Vintage Fitness Trends that Still Work

Welcome! Thank you for reading my blog. You have come to the right place for up-to –date information on health, fitness, wellness, and nutrition. I want to make sure you are informed in living an overall healthy lifestyle. I hope this information helps you.

            We have all seen the old shows and commercials that showed Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons, and others working out, using equipment and other fitness tools. But some of those exercises and equipment is still used today because they work! Let’s look at some of those exercises and tools that are used today to help millions of people get in shape.

Exercise Bands

            Resistance bands might already be a part of your workout routine, but did you know that they have been in use for a very long time? This exercise tool was first introduced in the mid-1800s, according to historythings.com. Ever since then, it has been a popular part of the fitness world. Originally they were part of a physical therapy treatment, their effectiveness was well-known and they eventually hit the mainstream in the 1960s. Simple, effective and portable, it’s no wonder that these resistance bands have weathered the ages! Make these a part of your fitness routine to have a low impact exercise that is very beneficial.

 Medicine Balls

            Medicine balls are still used in fitness today, however they haven’t always been put to the same kind of use., women were once encouraged to practice holding a medicine ball in place with their head, pushing it against another women, why? In an attempt to get their waist and posture in line. Also, in order to tone their bodies and shape up their waistline, fitness enthusiasts would push with their forehead against the ball, using the weight of the other person to work their muscles. I would think it would be effective and you can work out with a friend. Although more effective practices have since come into use today, this exercise helped gym users to understand the adaptability of the ball. Depending on the weight of the ball, I think this would be a good exercises to try to see if it works. You never know until you try it!

The Wooden Treadmill

          Before we got the treadmills of today, with all the technology, screens, etc. there was something a little different on the market. In an attempt to get into shape, women were encouraged to run on wooden treadmills in a pair of heels. Yes HEELS! Hey if Mariah Carey can do it, why can’t we right? Incredibly, the choice of dress in the early 1900s was already a step in the right direction. Thankfully, the development of the treadmill has come a long way since its early days. This fitness tool is used today by millions of people and have great benefits if used correctly.

Dumbbells

            Dumbbells are one of the most widely used pieces of fitness equipment used today. However the material and use was a little different in the past. The material used in the early 1900s was wood. Today they could be made from a variety of materials such as vinyl, chrome, cast iron, and rubber just to name a few. The use in the past was more or less to stabilize the body and to have something in your hands while stretching, and running. Today, it’s used to build muscle, strength, and tone.

            I hope this information is informative as well as educational and entertaining. I like to see the old vintage photos, posters, and videos of exercises, equipments, and tools used. I know we have come a long way in the fitness industry but some of the equipment used is still in use today just tweaked a little. But the concept is the same. It was used back then and is still used today for a reason, because they work!  If you have time look back at some old vintage photos, posters or shows and see what is used today and see if some of these exercises or equipment can be a part of your fitness routine. Let me know if you ever need help in the future with your fitness goals or getting started. I offer free consultation and phone or e-mail help with all your goals.

Remember, “You only get one body……..Make the Change!

Take care,

Darren   

Published by ironbugfitness

Hello, I'm Darren. A husband. Father of 2 children and a health and fitness enthusiast. I currently work fulltime in a local hospital and love helping people reach their fitness and nutrition goals on the side. I believe we can all live happier, healthier lives through exercise and proper nutrition habits. I believe we all need balance in our lives and spend time doing what we love. Besides fitness and nutrition, I like restoring my old classic car, fishing, reading, and traveling. If there is anything I can help you with please let me know. Thanks, and have a blessed day!

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