I think we can all agree that workout advice is kind of all over the place. How many reps? How many sets? What muscles should I be working? It’s definitely enough to make your head spin. But there are certainly a few fads in the exercise world that I think we can all agree are over-the-top outrageous. Get ready to sweat with these ten wild workout trends that have fitness fanatics buzzing. From Tae Bo to Aqua Spin, we’re diving into the wackiest ways people get fit.
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10 Tae Bo
In the world of fitness fads, where routines seem as fleeting as a Snapchat story, one workout trend has stood the test of time: Tae Bo. It’s the fitness regimen that blends martial arts with boxing, and it’s been kicking butt and taking names since the 1990s.
Picture a room pulsing with energy, bodies jabbing, kicking, and gyrating to the rhythm of infectious beats. That’s the scene of a typical Tae Bo class, where Billy Blanks, the man behind this fitness symphony, orchestrates sweat and determination.
Tae Bo is not just a random mashup of kicks and punches. It’s a carefully crafted fusion of Tae Kwon Do, karate, and boxing, sprinkled with a generous dose of aerobics. The result is a calorie-blasting, muscle-toning extravaganza that leaves participants feeling like they’ve just conquered Mount Everest.
Billy Blanks, the brains (and brawn) behind Tae Bo, didn’t stumble upon success by accident. A seven-time world karate champion and martial arts guru, Blanks combined his expertise with a flair for showmanship to create a workout that has attracted legions of followers worldwide.
9 Vibrating Belt
When it comes to fitness fads, there’s always been a certain allure to the unconventional. Enter the vibrating belt—a gadget that promises to shake, rattle, and roll away those extra pounds with minimal effort. It’s the stuff of retro infomercials and gym folklore, but behind its whimsical facade lies a history as fascinating as its supposed benefits.
The vibrating belt burst onto the scene in the 1950s, championed as the ultimate shortcut to a toned figure. An earlier version created by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg in the 1920s was originally intended to stimulate circulation and promote weight loss. With its vibrating mechanism strapped around the waist, users were promised the bliss of passive exercise—all while lounging in the comfort of their own homes.
While the vibrating belt’s heyday may have come and gone, its legacy symbolizes fitness quirkiness. Despite the skepticism surrounding its effectiveness, there’s a certain nostalgia attached to shaking off those stubborn inches with a touch of retro flair.
Modern versions of the vibrating belt have emerged, adding sleek designs and advanced technology. However, the fundamental promise remains unchanged—a quick fix for fitness enthusiasts seeking to cheat their way to a toned physique. However, experts caution that while the sensation of vibration may temporarily stimulate muscles, it’s no substitute for traditional exercise and a balanced diet.
8 Skateboard Pilates
Skateboard Pilates emerges as a daring fusion of balance, strength, and agility. Imagine participants executing Pilates moves atop a skateboard, blending traditional Pilates with the thrill of a solid shred.
At its core, skateboard Pilates targets stabilizing muscles while engaging the larger muscle groups. Every movement requires a heightened level of focus and control as participants navigate the instability of the skateboard beneath them. From classic Pilates exercises like the Hundred and the Teaser to more dynamic moves like the skateboard plank and the rolling pike, each session promises a full-body workout with an adrenaline-inducing twist.
Beyond its physical benefits, skateboard Pilates offers a mental challenge, demanding concentration and mindfulness. Participants must tune into their bodies and the board’s movements, fostering a deeper connection between mind and muscle. While skateboard Pilates may seem like a niche workout, its popularity is growing among fitness enthusiasts seeking unconventional ways to stay in shape.
7 Electric Ab Belts
When it comes to achieving that elusive six-pack, the quest for shortcuts can lead down some truly electrifying paths. Say hello to the electric ab belt, a device promising to zap your midsection into shape while binge-watching your favorite series. But before you strap on this modern marvel, let’s separate the zips from the zaps.
The concept of electric muscle stimulation (EMS) isn’t exactly new. It’s been used for physical therapy and muscle rehabilitation for decades. However, turning it into a passive workout solution gained momentum in the fitness world in the 2000s. And thus, the electric ab belt was born.
The premise is simple: place the belt on your waist, flip the switch, and let the electrical impulses do the heavy lifting—literally. These impulses trigger muscle contractions, mimicking the effects of crunches and sit-ups without the sweat-inducing effort.
The creator of one of the most popular electric ab belts, Slendertone, claims their device can stimulate all major abdominal muscles, promising firmer abs in weeks. But before you start replacing your gym membership with a battery-powered accessory, let’s dive into the facts. While some research suggests it can enhance muscle tone with consistent use, others argue that results are more likely due to diet and overall physical activity.
6 Sauna Suits
In fitness, where bizarre trends often emerge faster than you can say “burpee,” one particularly steamy fad has been turning heads (and dripping sweat)—the sauna suit. Picture being clad head to toe in what looks like a plastic spacesuit—not exactly high fashion, but undeniably attention-grabbing.
