A while ago, we published an article showing proof of that in the form of some of the wackiest props and machines ever made to help people get physical. As it turns out, though, there’s a lot more where that came from, so we obviously had to share it with you, which is how this article was born.
ViPR Tubes
So these babies kind of look like something you’d need when charging at a door you’re trying to break down. They’re weighted tubes that go from 8 to 45 pounds. In the gym, they’d definitely look a little more than awkward.
Sure, you can swing them laterally — but for the high price they’re charging, we’d rather save our money and stick to dumbbells or kettlebells.
The Slim Slide Fitness Quest
This is exactly what it sounds like — you’re sliding on plastic. But in booties. And the producers of this 80s style workout made it a “quest” — so you know, after you’ve broken a sweat to complete it, you feel some glory, even if it’s just a little bit.
No, but really, sprint-skaters used this one (cannot confirm, but that has to be the only use for this piece of equipment) — or so it seems. What do you think!
Aquavee Portable Swim System
So you know how when you run on the treadmill, you will go a few steps forward, but essentially you’re running in place? Well apply that principle to swimming, and voila, you have the Aquavee Portable Swim System.
The product is described as an “innovative fitness solution that enables swimmers to swim in place” — we’re not totally sold on this one, but there’s no doubt that swimming is a fantastic cardio workout. Maybe this one isn’t so crazy after all!
iGallop
It really seems that the idea of simulating horse riding is very appealing to many people. We can’t imagine it’s an AMAZING workout because really, isn’t the horse doing most of the work? You might get a little resistance training by bracing your abs and arms, but really…that’s about it.
If you're able to, why not go for the real thing? A real-life horse and the great outdoors will certainly be more fun than the iGallop. And hey, you might get a workout in!
The Bowflex
No article on crazy fitness equipment would be complete without a little nod to the Bowflex. Just kidding. There’s a reason the Bowflex sold so well — because it actually holds up as a valid piece of workout equipment.
It provides enough resistance to the muscles and also provides a solid range of motion. Bowflex still gets some good points here!
Squat Magic
Yep, roll on up, folks, Squat Magic is here. Look, we don't mean to shame this piece of equipment but essentially, you’re just doing air squats over a short pole. It apparently “guides and support you on the way down, and assists you on the way up.”
We’re not buying it. At least it isn’t too expensive. We’d rather you go to the gym, do proper air squats, and get to building that booty!
Atlas Stones
So this one SEEMS crazy, but it actually works. Because in general, if you lift something heavy, your body has to work hard to get it up. Sure, not everyone wants to lift a big, heavy ball of concrete, but strongman training acolytes swear by them.
Pretty hardcore if you ask us, but if it works, it works. Seems like cardio and concrete do mix!
The Automatic Exerciser
Let’s imagine a piece of exercise equipment that does it all. Okay, you’ve got it in your head? Now unveil the Automatic Exerciser! Basically the predecessor of the Bowflex, these exercisers included pulleys, ropes, and chains that were attached to a bowling-ball size weight.
Seems like that might actually work? Unfortunately not! The mechanics with this one were off, so it didn’t sell particularly well.
ACU-Dots
Now, get a load of this: magnets, secured on gauze, wrapped around your limbs — to help you increase your blood circulation.
Apparently, the science was that blood circulation would improve and you would experience pain relief because the tiny magnets “attract” the iron particles in your blood. Umm, sure.
Arm Stretch Machine
"This boy in high-laced boots is benefiting from some arm-stretching while working on the balance of his torso" was the original description of this piece of equipment. Hmm...
We're pretty sure there are more effective and less cumbersome ways to get in a much-needed arm stretch. You know, like raising your arms above your head?
Head Harness
So you literally attach a strap to your head, and you move your head and neck around while the rope is secured onto a hook on the wall. Sounds dangerous right? That’s because it most definitely is!
Apparently, the harness strengthens muscles in the neck using “progressive strengthening” — but honestly, we don’t want to risk it.
