It's hard to imagine that at one time, fitness facilities were all about the equipment. In most of today's clubs, the programming offered is just as big a part of the club's success, especially when it comes to group exercise. And even group exercise has come a long way since it was initially referred to as aerobics.

Dance-based classes were all the rage in the 1980s, pushed forward by movies, such as “Perfect.” But since then, group programming has evolved and gone through many phases, from Step classes to cycling classes to yoga and Pilates classes. Programming at clubs also has involved personal training, and now, group training and boot camps.

To see how programming evolved in the health club industry during the past 25 years, read the full story online in our special 25th anniversary celebration page at www.fitnessbusinesspro.com/25th-anniversary.

You'll also find previous stories about clubs of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, as well as profiles of some of the people of influence in the industry.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.