25 Weirdest Exercise Products

It seems like everywhere we go, people are trying to sell something. When you’re driving to work, you’re bombarded with billboards. If you’re watching TV, you’ve got to sit through commercials. You’re even pestered with ads when you’re reading articles online! And half of those ads we see so much everyday are full of stuff we don’t even need.

There’s no better place to look for products we don’t need than the exercise and health industry. They bombard us with images of what we’re supposed to look like, then, instead of telling us how to lead healthy lives, they tell us to buy random, science-backed products to get there. Often, the science backing these products is weak or completely made up! This is called pseudoscience, and the exercise industry is full of it.

If you see a lot of companies who claim benefits of new “technology” or touting big, science-sounding words, be cautious. Often, the producers of these products are trying to seem like they know something you don’t. They want you to trust them as they briefly explain the science and how it’ll get you into the best shape of your life, but they don’t want you to do any actual research. They just want you to buy their products. These are the worst offenders.

Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.

Bowflex

Bowflex
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/BowFlex-Home-Gym-Workout-Systems/dp/B0764JNG73)

Bowflex draws its strength from the “Power Rod technology” it utilizes. Already, there’s some sort of new technology that sounds an awful lot like pseudoscience…

Bowflexes are supposed to be great for building strength that doesn’t apply super well to daily life. Save yourself some money. Get regular weights instead.

Shake Weight

Shake Weight
(image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Comfecto-Dumbbell-Shoulder-Exercise-Technology/dp/B082TQ81M6/r)

In theory, shake weight uses “dynamic inertia” to build muscle as you shake this dumbbell.

In reality, it just becomes an internet sensation that looks a bit inappropriate.

Speedboard

Speedboard
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/SpeedFit-Speedboard-ProXL/dp/B0733CMBSK)

The Speedboard is a gravity-assisted treadmill that actually seems to check out on its claims.

The problem? There’s not always handlebars, no front bar, and no easy way to stop.

iGallop

iGallop
(Image via iGallop)

The iGallop simulates riding a horse. Without the fun of the horse, of course.

While it does do a great job and making you laugh, it’s doubtful that it actually helps you get in shape.

Walkstation

Walkstation
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Walkstation-SF-T7945/dp/B07ZQSWW43/)

Walkstation is great for those people who feel that they aren’t quite sweaty enough at work. They wanted to be a little more out of breath at that next meeting, so the Walkstation was created.

It’s essentially the child of a treadmill and a standing desk, and short of the debatable office hygiene, it works.

Europlate VibraSlim

Europlate VibraSlim
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Europlate-Vibration-Exercise-Fitness-Machine/dp/B003RY3E0O/)

Vibrate that weight off! Europlate’s VibraSlim distributes “vibrational energy,” to the whole body!

As your body adapts to the vibrations, you’ll lose all that extra weight you no longer want.

Anti-gravity Treadmill

Anti-gravity Treadmill
Antigravitytreadmill, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alter-G.jpg)

Have you ever wanted to run on the moon? With the Anti-gravity Treadmill… well, you still can’t run on the moon. You can run in a stationary bubble encompassing your lower legs.

It’s supposed to take the stress off your legs, but unless you’re an Olympic athlete, you probably don’t have much need for it.

Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Jacobs-Ladder-Gronk-Step-Machine/dp/B07FK5F8WK/)

Jacob’s Ladder is the “ultimate fitness machine.” With it, you can do both aerobic and anaerobic workouts.

If you thought running on a treadmill was bad, you haven’t tried this.

EliptiGo

EliptiGo
Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eliptigo_northbound_on_East_Drive_jeh.jpg)

Ever wish that you could see the world while using your elliptical machine? If running or biking are too simple an answer, then maybe the EliptiGo is just complex and weird enough for you!

It’s a mix of a bike and an elliptical machine, perfect for your morning strolls.

Bodyblade

Bodyblade
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Bodyblade-50864-Classic-Kit/dp/B0065PTC80/)

Bodyblade “uses vibration and inertia to produce rapid contraction that will transform your body.”

To use, you take a floppy, $100 stick and flop it back and forth. Sound good?

X-iser Portable Stepper

X-iser Portable Stepper
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Xiser-Commercial-Stairmaster-Polished-Alloy/dp/B002KTLS96/)

If you ever wished that you could take your gym equipment with you so that you could workout wherever, whenever, then the 13 lbs. portable stepper is for you.