Dr. Lawton’s Guaranteed Fat Reducer
Imagine being told you could rub body fat off, and into the bloodstream with what was, essentially, an oversized tip of an eraser. Completely, utterly, totally useless.
It’s amazing that people actually tried it — but then again, when you’re desperate enough to shed a few pounds, you will literally try anything. Stick to taking a walk around the neighborhood, folks.
The Twister
No, we’re not talking about the game with the large dots on the floor. Though, that would probably be a better workout. The Twister was essentially a disc with wheels which was marketed soon after Chubby Checker came out with his twisting dance moves.
Jack LaLanne somehow managed to sell this rather lackluster product. Seems a little twisted to us!
Booty Bands
This one may not seem so crazy to many of y’all, as this is a more modern piece of equipment that many Instagram fitness influencers swear by. But tests have been done, and these booty bands don’t really work your glutes and thighs as much as you’d hope.
You’re better off doing lunges and those burning Bulgarian split squats. You’re welcome!
Eight-Minute Abs
Oh yes, we do love a quick workout that promises immediate results, right! And millions of people also fell for the claims that by working out for just eight minutes, you’d have washboard abs and toned arms.
We’re going to pop his into the crazy pile — because well, it was a craze, and it kind of didn’t work. We think adding a few more minutes couldn't hurt.
The Dumbbell Cane
So you have a cane, and then you attach a dumbbell to it. Voila! You have a dumbbell cane. Now what? You swing it of course! This somewhat glorified bludgeoning device was designed to be swung around as you walked, resulting in an “effortless” workout.
This may have worked if it was more than 10 pounds. If you see someone holding this piece of equipment we suggest you run!
Toning Workout Gear
Ever browsed the athletic wear section of the department store and been drawn in by a tag that says “sculpting” or “toning”? Yeah, same. Anywho, Reebok actually got in trouble for their “toning shoes and apparel.”
Sure, it may slim you a little and make you more aerodynamic — but does it really tone you, or is it just an illusion? Unfortunately, most of the time a pair of pants is just that... a pair of pants.
Vibro-Belts
Remember Mark Wahlberg and the funky bunch, telling us to feel those… “good vibrations”? You know, the “sweet sensations”? Well, there was a piece of workout equipment created for that very reason, and it was called the Vibro-Belt.
Electronic muscle stimulation is still very much alive and well on the late-night shopping channel!
Kangoo Jumps
Apparently, these babies were designed in Switzerland — and they’re definitely a very unique-looking piece of footwear. They're almost like wearing trampolines on your feet so prepare yourself to feel the bouncing action — which apparently helps you burn more calories.
We know classes have been structured to include these er…jumping shoes. Would you try them out? Or are they a little out-there (or rather up-there) for you?
Big Wheel Skates
Skating was definitely a fad for many years, and it’s also pretty fun to cruise around on wheels. You may even remember seeing advertisements for Chariot Skates and Land Rollers — but let’s be real here, do you think they even give you a proper workout?
Apparently, these are built for those who want to take their skating to the next level and perform tricky stunts. We wonder if the saying goes "the bigger the wheel, the harder you fall?" Hopefully not, because as you can see, these wheels are rather large.
Exercise in a Bottle
No surprises here — why work out at all, if a pill can do it for you and you don’t even need to move a muscle? Millions of Americans have tried many different types of diet pills — one of the more eyebrow-raising, however, is Exercise in a Bottle.
We don’t even want to explain how this works, because, well, it just doesn’t. Stick to going for a walk outside and eating your greens!
Hawaii Chair
Yes, that’s right, the chair that does the hula! Forget buying plane tickets, you can have the Hawaiian experience right at your desk. The chair apparently stimulates the abs as it swings you around in your chair.
Powered by a motor, your chair moves under you while you work or watch TV. Seems like a gimmick, and it most definitely is.
X-iser Portable Stepper
Always wanted a StairMaster, but never had the room, or the funds? Well, maybe the X-iser portable stepper is for you. It saves on the cost and the space of the equipment that many people swear by for their cardio workouts.
