About Schwarzeneggers & Jane Fondas contribution to the fitness industry
When it comes to the fitness industry, few can dispute the huge contributions made by certain Hollywood celebrities, namely Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jane Fonda. What many people do not know is that these two played a huge role in shaping what the fitness industry is today.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger had vibrant acting and political careers, but the thing that put his name on the map was before he even was an actor – that was the time when he was still a professional bodybuilder.
Arnold became a fitness icon when he won the Mr. Universe title at 20 years old, the youngest person ever to win it. When he emigrated to America, Arnold went on to win five more Mr. Universe contests and seven Mr. Olympias. He then became famous worldwide as the face of bodybuilding from then on (well, before he also became a Hollywood superstar).
Even now at the ripe old age of 73, Arnold still advocates for physical fitness. He has an active online blog that teaches people the importance of exercise and overall fitness. He also uploads workout videos from time to time. Even at his age, he still pumps more iron than the average person, as if saying to others “what’s your excuse?”.
Jane Fonda
Many people know Jane Fonda as an Oscar-winning actress and an outspoken political activist, but even more know her as the face of the 1980s fitness craze. Arguably, Fonda made a lot more money as a fitness guru than when she was one of Hollywood’s elite.
Jane Fonda’s young life was full of struggles, even though she was practically born into Hollywood royalty, being the daughter of silver screen legend Henry Fonda. However, she did not let personal adversity hold her down. She used the challenges to make herself tougher.
In the 1980s, Jane Fonda, who was then in her 40s, started on her fitness journey. She released Workout: Starring Jane Fonda in 1982, which sold more than 17 million individual copies, and remained as the top best-selling fitness video ever. Following the success of her first video, Fonda released a couple more in quick succession, and they were all bestsellers, too. If you were already alive in the 1980s, you probably still have fond memories of Jane’s iconic aerobic leotards and leg warmers.
Even now at age 82, Jane Fonda still makes fitness videos, albeit geared towards low-impact exercises. Aside from that, she is also one of the leading advocates when it comes to fitness and overall health.
Twitter @janefonda #janefonda
