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Crazy Fitness Crazes, Fads, and Gadgets
2 November 2008 4:00 am
Admit it, tell the truth, how many fitness gimmicks have you been sucked into? Is there a rusty old thigh master hiding under your bed, or maybe Cindy Crawford’s (high waisted) workout video. There has been a plethora of crazy fitness crazes come and go in our time, but what is astounding is that some of them actually stick around. Take a look at five of my favourite fitness crazes.
Pole Dancing
What is it: Yes you can now make your partner proud! Pole dancing for fitness lessons are available where you learn the moves, strengthen your upper and lower body and get covered in bruises! My favourite pose is called the ‘hello boys!’ One thing is for sure, those women are strong and flexible! Take a look at the winner of the Miss Australia Pole Dancing Championships 2006.
Watch Clip:
And the best thing about pole dancing is you can find poles in many places, even the subway!
You have to watch this clip!!!
Karaoke Spinning
What is it: A stationary cycling class, where the microphone is handed around the room and people sing along. I can barely breathe, let alone sing in a spinning class – how do they do it!
Watch clip:
Zumba
What is it: A type of dance-aerobics combining cumbia, salsa, and samba, mixed with Latin rhythms. Basically shake you booty to pulsating Latin beats!
Watch Clip:
I Gallop – a personal favorite
What is it: Simulates horse riding in a bizarre manner. Definitely one to do behind closed doors! It is meant to tone your abs, hips, butt and thighs. You be the judge!
Watch clip
A Tribute to the pioneers of the original fitness craze – Aerobics
Richard Simmons: 1980s pioneer of aerobic videos, big hair and white tennis shoes.
watch clip
Jane fonda: Also a 1980’s pioneer of aerobic videos, big hair, white tennis shoes and who can forget those lycra leotards!
Watch clip
Do you have any fitness gadgets or crazes that you have come across? I’d love to hear about them.
Tagged As: Crazes, fitness, funny, pole dancing, Spinning, Zumba
Hi Amelia, I LOVE this post! Having been in the fitness industry for a fair few years I can relate to a lot of trends and fads that have come and gone.
One to remember: The Reebok Slide! I couldn’t even find a youtube post about it, but I did find an article here: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_n1_v12/ai_14832590
All I will say is ouch! One of the most painful and short lived fitness products EVER..
A new trend out there by the creator of Spinning is the Krankcycle! Interesting concept but I’m not sure if it will take off or not. Check out http://www.krankcycle.com/krankcycle.htm
And can I say kudos to Amelia for your post on Richard Simmons. I saw him speak once at a conference in America and can I say he is the most inspiring person ever. He had half of the crows of fitness enthusiasts in tears with the stories of some of the people he has helped over the years. He’s a true legend!
hahah I LOVE this post! Having been in the industry for my share of years I have seen some really interesting fads come and go.
Does anyone remember the Reebok slide? You got to put on these fancy booties over your shoes and slide around a plastic or wooden platform. The theory was working laterally you would really stimulate those hard to work parts of your body, thighs and gluts. The reality was it was SUPER boring and seriously painful! That was one fad that was gone as quickly as it appeared…
A new an interesting one from the creator of Spinning is Kranking. Basically it is the opposite of Spinning, in that you use your arms! Youc an see it in all of it’s glory on http://www.krankcycle.com/
Do you think it will catch on? I’m not sure….
Thanks for the posting Amelia, as always it’s awesome.
Hi Ryan,
I remember the Reebok slide. It was static heaven, your hair would be standing on end all day! It was actually good for ski or skate contitioning, but as you say soooo boring!
I just checked out Krankcycle and I like it! I mean I don’t think I could do an entire hour of it, but imagine it in a circuit class, or as a cross training device. Particularly good for people with leg injuries who need to get their heart rate pumping.
Good for sailors!
Amelia
Meelsie,
LOVE the look of the new site!!! Especially the ‘eye’ photo , showing your gorgeous eye! And fabulous fitness fads uploads!!! Loved the Jane Fonda workout (will take some tips to my next class)…and the lion/woman with a shock blonde electrified look dancing next to her!
AND the NYC poledance vid….hell yer, Im booking a flight to shimmy down some poles in the New York subway…..giddyup!
; ) xx
Hahaha – you’ve hit the nail on the head here.. Between the fitness gadgets and gizmos and the hype about the newest supplement that is going to get you ripped and shred your fat without you lifting a weight, it’s amazing that people still believe in this stuff … how many times can people try the fad items, have them fail, and still come back for more? You’d think sooner or later that most people would realize there’s no substitute for a healthy diet and a good workout routine.
Hi Stef,
How funny are the Jane Fonda + crew outfits! Someone needs to have a themed party for sure. I’m not to sure I endorse you shimmying down those subway poles, but I bet you’d get some great tips! Thanks for the feedback!
Amelia
Hi Marc,
I know, you’ve got to laugh at all the gadgets don’t you! I guess it goes to show humans are still hopeful that some day, they will be able to pop a ‘magic’ pill’ that keeps them slim, young and healthy. Well folks, as you say Marc, that magic pill is a healthy diet and good workout routine. So simple… right!?!
Amelia
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