It’s compact, portable, and seems like it might actually work! We’ll have to take this one into the test gym and see if it’s a credible piece of workout equipment.
Anti-Gravity Treadmill
If you've ever wanted to exercise like an astronaut, then this might be your chance! Sure, your average gym likely won't have one of these spacey contraptions but we think it's worth tracking one down to try.
Apparently, the anti-gravity feature takes the load off of your legs, allowing you to run faster. One small step for man... One giant leap for gym equipment!
Dumbbell Utensils
No, you aren't hallucinating, these are utensils for eating your meals, with weights attached to them. The 1.5 pound Knife and Fork Lift were made to make each bite…just a little bit more strenuous.
These pieces of cooky cutlery are certainly better suited for a "fun" dinner party than a workout. We'll stick to plastic sporks instead...thanks!
Phiten
Titanium bracelets are actually still being sold as credible pain and fatigue reducers. For many who wear them, they believe they work — but we’re not convinced that they’re more than a placebo.
The celeb-backed bracelets apparently improve “bioelectrical flow” — oh you fancy, huh? Sadly though, research has been done on the properties of the titanium bracelets, with no real findings as yet.
Jacob’s Ladder
Another modern torture device here folks — but while it may look a little zany, it’s in fact a pretty tough, tried and true workout.
The Jacob’s Ladder is actually pretty effective in helping you break a sweat — but you may also break an ankle if you’re not careful, and get your leg caught in the moving ladder rungs. Start slow, very slow, and proceed with caution.
Power Balance
The Power Balance proclaims to help you improve your balance and strength through…well, “hologram frequencies.” It’s no surprise then that these bracelets really don’t do anything.
Maybe Princess Leia can tell us how the hologram frequencies work? We think it's best to keep bracelets as accessories and not as exercise equipment.
Speedboard
This invention looks a little futuristic, actually — and amazingly, it’s not motor-powered! It in fact relies on science to keep it going — specifically gravity, to speed you up or to slow you down. Shaped like the popular treadmill, both ends are elevated, making it look like a banana.
The whole idea behind this is; the further forward you step, the faster you go. Proceed with caution — the lack of handles means you are definitely more accident-prone here.
Facial Fitness Pao
This almost looks like the Bodyblade (another item featured in this article) that goes in your mouth. Once in, you need to bob your head up, down, and side to side, which will have the arms on each side seem to make a “flying” movement.
There is an ad lurking around on YouTube of professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrating how to use it. If you need a giggle, go find it!
FaceTrainer
Yes, you heard right, one of the recommended exercises is the “Surprised Puppy Dog.” We’re telling you now, we badly wanted this to be a joke and not a real thing that was mass-produced.
Alas, not the case — the bandage-like piece of equipment definitely seems crazier than most. Who knew your face also needed a workout?
The Prostate-Gland Warmer
Well, you can’t make this stuff up, can you?! Apparently, this was an electric cord with an er…plug that was inserted into a man’s backside with a blue light bulb on the other end.
This is definitely the weird side of the internet folks. Anywho, apparently, this was going to stimulate the er, “abdominal brain.” The way you know it works? The lightbulb flashes on.
Vibration Exercise Fitness Machine
Like many pieces of equipment, the vibration exercise fitness machine boasts the results of a toned, slim body — and with no work at all.
We hate to break it to you, but a crazy-looking piece of equipment isn’t going to get you overnight washboard abs. It’s hard work, diet, and exercise. *mic drop*.
Bodyblade
Wiggle wiggle wiggle — that should be the catchphrase for this gym gadget. Definitely on the er, crazier-looking side, is the Bodyblade.
It’s essentially a blade, with a handle in the middle. You then grip it and wiggle it. It's a little more of a bland than a blade to us, but hey, whatever get's your blood pumping!
Euro Plate from Vibraslim
Harnessing the power of vibration, the “Euro plate” claims to sculpt your physique by using vibration training.
