The ’60s
It’s not so much about being in shape as having a shape. Hardly anyone works out, and certainly no one is working up a sweat—unless it’s while squeezing into a girdle.

Weird science
The vibrating-belt machine and Mark Eden Bust Developer top the list of fitness must-haves.

Workout program
Watching The Jack LaLanne Show—the first exercise series on TV—from the couch.

Slim fast
Formerly a martini, the new liquid lunch is a Metrecal diet shake.

Dance-hall
Hits Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” and the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” rule.

Mantra
I must, I must, I must increase my bust

Body-con dress
A swimsuit and heels.

Shape shifters
A curvy Marilyn Monroe (37–23–36) makes way for waif Twiggy (31–22–32).

The ’70s
Music makes us move. Saturday Night Fever and disco get us into dance clubs and roller rinks. The Beatles’ crush on India brings us yoga. It’s the first sign of the fitness movement, and we test it out by jogging.

The outfit
Tiny shorts and the latest invention: Nike trainers.

Wall art
A poster of Farrah Fawcett sells more than 12 million copies.

Fitness fads
The Weider Exercise System—a primitive cross-trainer with a ropeand-pulley system attached to a doorknob—and roller skates.

Catchphrase
Chill out.

Dance captain
Do the Hustle!

Soundtrack
“You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees.

Meal plan
Dexatrim diet pills washed down with Tab.

Fitness fads from the ’80s and ’90s on the next page …

How does Hollywood stay slim? We have their diet secrets!

The ’80s
Welcome to the fitness revolution. Elle Macpherson, “The Body,” lands her first of five Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue covers. Exercise is mainly about looking cool while you’re burning cals—even if you only have time for a 20-minute workout.

Heart monitor
Aerobics class is in session. Your homework? Running on the spot à la Jennifer Beals in Flashdance.

Calorie-wise
Is Diet Coke allowed on the Scarsdale Diet?

Walkman tune
Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” begs for a ballistic stretching session.

Figurehead
Jane Fonda’s first home-workout video sells more than 17 million copies.

AV club
VCR s are a must to do crunches with Raquel Welch and jazz hands with Richard Simmons.

Fashion statement
Leg warmers, crop tops and sweatbands.

Mantra
Feel the burn!

The ’90s
Now that we’re fit, we’re ready for new territory: men’s territory. Kick-boxing classes are at capacity, and our new lexicon includes “reps” and “sets.” Quick: How many grams of fat in a single serving of Baked Lay’s?

Locker contents
Boxing gloves and Rollerblades.

Short circuit
Lineups for the StairMaster and elliptical trainer grow. Fights break out over the 30-minute rule.

Accessory
Bottled water.

Moving target
“Just do it” is named one of the top 10 slogans of the 20th century by Advertising Age.

Running track
“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C C Music Factory blares on Discmans everywhere.

Gym attire
The goto uniform is a sports bra and bicycle shorts.

Role models
Cindy Crawford’s athletic bod and Linda Hamilton’s ripped arms inspire a revolution. Bat wings, be gone!

The ’00s and beyond on the next page …

Get in shape – sans a fancy gym membership – by playing outdoors.

The ’00s
A new century inspires us to up the ante. Call it extreme sports: Hot yoga heats up, and stationary cycling becomes a sweat-drenched spin class. Circuit training reigns, and the stripper pole is the new treadmill. Boo, carbs!

New look
Gymwear becomes daywear. We’re talking to you, yoga pants.

Fitness icons
Christy Turlington says “om,” and, after two babies, Madonna has still got it.

Star watch
Personal trainers like Tracy Anderson and Harley Pasternak become celebs. Could you be the next Biggest Loser?

iPod tune
“Work It” by Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott.

Mantra
Strengthen your core.

Extreme makeover
From mind/body calm to combat-ready workouts. (Think pilates versus boot camp.)

Essential nutrients
Energy bars and vitamin water.

Label maker
Lululemon spreads across North America.

The ‘10s and Beyond
It’s not so much about exploring new territory as going back to the basics and reinventing them. Simple sports, healthy diets, eco-conscious apparel and exercise programs for the young (and the old) are the way of the future.

Monster ball
Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance keeps cardio interesting.

Think fast
Workout wear gets smart. Materials do everything from wick moisture and block harmful UV rays, to regulate body temps. Enter Adidas’ new sport tops with heart-rate sensors.

Face forward
Former American Idol contestant and Dream Girl Jennifer Hudson drops from a size 16 to a 6 with a little help from Weight Watchers.

Motion sensor
A barefoot running movement takes off and a new fitness marriage spawns Yogalosophy—a yoga and astrology hybrid.

Gold star menu
Gym rats guzzle coconut water, nature’s sport drink (and hangover cure!). Luxe healthcare giant The Mayo Clinic Diet launches the latest diet fad. Sorry—members only.

Sound off
Madonna may have dropped her like the frosh fifteen, but rail-thin trainer Tracy Anderson’s made up word “Sticktoitivness” has staying power.

– Sarah Daniel Dolphin

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