The fitness industry has always been innovative, but sometimes it crosses into the downright quirky. From absurd-looking gadgets to bizarre workout methods, some workout equipment has raised eyebrows and laughter. Yet, surprisingly, these oddities turned out to be commercial gold mines. Here are 12 such workout equipment pieces that made millions despite their unusual or humorous appearance and found a place in the fitness world.
1. The Shake Weight
The Shake Weight, a modified dumbbell, became a sensation with its suggestive motion. Promising to tone arms and upper body muscles, this product’s fame skyrocketed due to its odd technique and viral infomercials. Despite the humor it generated, the Shake Weight sold millions, making its mark as a memorable and profitable fitness product.
2. The NordicTrack Ski Machine
The NordicTrack Ski Machine, a home fitness invention mimicking cross-country skiing, initially garnered laughs for its unusual design and motion. Despite its odd appearance, the machine offered a full-body workout, engaging both the upper and lower body. Its ability to provide a low-impact, high-intensity workout made it popular among fitness enthusiasts.
The NordicTrack Ski Machine became a staple in homes during the fitness craze of the late 20th century, selling millions and becoming an iconic piece of exercise equipment. Its enduring popularity proved that innovative, albeit unconventional, fitness solutions could capture the public’s imagination and wallet.
3. ThighMaster
The ThighMaster, a simple spring-loaded device, became a household name in the 90s. Endorsed by Suzanne Somers, it promised to tone thighs with minimal effort. Its simplistic design and suggestive use turned it into a cultural phenomenon, leading to impressive sales figures. According to the late Suzanne Summers, ThighMaster made her over $300 million.
4. The Gazelle
Tony Little’s Gazelle, a glider-type exercise machine, promised a low-impact full-body workout. Its over-the-top infomercials and Tony’s enthusiastic pitch made it a target for humor. However, the Gazelle laughed its way to the bank, becoming a bestseller.
5. The Bowflex Home Gym
The Bowflex Home Gym, a multi-purpose exercise machine, initially drew mixed reactions for its bold claims of replacing an entire gym’s worth of equipment. Despite its somewhat cumbersome appearance and complex setup, the Bowflex gained a dedicated following.
Its versatility in allowing users to perform various exercises at home made it immensely popular, leading to substantial sales. The Bowflex demonstrated that convenience and functionality could indeed coexist, appealing to those seeking a comprehensive workout solution in the comfort of their homes.
6. The Slendertone
Slendertone’s approach to toning muscles involved electrical muscle stimulation, a piece of workout equipment that had many raising their eyebrows. This belt-like device promised abs without the need for crunches or sit-ups. Its ease of use and aggressive marketing helped it to become a hit. In 2009, the belt made Complex Technologies over $20 million.
7. The Kangoo Jumps
Kangoo Jumps are rebound exercise shoes designed to reduce the impact of athletic activity. They feature a distinctive spring-loaded sole that provides a bouncing motion, similar to a mini-trampoline. Originally developed to help injured athletes recover while maintaining their fitness, Kangoo Jumps quickly became popular for their fun and unique approach to exercise.
They are used in various fitness classes and outdoor activities, offering an unusual but effective way to combine cardio and lower-body workouts, all while promoting laughter and enjoyment. Despite their unconventional appearance, Kangoo Jumps turned into a profitable trend, captivating a wide audience looking for an entertaining twist on traditional exercise routines. The Company has made over $5 million.
8. The Face Trainer
The Face Trainer, a headgear designed to tone facial muscles, made a splash with its unusual look and concept. Despite its strange appearance, it found a market among those eager to combat the signs of aging without surgery.
9. The Balance Board
The Balance Board, a simple yet challenging tool designed for core strengthening and balance training, initially seemed too straightforward to be effective. However, its ability to engage multiple muscle groups in a fun and interactive way quickly made it a favorite in both home gyms and professional fitness centers. Its popularity soared as it proved to be an effective tool for enhancing coordination and stability, leading to impressive sales figures and solidifying its status as a surprisingly successful fitness product.
10. The Power Plate
The Power Plate, a vibrating platform for exercise, raised both interest and skepticism. Its technology, based on whole-body vibration, promised multiple fitness benefits. Despite doubts about its efficacy, the Power Plate managed to build a solid customer base and impressive sales. Power Plate’s annual revenue is $57.9 million.
11. The Sauna Suit
The Sauna Suit, designed to make you sweat profusely and lose weight, resembled a plastic tracksuit. Its concept and appearance might have been amusing, but it appealed to those looking for quick weight loss solutions, driving its sales up.
12. The Booty Belt
The Booty Belt, aimed at toning the glutes, consisted of a belt with resistance bands attached to the ankles. Its somewhat comical usage didn’t stop fitness enthusiasts from giving it a try, leading to its success in a market focused on lower-body aesthetics.
Laughter Can Be Profitable
These 12 workout equipment pieces show that in the fitness industry, sometimes the unconventional or humorous can lead to success. While they may have provided some laughs, their sales tell a story of profitability and market acceptance. It’s a reminder that innovation, even when it seems absurd, can find a niche and thrive.
If you ever owned any of these pieces of workout equipment, let us know your experience with them in the comments.
