16 Old-School Fitness Trackers That Are Extinct

Old-school fitness trackers were once used to monitor workouts and track progress, but most have since been replaced by digital alternatives and modern wearables.

  • Sophia Zapanta
  • 5 min read
16 Old-School Fitness Trackers That Are Extinct
RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Before smartwatches and fitness apps, people used basic tools to track their physical activity. These trackers were simple, often mechanical or paper-based, and served a specific function. Over time, nearly all of them became obsolete as digital fitness technology advanced.

1. Manual Pedometers

Arthbkins on Wikimedia Commons Arthbkins on Wikimedia Commons

These pocket-sized devices counted steps using a small swinging lever inside. They had no screen, just a simple number dial that increased as you walked. They were often inaccurate, especially if not clipped properly. Digital step counters and smartphones have completely replaced them.

2. Workout Log Notebooks

Wanderbursche on Wikimedia Commons Wanderbursche on Wikimedia Commons

People used to carry small notebooks to record sets, reps, distances, and weights by hand. This method required discipline and organization. While it helped build a routine, it lacked automatic tracking or analysis. Fitness apps now store and organize this data with less effort.

3. Heart Rate Chest Straps (Analog)

Tiia Monto on Wikimedia Commons Tiia Monto on Wikimedia Commons

Older chest straps measured heart rate and sent signals to watches using analog radio waves. These required specific watch models to receive the signal. They worked well but were uncomfortable for long sessions. Today, wrist-based heart rate monitors are more common and convenient.

4. Pulse Checker Rings

Ryan Hayman on Wikimedia Commons Ryan Hayman on Wikimedia Commons

Some plastic rings were used to estimate pulse rate after exercise by timing beats manually. Users had to count heartbeats over 10 or 15 seconds and multiply. This method was basic and prone to user error. Digital heart rate sensors now give real-time readings instantly.

5. Wristwatch Timers with Lap Counters

 Luis210195 on Wikimedia Commons Luis210195 on Wikimedia Commons

Sports watches with lap counters and stopwatch functions were used to track runs and swim laps. Athletes pressed buttons to manually log time splits. These watches had no GPS or data storage. Modern trackers now log everything automatically.

6. Clip-On Calorie Counters

Mincov on Wikimedia Commons Mincov on Wikimedia Commons

These basic gadgets estimated calories burned using your steps and weight. They used preset formulas and didn’t account for intensity or pace. Their estimates were often far from accurate. Advanced wearables now use heart rate, movement, and GPS to improve accuracy.  

7. Paper Training Plans

Phil Slattery on Wikimedia Commons Phil Slattery on Wikimedia Commons

Coaches or magazines provided printed workout calendars with daily plans and progress trackers. Users checked off each session by hand. While useful for structure, they couldn’t adjust in real time or track performance. Today’s fitness apps offer adaptive training programs with automatic logging.

8. Bathroom Scales with Sliding Dials

Angelsharum on Wikimedia Commons Angelsharum on Wikimedia Commons

Old analog scales used spring-based dials that needed to be reset to zero before use. They often became inaccurate over time. These scales showed only weight, without body fat or muscle data. Digital smart scales now offer more detailed insights and data syncing.

9. Tape Measure Progress Charts

Clément Bucco-Lechat on Wikimedia Commons Clément Bucco-Lechat on Wikimedia Commons

Users measured body parts like the waist, arms, or thighs with a measuring tape and wrote the numbers in journals. It was a basic way to track physical changes. The process was manual and prone to inconsistency. 3D body scans and app-connected devices now provide more accurate tracking.

10. Step-Counting Bracelets (No Display)

Peterhcharlton on Wikimedia Commons Peterhcharlton on Wikimedia Commons

Some early step counters were worn as bracelets and only connected to a computer for data transfer. They had no screen or on-device feedback. Users needed to upload data to see results. Modern trackers now show data live and sync automatically with smartphones.

11. Analog Cycling Odometers

Hellbus on Wikimedia Commons Hellbus on Wikimedia Commons

These devices attached to bike wheels and used magnets to track distance traveled. The readout was a mechanical dial showing total miles. They didn’t record speed, elevation, or heart rate. GPS-enabled cycling computers have replaced them.

12. Stopwatches with Memory Recall Buttons

Ansgar Koreng on Wikimedia Commons Ansgar Koreng on Wikimedia Commons

Stopwatches with memory recall let athletes check their last few lap times. They were used for track training, swimming, and interval workouts. These devices had no storage or analysis features. Wearable trackers now offer detailed performance history and comparisons.

13. Clipboards with Team Training Logs

 RyanT27 on Wikimedia Commons RyanT27 on Wikimedia Commons

In team sports, coaches used clipboards with printed sheets to track group training results. They manually noted time, reps, and drills. Data was stored in physical files or folders. Digital team tracking systems now collect and manage this data more efficiently.  

14. Weightlifting Charts on Gym Walls

Halvorsen brian on Wikimedia Commons Halvorsen brian on Wikimedia Commons

Gyms sometimes had large printed charts where members recorded their personal bests or workout totals. These were used to motivate and track progress over time. Updates had to be made by hand. Digital leaderboards and mobile apps have taken over this function.  

15. VO2 Max Charts from Lab Tests

Amousey on Wikimedia Commons Amousey on Wikimedia Commons

In the past, VO2 max was only measured through lab-based treadmill tests with oxygen masks. The results were printed on paper and hard to repeat often. Now, high-end fitness trackers can estimate VO2 max using heart rate and pace data. This makes performance tracking more accessible.

16. Slide Rule Body Fat Calculators

 Mister rf on Wikimedia Commons Mister rf on Wikimedia Commons

These handheld plastic devices estimated body fat percentage using height and circumference inputs. You slid parts of the tool to match numbers and read the result. They were based on averages and could not measure individual differences well. Digital body scanners and smart scales provide more reliable results today.

Written by: Sophia Zapanta

Sophia is a digital PR writer and editor who specializes in crafting content that boosts brand visibility online. A lifelong storyteller and curious observer of human behavior, she’s written on everything from online dating to tech’s impact on daily life. When she’s not writing, Sophia dives into social media trends, binges on K-dramas, or devours self-help books like The Mountain is You, which inspired her to tackle life’s challenges head-on.

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