6 Pieces of Weird Fitness Equipment From The 70s That Will Leave You Baffled

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For many years, it wasn’t clear what was true in the world of fitness and what was not. This is why a lot of exercise equipment from previous decades looks pretty experimental today. I thought it would therefore be fun to have a look at weird pieces of fitness equipment from the 70’s.

The 70s were an interesting time in themselves, but when it comes to fitness it was just very weird. Nevertheless, some of the machines that are mentioned in this list are still used today and have become staples in home-workout setups. Let’s see what works and what is a fitness myth. Read on!

Vibrating Belt Machines

Back in the ’70s, you could have stumbled upon a piece of fitness equipment that looked pretty out there—an apparatus with a wide belt that jiggled the user’s midsection, claiming to shake the fat right off. This gadget was known as the vibrating belt machine.

This is how it worked: you’d strap a belt around your waist, hips, or buttocks, flip the switch, and let the machine oscillate. The idea was that the vibration would help you in reducing body fat and increase muscle tone.

Surprisingly enough, these machines were a hit, especially because they promised a workout without any real exertion. You might have seen them on TV or in gyms, often surrounded by enthusiastic users, standing and reading a magazine as the belt did its job.

While it’s a nice thought that staying still could help you tone up, today’s experts agree that these machines didn’t really deliver the results they promised. They were based on the flawed assumption that shaking your body can reduce fat in targeted areas.

Despite their lack of long-term success in the fitness industry, Vibrating Belt Machines became iconic for their era. You’d notice them making cameo appearances in old movies or shows, sometimes used for a comedic effect, symbolic of oddball, vintage fitness fads.

The Thighmaster

The Thighmaster, that quirky, S-shaped device, became the must-have gadget for shaping thighs. You simply squeeze it between your knees and, as if by magic, it’s supposed to tighten and tone your inner thighs.

Why was it weird? Well, imagine sitting there, compressing a bright, pastel gadget between your legs while watching your favorite soap opera. Yep, that’s the Thighmaster in action.

It promised a convenient workout—no need for bulky weights or a trip to the gym. And the ads? They featured Suzanne Somers, glamorously demonstrating how fun fitness could be.

Whether or not the Thighmaster was an effective tool for sculpting the legs is up for debate. The movement in itself is something that does strengthen the inner thigh. If this is the most effective way to do that is another question.

However, it’s a symbol of the era—a time when fitness fads were as colorful and zany as the decade’s fashion.

The Tunturi C500 Stepper

Remember the Tunturi C500? This piece of fitness equipment hit the scene in a big way with its promise of giving you a full-body workout without ever leaving your home. It’s a stand-up stepper with a twist—literally.

The design was unique:

• Stepping pedals: These are moved up and down to mimic the action of climbing stairs, aiming to increase your heart rate and build leg strength.
• Twisting waist mechanism: As you step, you can twist your waist, targeting those tricky obliques and core muscles.
• Handlebars: Supplied for stability, and by pushing and pulling, you work your upper body.

Operating it was simple: You stepped onto the pedals, gripped the handlebars, and started your stepping and twisting routine. The sturdiness of the Tri Stepper was a highlight, but it also had the reputation of making quite the rhythmic symphony with its squeaks and clacks during a workout.

Popularity-wise, this machine made waves for a moment, largely due to the low-impact nature of the exercise it offered. It was perfect for those looking to avoid heavy strain on joints or preferring a workout at home.

An interesting thing about steppers is that they’re actually quite effective at getting your heart rate up quickly. This makes the machine an effective and compact piece of cardio equipment. If you’re in the market for a compact cardio machine that also trains the endurance of your legs, check some steppers out by clicking the button below:

The Soloflex

The 70s were known for some interesting fitness trends, and the Soloflex was a standout piece of equipment that arrived towards the end of that era. Invented by Jerry Wilson in 1978, this home gym was designed to be a safer alternative to free weights. Its resistance came from heavy-duty rubber-weight straps, which were a novelty at the time.

With the Soloflex, you could perform a variety of exercises, giving your whole body a workout. At the same time, it was safe, thanks to the strap system which aimed to reduce injury risks. Finally, it was also very compact and designed for the home environment.

Despite its attempt to revolutionize home fitness, the Soloflex faced competition from emerging fitness brands and trends in the 80s. Regardless, for a time, it became a staple in many a home gym. Its iconic advertisements, featuring fit models and promises of a healthier lifestyle, captured the fitness enthusiasts’ attention.

Interesting to know that the Soloflex Machine was one of the first pieces of fitness equipment to be heavily marketed on television. The company’s infomercials were novel for the time and reached a wide audience.

The Slant Board

In the 70s, you might have encountered the Slant Board—a simple, yet peculiar, piece of fitness equipment. Imagine a surface resembling an ironing board that’s inclined at an angle, and you’ve got the gist.

 It had a flat surface set at an angle to use gravity as resistance. This surface was cushioned for extra comfort and the angle of the machine could be adjusted to make things easier or harder.

The concept? You’d lie back on the board with your head lower than your feet, performing sit-ups or similar exercises to target your core muscles. The gravity would make your workout more challenging, supposedly giving you abs of steel quicker than regular flat-ground exercises.

Despite its simplicity, the Slant Board represented the era’s unique approach to at-home exercise—you had this contraption designed to spice up your fitness routine without leaving your living room. It promised a no-frills path to a better-built you.

What’s interesting about this device is that it’s still used today because it did serve a purpose. Working your abs at an incline does make them work harder and that’s why this machine, in various forms, is still found in most commercial gyms today. If you’re looking for an ab workout machine, click the button below:

The NordicTrack

When you think of vintage workouts, you probably picture the classic NordicTrack. Born in the ’70s, this machine was your go-to for simulating cross-country skiing. It’s funny to imagine now, but back in the day, this weird contraption was a home fitness game-changer.

Some of its benefits include:

• Full-body workout: You’d use your arms and legs simultaneously, making it a solid choice for a complete workout.
• Low-impact exercise: Ideal for those of you keen on keeping your joints happy while breaking a sweat.
• Adjustable resistance: You could tweak the difficulty to match your fitness level, giving you a customized experience every time.

A typical NordicTrack boasted a wooden frame and came with a unique set of ski-like foot pads and resistance cords. Remember how you’d plant your feet on those pads, grab the handles, and then glide away, almost like you were hitting the snowy slopes? And let’s not forget the satisfaction of setting the resistance dial to match your workout mood for the day.

Despite its somewhat bizarre look, the NordicTrack was a genuine attempt at bringing a winter sport into the warmth of your living room. The idea was that you could get all toned up without even stepping foot outside. Sounds convenient, right?