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.
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