The claim is that you “work, tone and build your muscles in your own home in just 10 to 15 minutes a day”. Apparently, it also builds bone mass and might even help people with osteoporosis. Time to get shaking!
Zorbing Ball
These big plastic balls are the perfect combination of fitness and fun. Plus it gets you exercising in the great outdoors. This piece of equipment is a win-win in our books!
Basically, you crawl inside one of the "zorbs" and use your body weight, strength, and agility to move the balls around. It's even more enjoyable with friends so get a few more balls on the lawn!
Swinging Sack
Sack swinging was a popular practice in ancient Egypt and India. It's comparable to the Olympic clean and jerk lift. Individuals would pick up a sack and lift it over their heads for a period of time — one-handed.
So it looks like overhead lifting is definitely not a new thing. Not exactly a crazy exercise, but more of a — wow, it’s really that old?
Ding
Yes, believe it or not, the “Ding” is in fact an old method of weight training that finds its roots in Ancient China. Martial artists would take part in a lift, which could involve up to two people elevating a large, three-legged cauldron.
Hence, the ding. Some of these could weigh more than a few hundred pounds — and their shape didn’t really help the lifters. This would be akin to performing a deadlift, except, without the ease of using a barbell. Sounds strenuous!
Treadwheel
Sir William Cubitt developed the exercise equipment which later evolved into the treadmill. Terming it the “treadwheel”, this was actually, initially, a torture device!
Rather than just being for physical exertion to improve physical condition, this treadwheel was designed to further punish poor souls. Sounds pretty cruel to us. And we joke that treadmills are torture devices these days…
“Sanitized” Tapeworms
So yes, you definitely read that right. We did in fact type out tapeworms. But don’t worry, they’re sanitized. And they were, at one point in history, a plausible method for losing weight.
The way it worked was the parasites would be ingested, they’d then sit in your gut and eat the food you had digested. Seems a bit excessive to us. Just saying!
Guandao
The guandao was a vital part of the Chinese martial arts training regimen. The guandao is a pole with a sharp, curved blade attached to its end. Soldiers would swing these around their bodies to strength-train, as well as show off their physical abilities.
Amazingly, this seemingly “crazy” practice still exists today, which is quite amazing, and also is a testament to the activity — it actually works!
Stone Kettlebell
We’re kicking it all the way back to Ancient Greece. In Sparta, physical conditioning and a strong body were highly desirable and even essential to life as a Greek. Halters or 5-lb to 12-lb stones with a handle were the first kettlebells.
The wildest part about kettlebells is that they've been around since 900 BC. Sure, they may be a little easier to handle, and probably have a larger weight range now, but still, that’s pretty cool.
Belly Belt
This inflatable belly belt is a piece of plastic that, when you blow air into it, will tighten. Almost looks like us at the local pool when we were kids in our float equipment!
We’re guessing it’s supposed to make the abs work by... squishing them? We’ll let you and your abs decide.
Indian Clubs
Ever heard of a Gada? These come from the Mahabharata, written during ancient times. The Gada was an Indian club — which is making a bit of a comeback! It’s a blunt mace made of wood or metal, and has a spherical head on the end of a shaft, often with a spike on top.
It was traditionally used in Hindu physical culture. Pretty cool, eh?
Miracle Body Lift
This curious-looking piece of equipment seems more crazy than conventional. It is almost like a ThighMaster, as it works the inner-thighs. It's shaped like a small saddle that you place between your legs and you squeeze for however many repetitions you need.
While you’re probably better off just using the adductor machine, this piece of equipment might come in handy if you have a desk job and don't have time to hit the gym. Get through your emails and your reps at the same time!
Gerry Philbin’s Instant Gym
This is a big claim, right folks? The Instant Gym, which comes in a very convenient, small box, is er…seemingly false advertising. It looks like some sort of wooden block on a string that you pull for tension.
