There’s no denyingthat 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 makegetting fitas easy aspossible. Over the years, there have certainly beenplenty ofhacks who’ve told us abouttheir “magic pills” or “miracle ideas” for getting slim.
There have always been wacko diet fads, but there have also always been ridiculous “exercise” machinesthat many have beeneager to try. While the science has always shown that the real factors contributingto a strong, happy body come from effort and smarteating, there is always the hope that we can sidestep these and still getresults.
These 7 bizarre devices may seem insane and outdated, but when you think about some of the things we still do today, you may realizewe’re not too far offfrom back then.
1. Vibrating Belts
These machines from the 1950s were supposed to just shake the fat away while you stoodthere 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 ofGustav Zanders Exercise Machines from the 1800s. Many of his contraptions were precursors to modern-day gym equipment. This one, however, wasmore 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 burn the fat away, supposedly. 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 manwhothought up this ridiculous machine.
Did we miss any crazy “body-improving” devices from our list? Let us know in the comments and pleaseSHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
Read more: http://www.littlethings.com/exercise-from-the-past/
