Retrosweat, the fun, authentic, 1980s freestyle aerobics classes first started gaining a following in Sydney more than a decade ago and expanded to two locations, offering classes each week. Retrosweat also offer an online library of “at-home” workouts to meet the growing demand for exercise that is both fun and entertaining, along with being accessible at a time that suits the user.
What is Retrosweat?
Lycra, leotards, and leg warmers have never gone out of style for Shannon Dooley, the NIDA acting graduate, FIA-qualified fitness trainer, and founder of Retrosweat. Founded in a rustic mirrored dance hall at Redfern PCYC in 2011, Retrosweat offers a full body cardio and toning workout set to original 1980s music. Think grape vining to Madonna, star jumping to Belinda Carlisle, squatting to Prince, and abdominal crunches to Wham. The class has a loyal following of regulars, and beginners are welcome to start at any time.
“Retrosweat is for anyone who wants to have fun and get a sizzlinʼ hot bod simultaneously. Each session burns calories and tones your entire body. It strengthens your heart, and improves posture, flexibility, coordination, and confidence,” says Shannon.
Do you have to dress up to attend a Retrosweat class?
Retrosweaters are encouraged to dress in iconic aerobics outfits from the 1980s. Instructor, Shannon, leads the pack with the largest leotard collection this side of Oxford Street but is willing to be rivalled for the title. “Anything worn in the workout room during the 1980s is highly recommended. Dedicated Retrosweaters sport their latest vintage thrift shop finds and mix spandex and lycra pieces with shimmer tights, leg warmers, sweat bands, and crop tops,” says Shannon.
There’s no requirement, however, to don 80s fashion. Comfortable clothing, footwear, and a towel are all that’s required to get your Roxette fix while you work out.
What can you expect from Retrosweat?
Retrosweat is a fusion of high-intensity cardio and toning, incorporating classic aerobics moves such as the grapevine, chassé, core work, and deep squats and lunges for creating buns of steel.
Shannon estimates 800 calories are burnt per class, all while rocking out to 80s tracks that you’ll love.
“People love coming to Retrosweat because it encourages them to enjoy exercise and do something positive for their bodies. It is a social event, and gives us all a chance to be creatively and physically expressive!” says Shannon.
Retrosweat classes are held on Tuesday nights at Waterloo and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings at Surry Hills, plus the workout has proven popular for special events such as parties and hens days and you can book a private Retrosweat class for any special occasion!
If you can’t get to a Sydney location, but love the idea of some 80s nostalgia to get your sweat on to, Retrosweat has a large online library that you can subscribe to and enjoy your grapevines in the privacy of your own home.
About Retrosweat Founder Shannon Dooley: Shannon studied Fitness at the FIA in Sydney and is a NIDA Bachelor of Arts graduate of 2007, studying movement and dance during her 3 years at NIDA under the tutelage of the Keith Baine, Julia Cotton and Baz Luhrman’s official choreographer, John “Cha Cha” O’Connell.
For more information visit click here.
Some more articles you might enjoy:
Finding The Right Commercial Spin Bike In 2025
Is your head in a spin about which bikes to choose for your club or studio? There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing an indoor cycling bike. Do you want high performance, a great price, or something that will impress potential new members? Whether you’re buying, replacing, or upgrading, we’ve done
SMART TECH: The Les Mills Equipment That Hits Differently
For a long time, the equipment central to group fitness was very slow to innovate. As a world leader when it comes to group exercise programming, Les Mills has been in a unique position to develop cutting edge equipment that integrates seamlessly into group fitness classes, improving safety and delivering maximum results. It’s been a
The Benefits Of Group Exercise Programs For Men
Most men are trapped in the mindset that the solo gym routine is the way to go. However, group fitness classes for men have some great benefits and are worth considering. Group exercise classes for men add that extra bit of fun and energy, plus help you get fitter. Benefits of Group Workouts for Men
Pound Your Way to Fitness With Pound Fit
If you’re looking for a workout combining high-energy cardio, muscle toning, and that also happens to be a lot of fun, Pound Fit might be just the thing to shake up your fitness routine. With weighted drumsticks (Ripstix®) in hand, you’ll smash your way to better fitness in a class that feels more like a
Attract New Members By Offering Altitude Training At Your Facility
The fitness industry is always changing, and one of the newest trends gaining popularity is altitude training. Traditionally, this training was done naturally in the mountains, however, thanks to modern technology, we can now create high-altitude environments at sea level. This means that the same physical benefits are on offer to both elite athletes and
Boutique Fitness Studios and Viva Leisure Join Forces
In an exciting move for future franchisees, Viva Leisure – one of Australia’s biggest operators in the fitness and leisure industry – has made a strategic investment in Boutique Fitness Studios to grow some of the world’s most iconic fitness brands on home soil. What could this mean for the Aussie fitness industry having Boutique