In our opinion, it’s a little crazier and definitely not worth your money. For less money, buy some exercise bands, they’ll probably do the same thing.
Relax-i-cizor
This crazy piece of equipment is…well, actually quite concerning that it’s been sold at all. Step one, you attach the nodes to your body. Step two, the nodes shoot electrical currents through your body.
Apparently, the currents contract the muscles, but that’s probably because your body is stressed from the voltage. Seems more dangerous than anything. Shocking, even.
Nautilus Blue Monster
The fascination with the Nautilus exercise equipment brand began some decades ago when it was unveiled in a Mr. America contest.
Termed “The Blue Monster,” this was in fact, a prototype of Arthur Jones’s Nautilus exercise machines. So this one may have seemed crazy at the time but the prototype cable machine and station was the first of its kind. Nowadays you'll find the monster in most gyms!
Power Plate
A large and pretty costly platform that’s been built specifically for push-ups and squats, is the Power Plate. Apparently, the vibrations make your muscles work harder, and would stimulate more muscle growth than using you know, the floor.
We definitely think this is more marketing than merit, even if high-profile celebs like Sting, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood praised the machine. Would you invest in one of these babies?
Torso Trimmer
The Torso Trimmer boasts that you can simultaneously work all your core muscles with one piece of equipment. Sure that's impressive, but we can help but think of another major benefit the Torso Trimmer offers. It makes for the perfect Twist dance mover perfector.
Give Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega from "Pulp Fiction" a run for their money with your perfected twisty dance moves!
Vita Master
This is one piece of equipment we are kind of scared to use, let’s be real. The Vita Master apparently works the thighs, abdomen, hips, and even the arms, and comes complete with a 30-min timer.
How nifty! It looks like some sort of weighing scale with a rubber band attachment. With variable speeds and a vibrating function, apparently, this one will vibrate and reduce the size of the body part you pop into the band. A likely story.
Kellog’s Electric Vibrating Chair
Okay, you’re thinking it, but we’re gonna say it — this looks like the electric chair that was used for death row criminals. Yeah. Anyway, invented by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the chair harnessed vibration technology, which apparently caused muscle growth and improved fitness.
We’re not sure how this counts as cardio, but, at the time, it definitely seemed to pique peoples' interest.
Shake Weight
This modified dumbbell has sold actually quite well, but maybe more for its meme status than anything else. Heck, have any of y’all seen that “South Park” episode? Anywho, the piece of equipment, initially advertised for women, eventually had a male version produced.
The product's claims boasted that they could increase upper body muscle activity, compared to free weights. But while that may have been found in their lab, they definitely had more parody videos made than actual sales.
Waist Trainer
You’ve probably seen an influencer selling one of these with their discount code — and we’re pretty sure the Kardashians swear by them for their trim waists. It isn't surgery, or so they tell us.
However, the waist trainer is more crazy than cool. Over time, our bodies may shift to adapt to the apparatus, but it isn’t necessarily healthy — some people’s organs actually shift around to accommodate the smaller stomach area. Health first, folks.
Sauna Exercise Suit
So while we think this is crazy to wear, the concept isn’t too bad. We’ve been using saunas for years to dehydrate our bodies to lose water weight. It’s also why Rocky wears a hoodie and sweatpants when training — to drop that extra water.
The best part about the sauna suit is that you can wear it “while you work or play” as the suit seals in body heat. “A portable sauna bath.” Sounds steamy to us!
Suspension Trainer
This one sounds scarier than it actually is. It's also become a mainstay in most commercial gyms. You may know the brand TRX, which manufactures a popular version of this type of training equipment. You can use your body weight in different ways and overall, have a more intense, full-body workout.
It’s also great to use at home if you don’t have a gym membership. This seemingly crazy piece of equipment is actually a star performer.
Sleds
Sleds may look like a modern torture device but there’s no doubt that what started off as a crazy piece of equipment is now a fat-burning hero. Athletes and high-level fitness lovers swear by them for improving conditioning, power and speed. All things we want, right?
