Nestled in an east Charlotte shopping center is a nonprofit video rental store with the largest video collection on the East Coast (a full story on the nonprofit coming soon.) VisArt Video & Cafe provides more than video rentals, it hosts weekly workouts to classic VHS tapes.
Think: Olivia Newton-John, Jane Fonda, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Richard Simmons.
Some of these celebrities with classic tapes have since moved on from VHS tapes to TikTok. Yet, the 1980s workouts are going strong thanks to the video sharing platform, putting VisArt ahead of the curve.
“It’s never not fun because there’s something to laugh at,” explained Abrianna Lynch, the instructor for VHS PotLuck Fitness. “You’re always moving and it’s just a good way to end your week.”
How does it work? Every Saturday at 10 a.m., the class selects a collection of fitness tapes + sweats (and laughs) in the establishment’s on-site black box theater. Lynch enjoys dressing up, donning leg warmers and a unitard, and encourages participants to do the same.
“I don’t do the moves perfectly. It’s genuinely about having fun,” added Lynch.
The class setting is unique — VisArt Video thrives on community support through donations and video rentals. But it’s that community aspect that keeps customers returning.
“It’s a lighthearted class, a way for people that maybe aren’t fitness experts to get into it or that are looking for something a little different,” said Lynch.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable clothing + bring water and a yoga mat. If you don’t have a mat, one can be provided for you.
