Fitness Fads of the Past

It seems that once December starts the list of the Top Pick a Number starts for the year about to end. In honor of that tradition and little bit of fun here are the Top Past Fitness Fads. In full disclosure these fads go back further than 2014. 1950s

Belt Massager. Want to lose weight? Why not just jiggle it away? If you have ever watched an old black and white movie you might have seen a few stars “exercising” on these machines. While it looks like fun all that jiggling did nothing for losing fat.

1960s

Trim Twist---This very simple and very basic piece of “equipment” had you stand on a square tile and twist your hips. Sadly Chubby Checker did not endorse this product. A little lacking in variety this product at least got you moving (not jiggling) to lose those unwanted pounds.

Jogging—While jogging has been around since humans have been upright, it became a popular form of exercise in the 60s. While the term jogging has been replaced (or went back too?) running this form of exercise has many proven benefits and results hence why it has been able to stand the test of time.

1970s

Roller-skating—A great workout for your whole body made even better by Disco music. The tools may have changed (in-line skates) this work out still does a great job on your legs, butts, and cardio with a low impact on your joints. Added bonus roller-skating makes working out feel like play instead of work.

1980s

Aerobics—While aerobics had been around before the 80s it got a huge boost from greats like Jane Fonda and who can forget Richard Simmons and his “Sweating to the Oldies”. Another fad that has lasted through the decades with just some changes to the names of classes and some moves either added or deleted for maximum results.

Thighmaster- Billed as a tool to strengthen and tone your hip adductors, the most this piece of exercise equipment did was prove that Suzanne Somers could sell an odd looking device by being shown using the equipment in an overly sexualized way.

1990s

Gazelle—Created by Tony Little after a car accident to help him lose the weight he had gained from the accident without causing more harm to himself. Like with any piece of equipment it was only as good as the person who used it for more than a coat rack. The infomercials were great and who can forget Tony Little’s blonde long ponytail?

Tae-Bo—Created by Billy Banks as a mix of boxing, Tae-Kwan Do and aerobics this fad unlike a few of the others listed above was a great whole body work out. Plus you got the added benefit of feeling like you could defend yourself (note this was not suppose to be used to teach self-defense).

Losing weight and getting in shape fast and easy has been a theme throughout the decades and with these few fads listed you can tell that the public still buys into there being an easy way to lose weight. While some of these fads have real and lasting effects if done on a regular basis, most play into the mind set of a quick and easy fix.

What is your favorite fitness fad past or present?