So next time you see a sled at the gym, don’t approach with caution — load up that weight and give it a few pushes. You can thank us later.
Ab-toning Belt
Gee, people, how many hours have you wasted on crunches, or actually working out to get your abs in shape? That’s why the Ab-toning belt was created, to save you precious time but have you still working out.
What a novel idea. Imagine just sitting down while still working your abs. Hmm, seems a bit fishy to us.
ThighMaster
Ah yes, the ThighMaster. You may even remember the infomercial that went along with it on late-night TV. Or even day-time shopping channels. The curious-looking (it’s questionable at best) piece of equipment was placed between the thighs, and you’d squeeze those adductors as tight as possible.
Sure, it might give you some strength down there, but we’re not convinced it will make you lose weight.
Twist ’N Tone
Working out with a twist! Claiming to be a fun exercise that is quick, easy, and enjoyable, all you do is, really, twist barefoot on a small rotating platform.
Sure, it works the transverse abdominis, but using it a couple of minutes a day is probably not going to make a big difference. Still, if you want to be a twister at a dance competition, go for it.
Spin Classes
Peloton, Soul Cycle, or whatever bike workout you have subscribed to, there’s no doubt that spin classes, for some people, are like a religion. Sure, it’s not a crazy piece of equipment, but the devout spin-class goers, are really, very committed once they get into it.
There will be times when you want to throw up, when your legs burn so bad you’ll need to stop, but while it seems crazy to some, it’s definitely a decent workout.
Waterballs
Sure, this list is for some crazy exercise equipment, but surely, SURELY one of these things actually works! Enter the Waterball, which was designed with the medicine ball in mind.
Instead of sand, these balls are partially filled with water, which adds another level of instability. Try body twists or wall squats with these. Seems like a ball of fun!
Skechers Shape-Ups
Ugly sneakers = a better backside? Well, that’s what Skechers tried to sell the world, with their “Shape-Ups.” These platform sneakers, with a “rolling bottom and kinetic wedge” actually came under fire after a class-action lawsuit was brought against the shoes.
I think we can stick to "these 'shoes' are made for walking" and not for shaping you up.
Ab Lounge
Not going to lie here, but this piece of equipment looks like something your pet would enjoy pulling apart. However, the enticing offer of 20 dynamic exercise workouts is almost too good to refuse. It’s kind of like a lounger you’d find by the pool, with ankle and armbars to keep you locked in.
It looks horrible and awkward and… we’d rather use the lounge for the beach or pool.
Free Flexor
This one reminds us of a shake weight, but the ad tells us, this is “not boring…this you will not soon forget.” Yes, we definitely will not forget how this flexible dumbbell looks.
The “Free Flexor” uses “circular strength technology” to make your muscles contract up to 300 times a minute. Wow! We are SO not sold on this er…interesting looking piece of equipment. But check it out, it looks like a real laugh.
Vibrating Platform by Powerfit
The powerful vibrating platform definitely looks like something that was transported from the 1920s and brought to the current day. It, like many of the crazy pieces of exercise equipment we’ve already covered, harnesses vibration power to help you slim down.
The way it's advertised, it almost sounds like a bucking horse you see at a country bar! Yep…that’s the “Powerfit” way alright.
Gustav Zander’s Exercise Machines
Is it a bike? Is it a garden accessory? We really have no clue where to start with this invention of Gustav Zanders! He called it the ultimate exercise machine — but quite frankly, we’re a little lost.
Do we work out our legs first, our abs, or our glutes? Arms maybe? Or maybe even around the neck, there’s some sort of neck strength exercise.
Stomach Roller
Ah, look no further than the stomach roller for those hotly-desired toned abs! This kind of looks like the massage beads you see on driver’s chairs, right? It also kind of looks like those tough foam-rollers you’d buy to get the knots out of your body.
But to train your abs? Gosh, no thanks! This looks downlight barbaric. Our poor abs. We’ll stick to crunches, thanks.