Now you can do steps in a meeting, riding the train, or while cooking dinner!

Weighted Sleds

Weighted Sleds
Michael Lieberknecht, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goat_Locker_Challenge_150330-N-AO823-131.jpg)

A weighted sled is a sled with weights on it. They’re perfect for the holiday season.

What better way to get in the holiday mood than by pretending to be Rudolph pulling a sleigh?

FaceTrainer

FaceTrainer
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Exerciser-Breathing-Exercise-Slimming-Trainer/dp/B0B2WSNPHH/r)

Sure, the internet is full of 6-minute ab workouts, but don’t forget about your face!

With the FaceTrainer, you can get your face in shape with just 10 minutes a day!

Hawaii Chair

Hawaii Chair
(Image via Hawaii Chair)

The Hawaii Chair does not transport you to Hawaii. No, instead it has a seat that will sit and rotate in a flat circle, imitating a Hula Dancer’s dance moves.

It’s the perfect chair for serious conversations.

Free Flexor

Free Flexor
(Image via FreeFlexor)

The Free Flexor uses patent pending “Circular Strength Technology” to get you the results you want!

It’s a flexing dumbbell, but honestly, it’s just inappropriate.

Neckline Slimmer

Neckline Slimmer
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/MQ-Neckline-Portable-Exerciser-Massager/dp/B071JF31PL/r)

With just two minutes of daily work, you can have the neck you want!

Just stick this in a bag or purse and use it on the go.

Talking Hand Exerciser

Talking Hand Exerciser
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Carepeutic-Digital-Talking-Power-Exerciser/dp/B009QV5J6E/r)

The talking hand exerciser strengthens your grip while speaking your stats in real time.

It’s like having a personal hand trainer in your pocket!

The Peddler

The Peddler
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Exerciser-Portable-Peddler-Displays/dp/B07JFTQ2MS)

The Peddler is a great way, to sit back, watch Netflix, and wear your legs out at the same time!

There’s no need to go on an actual bike ride when you can get sweaty on your couch.

Treadmill Bike

Treadmill Bike
(Image via Facebook)(https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=570925635051445&set=a.441646351312708)

If you ever wished you could go outside, walk around, and get in shape, then we have a great solution!

The treadmill bike is a great way to get in shape while dropping a ton of money on something really, really pointless.

Gazelle Freestyle

Gazelle Freestyle
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Gazelle-Exercise-Elliptical-Supports-Low-Impact/dp/B0C2R6VLLC/)

If you ever felt like a regular elliptical machine chops your step just a bit too much, then the Gazelle Freestyle is for you.

It’s a great way to go for an extremely over-exaggerated run or walk within the confines of your home.

Sketchers Shape Ups

Sketchers Shape Ups
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Skechers-Work-76848-Shape-Athletic/dp/B003MZ0CWG)

With these extremely stylish, sleek shoes, you’ll be able to burn calories and shape your behind!

Well, that’s what Sketcher’s said. Now, they’re paying millions for false advertising.

Elite Fitness Inversion Table

Elite Fitness Inversion Table
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Teeter-Inversion-FDA-Registered-Safety-Certified-Capacity/dp/B0BTJCTR11/)

Inversion tables are supposed to help you relieve back pain.

In reality, they just make it really difficult for you to get back up again.

Power Balance

Power Balance
Wagner Bonifacio Leite, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Power_Balance_bracelet_on_wrist.jpg)

These rubber bracelets used holograms to make you into the athlete you always wanted to be!

No one is sure where the holograms were, but they sure sold well!

Ab Rocket Twister

Ab Rocket Twister
(Image via Amazon)(https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-Abdominal-Adjustable-Equipment-Exerciser/dp/B07VJGYFVJ/)

If crunches or Russian twists are too simple for you, then check out the Ab Rocket Twister! You can do crunches or Russian Twists on it while having your back and head… massaged?

No one knows what those massage rollers on the back are for, but we do know that it’ll take you from “flab to fab” with just 5 minutes a day!

Posted by Ron Winkler

Ron Winkler is your go-to guy for matter-of-fact commentary on all things TV, movies, history, sports, and nostalgia. Ron firmly believes that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and he's here to give you his unfiltered take.

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