Sauna suits have become popular as enthusiasts seek weight loss and detoxification shortcuts. The concept is simple yet somewhat extreme: donning a sauna suit during exercise turns your workout into a personal sauna session, inducing buckets of sweat.
Initially designed for athletes aiming to shed water weight quickly before competitions, these suits have since found their way into mainstream fitness culture, appealing to those chasing the dream of rapid fat loss.
While sweating may lead to temporary weight loss due to fluid depletion, it’s not a sustainable or healthy long-term strategy for shedding pounds. Moreover, prolonged use of sauna suits can lead to dehydration and even heatstroke if not used with caution.
5 Shake Weight
Picture a seemingly innocuous dumbbell, but with a twist—literally. The Shake Weight, aptly named, relies on rapid shaking motions to tone and sculpt muscles in record time. It’s as if someone looked at a regular dumbbell and thought, “You know what this needs? More wobble.”
Invented by Johann Verheem, the Shake Weight burst onto the scene in the late 2000s, promising to revolutionize arm workouts with its vibrating, oscillating design. With celebrity endorsements and infomercials bordering on parody, the Shake Weight quickly became a pop culture phenomenon.
Despite its tongue-in-cheek reputation, the Shake Weight does have some science behind it. The rapid shaking supposedly engages muscles more intensely than traditional weightlifting, leading to faster results. However, experts remain skeptical about its efficacy, with some even dubbing it the “Shake Weight Sham.”
But let’s not dismiss the Shake Weight entirely. After all, any workout that can elicit laughter while burning calories deserves at least a nod of recognition. Plus, watching someone vigorously shake what looks like a futuristic maraca is entertaining.
4 Prancercise
Fitness fads often come and go faster than a New Year’s resolution. Still, one trend stands out as absurd and strangely effective: Prancercise. Yes, you read that right. Prancercise is a legitimate exercise regimen that combines the grace of a gazelle with the cardio of a jog, all while channeling your inner horse.
Created by the charismatic Joanna Rohrback, Prancercise trotted onto the scene in 2012 with a viral video that left viewers scratching their heads and reaching for their running shoes. The concept? To exercise by mimicking the movements of a horse in various gaits, from the light and airy “Prance” to the full-on “Gallop.”
But don’t let Prancercise’s whimsical nature fool you. Beneath its playful exterior lies a workout that can leave even the most seasoned gym-goers breaking a sweat. By engaging the core muscles and promoting proper posture, Prancercise offers an effective full-body workout that’s low-impact and accessible to people of all fitness levels.
3 Body Flex
Imagine doing more than just your average deep breathing exercises. You’re flexing every muscle from your diaphragm to your pinky toe. Created by Greer Childers in the 1990s, Body Flex promises to oxygenate your body like never before while sculpting you into a masterpiece worthy of a Greek statue garden.
The premise is simple yet way out there: Contort your body into various positions while synchronizing your breaths to enhance oxygen flow. Think of it as yoga on steroids, minus the actual steroids. Advocates swear by its effectiveness in toning muscles, improving flexibility, and reducing stress. Skeptics might find themselves chuckling at the sight of grown adults huffing and puffing while contorted into what can only be described as a human pretzel.
Despite the eyebrow-raising theatrics, there’s some science behind the madness. Deep breathing has long been praised for its stress-relieving and health-boosting benefits, and adding a twist (literally) only amplifies the effects. Plus, it’s hard to argue with the cult-like following Body Flex has amassed over the years.
2 Power Balance
The Power Balance bracelet was launched in the mid-2000s with grand promises and flashy marketing. It used holographic technology embedded within a silicon band and was believed to harness the body’s natural energy to improve performance.
Athletes and celebrities alike endorsed it, swearing by its magical powers. But alas, science played the party pooper. Numerous studies debunked the claims, showing that the bands had about as much effect on performance as a lucky rabbit’s foot.
Like a modern-day snake oil, Power Balance had its heyday before crashing down to earth in a blaze of skepticism. Lawsuits followed, alleging false advertising and deceptive marketing. The company eventually conceded, admitting that their claims lacked scientific basis.
1 Aqua Spin
Aqua Spin takes the conventional spin class and throws it into a pool, quite literally. Imagine a spin bike submerged in water, pedaling against resistance while buoyant bliss surrounds you. It’s like cycling through Atlantis, minus the mermaids.
However, this aquatic marvel is actually backed by science. Water provides natural resistance, giving your muscles a serious workout without the joint-jolting impact of traditional spin classes. Plus, the water’s hydrostatic pressure promotes circulation and reduces post-workout soreness. So you might feel totally insane, but there’s a method to all that madness.
Nowadays, Aqua Spin classes are popping up in trendy fitness centers worldwide, drawing enthusiasts eager to make a splash in their exercise routines. With pulsating music, swirling water, and a dash of camaraderie, it’s not just a workout. It’s a pool party on pedals.