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Old-school fitness trackers were once used to monitor workouts and track progress, but most have since been replaced by digital alternatives and modern wearables.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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.