Ridiculous 80s and 90s Exercise Trends We’re Glad Are Gone Forever

Suzanne Somers died this weekend.

Somers is known for her turn as Chrissy Snow on the 70s sitcom “Three’s Company”. But her real claim to fame (and fortune!) is the ThighMaster.

In the wacky world of exercise gadgets, few have had us shaking our heads and our thighs quite like Somers’ ThighMaster.

This quirky contraption made Suzanne a millionaire, and it’s a story that’ll make you raise your eyebrows (and maybe your thighs).

Picture it: The ’90s.

Neon spandex, scrunchies, and ThighMasters were all the rage. Somers, best known for her role on “Three’s Company,” introduced the world to this thigh-tightening device, and oh boy, did it take off like a rocket on leg day!

So, what’s the deal with this spring-loaded sensation?

Well, it’s simple. You squeeze the ThighMaster between your legs. Sounds kind of weird, right? But Suzanne made it look cool. She’d flash that million-dollar smile while effortlessly getting her thigh workout in, and people couldn’t resist. It’s like she had the Midas touch, but for thighs.

Ridiculous 80s and 90s Exercise Trends

Suzanne’s clever marketing played a massive role in the ThighMaster’s success.

Those infomercials, with her enthusiastic pitches and before-and-after testimonials, convinced countless folks that they absolutely needed a ThighMaster in their lives. The infomercials were like a 2 a.m. siren call, and we couldn’t help but pick up the phone and order one.

And the best part?

Suzanne was laughing all the way to the bank. She reportedly made millions from ThighMaster sales and even expanded her empire with workout videos and books. Who knew squeezing a piece of metal between your legs could be so lucrative?

The ThighMaster may have seemed like a crazy exercise trend, but it’s a testament to the power of marketing and the charisma of its pitchwoman, Suzanne Somers. So next time you’re thinking about working on your thighs, just remember – you can thank Suzanne for the giggles, grins, and well-toned gams!

• Jazzercise

  Jazzercise, the blend of jazz dancing and exercise, had people jiving to fitness routines. But the flashy leotards and jazz hands made participants look more like they were auditioning for a musical than breaking a sweat. It was a wacky trend that sometimes left us looking more silly than fit.

• Step Aerobics

  Step aerobics, a fitness fad of the ’80s and ’90s, often left us feeling wobbly and uncoordinated. Those plastic risers were accident-prone, and the choreographed routines left little room for rhythm-challenged folks. Tripping over your own two feet wasn’t the ideal path to fitness, making step aerobics an often awful experience.

• Thighmaster

  Despite its fame, the ThighMaster’s awesomeness didn’t quite match the hype. While it may not have delivered miraculous thigh transformations, it did inspire countless people to get moving and take a step toward better health. Sometimes, it’s the effort that counts more than the results.

• Shake Weight

  The Shake Weight craze was pure insanity. This handheld dumbbell with a vibrating gimmick promised toned arms with suggestive movements. It turned heads for all the wrong reasons and became a punchline. Fitness should be sensible, not a sideshow, making the Shake Weight one trend that’s better left in the dust.

• Tae Bo

  The Tae Bo craze of the 90s had good intentions but often led to more injuries than fitness gains. High-impact kicks and punches were tough for beginners, resulting in sprains and strains. Safety took a backseat to enthusiasm, making it a workout trend best left to Billy Banks.

• Buns of Steel

  Buns of Steel exercise videos, a 90s sensation, should remain in the past. Those awkward, butt-focused workouts feel dated. Modern fitness offers effective, well-rounded routines. Let’s leave the spandex and excessive posterior obsession in the past and embrace healthier, more balanced approaches to fitness.

• Trampoline Workouts

  Trampoline workouts of the 80s were hilariously absurd. Picture people in neon leotards, bouncing to a beat, and thinking they were getting fit. It was a comical fusion of exercise and entertainment, but hardly a fitness revolution. We were all bouncing, but maybe not in the right direction!

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