Flashback Fitness: Retro Exercise Lookbook

By Melissa Massello, July 20, 2009

From burlesque and trapeze classes to trampolines and roller derby, retro fitness is all the rage right now — whether hunting Goodwill for classic VHS workout tapes or signing up for Jazzercise. Our four gorgeous fitness models show you how to look the part in serious secondhand style.

PLAYFUL
Get physical and pump iron while looking pretty in true Jazzercise style.

On Julie:
Vintage terry cloth wristband and Gap striped cotton top, free at clothing swap // Tek Gear athletic shorts in gray heather ($10), Kohl’s // Vintage knee-high socks ($4), The Haberdash // Nike Cortez ’06 nylon sneakers ($55), EastBay.com // Valeo 3-pound neoprene hand weights ($13), Amazon.com.

PRETTY
Moonlight from your monotonous day job as a Flashdance-inspired dancer to stay fit.

On Rebecca:
Forever 21 metallic leggings and slouchy T-shirt, free at clothing swap //
American Apparel bodysuit ($7), Goodwill // American Ballet Theater for Spotlights ballet slippers in nude ($17), Payless.

PEPPY
Sweat to the oldies (but goodies) by going gym class hero on the trampoline.

On Caitlin:
Brookline mesh tank top, free at clothing swap // Soffe cotton shorts ($6), Kohl’s // Nike Big Nike High LE high-top sneakers ($80), Foot Locker // Urban Rebounder trampoline ($92), Amazon.com.

PIN UP
Nothing says sporty and sexy quite like a vintage bathing beauty on the boardwalk.

On Kitty:
Vintage swimsuit ($45), Dame; gold-tone filigree hoop earrings ($8) and beaded drop necklace ($13), Target; gold lame headband ($4), Old Navy; beach ball ($1), Dollar Tree.

PLAYFUL
Tone up by making the most of free and low-cost town tennis courts and camps.

On Julie:
Aerie f.i.t. colorblock sports bra ($19.50), ae.com; Vintage tennis skirt ($12), The Haberdash; Betsey Johnson sport socks (5 pair for $7), TJ Maxx; Nike Cortez ’06 nylon low-top sneakers ($55), EastBay.com; Vintage Masterwin Sondico tennis racket ($3), Goodwill.

PRETTY
Vintage exercise tapes and ExerciseTV are fab, free ways to get Jane Fonda fit.

On Rebecca:
Vintage ’80s velour leotard ($12), The Haberdash // KD Dance classic knit bal-togs in Plum ($48), Amazon.com // Gaiam printed yoga mat ($13), Gaiam.com.

PEPPY
Not tough enough for Roller Derby? Try playing Roller Girl on a bike path instead.

On Caitlin:
Vintage terry cloth romper ($18) stretch belt ($6) and leg warmers ($4), The Haberdash // Vintage rollerskates ($12), Goodwill // Novelty earrings ($6) and bracelet ($3.50), Claire’s.

PIN UP
Run away with the circus without leaving home by taking a Burlesque class.

On Kitty:
Parisian lace and satin corset ($40) and fishnet thigh-highs ($12), Frederick’s of Hollywood // Soffe mesh shorts ($6), Kohl’s // Bloch SFX Split Flex dance heels ($79), Zappos.com.

Want more inspiration? Check out our entire Flashback Fitness coverage including expert interviews on the best comeback classes and what it’s like to actually workout to vintage VHS tapes or learn the flying trapeze.

Credits: Photography by John Davenport; Hair and Makeup by Naz Kupelian Salon; Styling by Amy Lynn Chase, PunkyStyle.com. Shot on location at Arts at the Armory, Somerville, MA.