instructor from the days of the 1980s? Curly hair, leotards, an enviable physique, and of course, a pleasing face! One such famous personality is Denise Austin, who was a renowned figure in the fitness industry back then.
Being a gymnast since the age of 12, she developed an interest in athletics and graduated in physical education. Her first workout video was released in 1988, and since then, she has been guiding millions of health enthusiasts through a variety of exercise routines including yoga, Pilates, cardio and much more.
Denise Austin – 61, Manages Her Own Fitness Website
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Denise Austin definitely does not look like she is 61 years old and her anti-aging secret is her healthy living. She still helps a ton of people with their weight loss journey but of course, the VHS era is over and she now reaches people through her very own website.
Austin shares that aside from the physical aspects of staying fit, it is also very important to be positive and have the right attitude. You might want to check out her website and see her Let's Move weight loss plan.
Marianna Komlos – Then, 1993
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Marianna Komlos was a very popular name in the bodybuilding scene back then. She really dedicated a lot of time and effort to her body. She started her competitive career in 1993 and four years later, she became the middleweight champion at the British Columbia Championships.
Aside from being a cover girl of numerous fitness magazines, she was also quite popular in the late 1990s for appearing on the World Wrestling Federation. She was Beaver Cleavage's mother called Mrs. Cleavage.
Marianna Komlos – Died At Age 35
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Some of the magazines that Marianna had appeared in were Women's Physique World, Flex, and Muscle & Fitness. She was always praised for being one of the prettiest bodybuilders in the scene.
Back in 2004, she tied the knot with Paul Lazenby who was a stuntman and a mixed martial artist. Sadly, she passed away in the same year after she lost her battle with breast cancer. She was only 35 at the time of her death.
Tonya Harding – Then, 1989
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Tonya Harding was the figure skater who always had her hair, face, and attire on-point whenever she was on the ice. Tonya started pursuing figure skating since she was four years old.
Her first notable win in her skating career was back in 1989 when she finished first place at the Skate America competition. Her success continued and she was named the United States Champion in 1991 and 1994. She was banned from skating after the incident with Nancy Kerrigan happened in 1994.
Tonya Harding – 47, Dancing With The Stars
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To this day, Harding is recognized for being the first American figure skater who was able to nail the Triple Axel during a competition. After leaving the skating world, Harding decided to enter the world of professional boxing.
She is already 47 years old but she must have been maintaining a healthy lifestyle through the years because she was strong enough to join the 26th season of Dancing With The Stars. She even finished third in the competition.
Jake Steinfeld – Then, 1980s
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Jake Steinfeld is a very successful fitness guru who earned millions in his bank account, thanks to his numerous business ventures. He was actually the trainer of known names like Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg.
His program Body By Jake became a hit since the 1980s but he launched his own TV network called ExerciseTV and a weight loss program known as FitOrbit. He is the man behind FitTV but News Corp later bought it from him.
Jake Steinfeld – 60, Author & Owner Of Major League Lacrosse
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Jake Steinfeld knew that fitness was his passion and mixing it with business ventures just made him a millionaire. These days, he is known for being the big boss of the professional field lacrosse league, Major League Lacrosse. He also wrote and co-wrote some books.
The last book he worked on was Take A Shot!, A Remarkable Story of Perseverance, Friendship, and a Really Crazy Adventure. He always maintained an active and healthy lifestyle and this is why he is so fit at 60.
Richard Simmons – Then, 1980s
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Richard Simmons was another fitness personality who released aerobics videos back then and people always loved how energetic and flamboyant he was as a person. He did not just release videos for he wrote a ton of fitness books as well.
He was also able to put up his own exercise studio which he named The Anatomy Asylum and he taught aerobics and motivational classes. He later renamed the place, Slimmons.
Richard Simmons – 70, Suing A Private Investigator
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Unfortunately, Simmons ended up closing in 2016 and what Simmons seems to be up to these days are different lawsuits. He once sued different publications for saying he was a transgender person but he ended up losing the case and had to pay so much money for the attorney's fee.
In June 2018, he sued a private investigator named Scott Brian Matthews after he suspected that Matthews placed a tracking device on his car. He later claimed that In Touch Weekly was the one who hired Matthews.
John Travolta – Then, 1985
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Together with beautiful actress Jamie Lee Curtis, actor John Travolta starred in the movie Perfect. He was the guy who played the lead role of Adam Lawrence. His character is a reporter for the Rolling Stone who joins Curtis' aerobics classes.
Travolta did some crotch-thrusting moves in the film while wearing very short shorts and sporting his shaggy hairstyle. The movie had a $20-million budget but it only ended up making $12 million at the box office.
John Travolta – 64, Still Acting
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John Travolta is now in his 60s and he isn't as fresh as he was in the 1980s because he has aged and reportedly has thinning hair. He has yet to disappear from the acting scene though, and he actually just recently starred as John Gotti in the movie, Gotti.
He also starred in and produced The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. He has an upcoming movie entitled Trading Paint.