SOLID GOLD FITNESS: LYCRA LOVERS UNITE
If you dream of workouts fuelled by synth and swathed in lycra, Solid Gold Fitness is just the thing for you! Solid Gold Fitness was born in 2020, when Lena Lenman – an 80s aficionado longing for an authentic retro workout experience, trained as a fitness instructor and created her own!
Inspired by the greats of the 1980s workout scene, Solid Gold Fitness strives to recreate the colour, the fun and the vibe of a retro workout – and yes, that includes sweatbands and skin tight spandex, proving that being healthy and toning up doesn’t need to be a hardship! Using bona-fide 80s cardio and body sculpting exercises alongside classic hits and synth infused beats, Solid Gold Fitness provides an accessible, immersive and most importantly, enjoyable way to get those heart rates racing.
Due to lockdown restrictions all Solid Gold classes so far have been held online, which Lena reports has it’s advantages. She says “It’s been so lovely, I’ve had people join the online classes from all over the UK, it’s a really nice way of bringing people together who’d never normally cross paths. We spend an hour dancing, sweating and laughing together and by the end feel like we’ve accomplished something great. Another brilliant aspect of online classes is that if you’re feeling self conscious or would prefer not to be seen – you can angle your camera away from yourself or indeed, leave it turned off…plus, you don’t need to remember your pound coin for the lockers!”
Solid Gold Fitness classes are for all abilities, genders, shapes and sizes. The movements have been carefully selected to be accessible and can be modified to be as low or high impact as each participant wants, depending on their own personal capabilities. Lena tells us “I take pride in welcoming people of all fitness levels to the sessions, and being able to offer adjustments to exercises that allow everyone to take part. There’s absolutely no judgement, I just want everyone to have a great time at the same time as getting fit!”
Lena is quick to add, that vintage gym apparel is not mandatory for joining the class. “I wear the leotards and the legwarmers because I adore 80s style, and while some of our regular attendees really go to town and dress up, I would like to clarify that if you’re more comfy in sweatpants and a vest top then that’s absolutely fine with me!”
She says, “The 1980s was really the first time that women were not only encouraged, but applauded for getting sweaty and developing their fitness levels. It was a really exciting time in social politics and there was way more going on that just shoulder pads and hairspray! I see exercise as important not only for body confidence, but for a happy mind, a healthy heart, strong bones and muscles and of course, a feel good buzz! So I’ve been working hard to create these super fun, retro exercise classes that really work. And with the strange old year we’ve just had, I feel really happy to be able to provide an hour of escapism and good old fashioned fun for anyone who needs it!”
For more info or to join a class visit www.solidgoldfitness.com or email Lena direct at info@solidgoldfitness.com
Solid Gold Fitness’ Top 3 lycra legends
1. Jane Fonda
There’s no question that Jane is the reigning queen of 80s workouts! Actress turned activist turned health guru – Fonda has sold over 17 million fitness VHS, allowing a generation of homemakers to sculpt and tone in the comfort of their own living room. Her instructing style was firm but fair, friendly but authoritative – you wouldn’t want to mess with her…She looked like mom-next-door but she took NO prisoners!
2. Tony Britts
Sweetheart of BBC Breakfast TV, Tony Britts graced our screens for three minutes on weekday mornings. Unscripted and far from intimidating, with shy smile and soft voice he’d offer watchers the chance to attempt to mirror his high speed pivots and pirouettes – that’s if they weren’t too distracted by his herculean form gyrating in the world’s smallest short shorts and a dazzling array of crop tops!
3. Bess Motta
Most famous for the unfortunate fate of her character ‘Ginger’ in The Terminator, Bess Motta was also star of ‘The 20 minute workout’ which ran from 83-84. The latter showcased Bess and two spandex clad friends leading a demanding, fast paced aerobic workout on a rotating platform, the impact of which was softened by her sing-song voice, twinkling eyes, and the wonder of that gravity defying hair!
Solid Gold’s Top Three Retro Fitness Tips
1. Legwarmers, Legwarmers, Legwarmers
Did you know legwarmers have a use aside from making you look like the apex of style? Trade secret : they were invented to keep your legs warm! Pull on a pair so those muscles are cosy and ready to start stretching whenever you are, as well as keeping you toasty between exercises and help with a gentle cool-down!
2. Beanz Meanz Muscles
I know it sounds like an age-old cliché but if you don’t have any dumbbells in the house, try lifting tins from your larder! You’re obviously not going to build muscle mass like Mr T, but if you add any kind of resistance to your movements you’re going to challenge your body and build strength.
3. Keep it fun
It’s going to be super hard to get motivated if you’re not looking forward to your exercise session, so find something that excites you…That’s one of the things I love about Solid Gold Fitness sessions: big tunes and big fun…it feels like a party rather than a punishment!
For more info or to join a class visit www.solidgoldfitness.com or email Lena direct at info@solidgoldfitness.com