Worth leaving the sofa for?

Jane Fonda: still the queen of fitness videos?

Old-school aerobics are back in fashion – but do they stand the test of time? Deputy editor Lucy Dunn hits the floor with the original queen of fitness

According to a recent report in The New York Times, retro workouts by old favourites are the new big thing among quarantined hipster Manhattanites. But with national treasures Mr Motivator and the Green Goddess back on our screens, I’d argue that we’ve been ahead of that trend for weeks. Nevertheless, I was intrigued to hear of the return of the high priestess of exercise, the one and only Ms Jane Fonda, who is currently getting down with the kids in lockdown by posting workouts on Tiktok.

Fonda’s fitness pedigree is unrivalled. Her VHS tape (remember them?) Jane Fonda’s Original Workout became one of the most popular of all time – selling more than 17 million copies worldwide. At 82, she looks as amazing now as she did back then, which begs the question: do her workouts really stand the test of time? I donned my leg warmers to find out...

I haven’t had a VCR for years – where do you find the workouts these days?

On Youtube, where several of her old workouts have been uploaded. You can also buy DVDS on janefonda.com and stream them on Amazon Prime.

Aren’t they a bit oldfashioned?

Yes, but their ’80s-ness is what makes them so good. Plus Fonda – with her big hair and shiny, high-cut spandex bodysuits – really does know her stuff. She checks on your posture regularly and the moves are familiar (tricep dips, press-ups, lunges etc), with lots of low-impact options if you need them. I followed her Complete Workout on Youtube, which comes in two 55-minute sections (upper body, then abs, bum and legs), with a 10-minute aerobics session in between. Fonda recommends you do either the first or the second section, beginning or ending with the aerobics bit. You’ll need dumb-bells (see tip below if you don’t want to commit to the cost) and ankle weights (I didn’t have these, so I left them out).

So did you ‘feel the burn’?

Yes, because as Fonda’s other famous catchphrase goes, there’s ‘no gain without pain’. Over-ambitiously I planned to do both workouts, but gave up at the end of the first section, puffed and sweaty. Fonda, on the other hand, looks fabulous during the whole thing.

Was it enjoyable, though?

Yes, and surprisingly so. I felt a big rush of happiness when the aerobics bit came on. There are 10 other women in the class and one guy, and they take turns leading several dances, including Latin and rodeo-style sections that will get you chachaing, lassoing and whooping a lot. Huge fun.

Difficulty rating?

I wouldn’t know. I’m officially one of the world’s most uncoordinated people, so I wasn’t doing it as effectively as I was meant to. It didn’t matter. In the privacy of my kitchen I could really let rip, safe in the knowledge that no one could see me – except Spud, my dog.

So is this your new lockdown obsession, then?

Probably not. I’m someone who prefers a fitness routine that’s short, sharp and focused. It’s also not good for people with two left feet, as it will take weeks to learn the routines properly. Having said that, it is a brilliant pick-me-up at the end of a day hunched at your kitchen-table office. Who knows, I might even invest in a shiny new leotard for the occasion. Poor Spud...

Stirrup leggings, £16.50, Allegra (movedance wear.com) Leg warmers, £5.99, H&M (hm.com) Elnett Extra Strong Hold & Shine Hairspray, £6.69, L’oréal (superdrug.com)

Leotard, £23.95, Dancing in the Street (dancinginthe street.com)