There's no denying that a balanced diet, along with moderate exercise, is the way to stay healthy.
Yet, all throughout history, humans have been trying to find ways to make getting fit as easy as possible. Over the years, there have certainly been plenty of hacks who've told us about their “magic pills” or “miracle ideas” for getting slim.
There have always been wacko diet fads, but there have also been ridiculous “exercise” machines that many have been eager to try. While the science has always shown that the real factors contributing to a strong, happy body come from effort and smart eating, there is always the hope that we can sidestep these and still get results.
These seven bizarre devices may seem insane and outdated, but when you think about some of the things we still do today, you may realize we're not too far off from back then.
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1. Vibrating Belts
These machines from the 1950s were supposed to just shake the fat away while you stood there idly. Good luck with that one.
2. Wonder Cycle Exercisulator
This machine was supposed to simulate riding a horse. You could assume different positions, much like we do now on an exercise bike, to work different muscle groups. But the headpiece? No idea.
3. Magic Chair
This chair moved on its own with motors, and was supposed to have the same effect as moving your muscles on your own. Seems to me that that goes against all scientific evidence.
4. Zander Machine
This was one of Gustav Zander’s Exercise Machines from the 1800s. Many of his contraptions were precursors to modern-day gym equipment. This one, however, was more like an elaborate, unnecessary foot massager.
5. Stomach Roller
This device, used through the 1970s, was meant to massage the stomach muscles to achieve tone. This was another one of those machines that allowed you to do essentially nothing but give yourself a massage while feeling like you were doing something worthwhile.
6. Electric Shocker
This product from the 1960s used electric shocks to supposedly burn the fat away. What it really did was cause irregular heart rhythms, ulcers, miscarriages, epilepsy, and a handful of other very scary side effects.
7. Revolving Hammock
The revolving hammock was supposed to give women bigger chests and smaller waists, simply by straightening their spines. I would like to speak to the man who thought up this ridiculous machine.
Did we miss any crazy “body-improving” devices from our list? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
