The Decade That Revolutionized Fitness: 1972-1982

By Felix Howard | 16 January 2025
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FITNESS FOCUS
The Decade That Revolutionized Fitness: 1972-1982

The 1970s marked a pivotal moment in American fitness, ushering in a modern era of exercise that would shape the way we approach health today. In 1972, gyms were scarce, rarely welcoming women except on designated "ladies’ days," and workout gear was rudimentary at best—running shoes lacked cushioning, the sports bra was non-existent, and yoga mats were often just blankets. Exercise was still seen by many as an odd pastime, but this period also saw the rise of significant health concerns, with heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses becoming more prevalent as sedentary lifestyles took hold due to increased car use and more time spent in front of the TV. Yet, by the end of the decade, everything had changed. Between the passing of Title IX in 1972, which opened up sports opportunities for women, and the release of the Jane Fonda Workout video in 1982, fitness evolved from a niche hobby into a mainstream activity embraced by millions. The cultural shift was driven by five key trends that transformed not only how Americans viewed exercise but also how it influenced their daily lives and health habits.

FASHION FEATURES
Food Trends That Will Shape Fashion in 2025

In 2025, winning over consumers might just involve appealing to their taste buds. From Chopova Lowena's viral mayonnaise It-bag to glazed donut skin, Nara Smith’s "cooked from scratch" Marc Jacobs tote to the Loewe tomato, the fashion and beauty industries are increasingly craving food-inspired trends.

This shift is especially evident among Gen Z, who are trading in high-end purchases for everyday indulgences like $20 Erewhon smoothies and $4 Liquid Death canned water, aiming to elevate the ordinary amidst challenging economic times.

As the impact of short-lived micro-trends fades, the focus has expanded from individual products to broader lifestyles and the cohesive aesthetics people curate in their daily lives. Trends no longer stay confined to one category but instead merge across fashion, beauty, homeware, and food. In 2025, understanding these food trends will be crucial for gaining deeper insights into consumer preferences.

“Gen Z craves sensory experiences — it’s not just about the look, but how things taste and feel,” says Sydney Stanback, head of global trends and insights at Pinterest. Pinterest’s annual Pinterest Predicts report highlights food trends alongside fashion, beauty, and homeware, underscoring the influence of cross-category trends. Digitally savvy and endlessly curious, Gen Z is diving into themes like Charli XCX’s “Brat summer” or “quiet luxury” on platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram, exploring how these aesthetics intersect with everything from fashion to food.

ENTERTAINMENT
Hollywood Ramps Up Production After a Rough 2024, Yet Wildfires Loom Large

While Hollywood production saw a slight uptick in the final quarter of 2024, it wasn't enough to reverse the broader industry downturn, according to a new report.

Production in the October to December period increased by 6.2% compared to the same months in 2023, based on data from the nonprofit organization FilmLA, which monitors on-location filming in Greater Los Angeles. This translates to 5,860 shoot days in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 5,520 during the same period the previous year. Although this was positive news for the quarter, total production for the year was still down 5.6%, totaling 23,480 shoot days—making 2024 the second-least productive year on record for FilmLA, with only the pandemic-impacted 2020 seeing fewer shoot days.

The entertainment industry had hoped for a return to normal in 2025, expecting that the pandemic's effects, along with the dual labor strikes of 2023 and severe production cuts, would be behind them. However, recent wildfires in Southern California, which have caused widespread damage to homes, buildings, and filming locations, have cast new uncertainty on the industry’s future.

“No aspect of life in Greater Los Angeles is unaffected by recent fire events,” said FilmLA President Paul Audley in a statement. “Many within the region’s entertainment economy have been directly impacted by this tragedy, and iconic locations beloved by audiences across the country may never make it back to the screen.”