Tae Bo
Ever heard of this? Born a few decades ago, Tae Bo is a style of training that combines martial arts and Thai kickboxing. That means high cardio all around! It was developed by Billy Blanks and was all the rage during the 90s.
To be honest, this is one of the less crazy exercise regimes we’ve heard of. Sounds like a great way to get some aggression out of your system while toning your body.
Mechanized Magic Chair
It’s clear that working out and being comfortable are definitely not meant to go together, as shown by this wacky gadget. By rigorously twisting from side to side, apparently, any posture issues would disappear.
Wow, imagine that. Who needs a chiropractor or a physiotherapist? The chair also has an attachment that lifts the chin which looks very, very dangerous. Eeek! Use this with extreme caution.
Monkey Bars
No longer reserved for children or the children’s playground, the Monkey Bars are actually a very useful, challenging piece of workout equipment. Monkey-Bar-gyms are starting to pop up across the globe.
Develop your grip, improve wrist and shoulder strength and also get some more core power by giving these a go. Let your inner child out and grab onto those bars.
Reducing Belt
Sure, this one kind of reminds us of a waist trainer, and also the air belt, but believe us, this one’s different. Or that’s at least what their marketing has been trying to sell us.
According to a campaign in a magazine, the product is only meant to be worn for an hour a day, with results of losing up to 6 inches around the waist. Hmm... if only such things were possible.
Diagonal Suspension Apparatus
Usually lying horizontally means our bodies are getting some rest. Well, it doesn't seem to be the case with this exceptionally strange piece of equipment.
It would be a real...stretch...to say we are even remotely interested in trying it out. We also love the rather formal gym attire from back in the day!
The Abdomenizer
Seems like a made-up word, right? Well, fun fact, all words are made up. Okay but seriously, smart talk aside, what in the world is an Abdomenizer? The piece of equipment, which makes us feel a little ill at the sight of it, is shaped like, well, a giant shoehorn?
The user would rock on it, supposedly toning their abs at the same time. What do y’all think?
Tony Little’s Gazelle
Ah yes, the Gazelle. A mainstay in many gyms and homes, the Gazelle was more popular than the treadmill at one time. It works the thighs, the buttocks, the chest, the triceps, and the calves — it does it all.
Or so Tony Little says. And hey, with its affordable price it’s no wonder millions of Americans bought into this piece of equipment and its claims.
Electric or Magnetic Corset
This is an older invention aimed at ridding the user of unwanted calories. It was also marketed as a blanket cure for paralysis, indigestion, and rheumatism, as well as you know, giving women the fashionable tiny waists they wanted.
Seems suspicious to us, especially with all those magnets arranging to form a “battery.” Hmm…
Air Shorts
To be honest, this kind of looks like a piece of couture from Louis Vuitton or something, right?! Anyway, these inflatable shorts were sold as a cure for back pain, and also for losing weight.
The ad suggested that they’re great for "shedding body moisture." Even better still, it also massages you and comes in a one-size-fits-all. Would you try them on?
Step Aerobics
If you’re a child of the 80s, you probably have an exercise video lurking around somewhere with Jane Fonda’s face on it. The Fonda-fad moved through to the 90s and saw some very colorful leotards.
Bounce, kick and sidestep all on that little platform. Seems a bit crazy, but it was definitely a workout!
Ab Circle
Abs have to be the number one body part that people are trying to tone. Kneel on the Ab Circle and hold onto the handles, and off you go! Basically, it’s a platform that rotates and reportedly is a “treadmill for your abs.”
It also trims your butt, hips, and thighs too, with its special latch that transforms the equipment. It sounds ab-solutely fabulous!
Parallette Bars
You’ve probably seen this item at your gym and wondered what on earth this torture device is used for. These bars, in fact, are not actually a waste of time — they’re great for higher-level bodyweight training.
They make dips, push-ups, and L-seats a lot more difficult as you’re supporting your weight on the off-the-ground bars. So they may look a little funky, but they’re worth it.