18 Retro Workout Gear from the ’90s That’s Obsolete
Here's a nostalgic roundup of old-school '90s workout gear that fitness buffs have long since left behind.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The 1990s were a golden era for fitness fads. We also wore neon colors and used clunky exercise equipment. Many of these once-iconic workout tools now collect dust in basements. Let’s take a jog down memory lane and revisit the exercise gear that’s officially been benched.
1. ThighMaster
Ali Choubin on Unsplash
Made famous by Suzanne Somers, the ThighMaster promised toned inner thighs in minutes a day. It quickly became a home fitness staple in the ’90s. Despite its infomercial fame, its effectiveness was questionable at best.
2. Ab Roller
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This odd-looking device was meant to support your neck while you crunched your way to six-pack abs. While popular, many found it bulky and easy to misuse.
3. Reebok Step
ShinyFan on Wikimedia Commons
Step aerobics were all the rage, and this plastic platform was center stage. Every gym had one, and routines were choreographed to fast-paced pop songs.
4. Weighted Hula Hoops
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
These were marketed as a fun way to trim your waistline. But for many, they were more frustrating than effective. Difficult to use and awkward to store, they eventually lost their appeal.
5. Resistance Bands with Handles
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The old-school latex bands with hard plastic grips were everywhere. However, they snapped easily and weren’t very comfortable. Newer models are more durable and user-friendly.
6. Vibration Belts
Andrew Kuchling on Flickr
These were supposed to jiggle the fat right off your waistline. Spoiler: they didn’t. What they did do was look ridiculous and make a lot of noise.
7. Sauna Suits
amgis on Wikimedia Commons
These sweat-inducing suits promised rapid weight loss through extreme heat retention. In reality, most of the lost weight came from dehydration.
8. High-Top Aerobic Sneakers
ShinyFan on Wikimedia Commons
Designed for support during intense step classes, these sneakers were chunky and colorful. They weren’t exactly great for running or lifting. Today’s footwear is sleeker, more versatile, and better for your joints.
9. Shake Weights
Herrea on Wikimedia Commons
This spring-loaded dumbbell created quite a stir with its awkward motion and suggestive design. Marketed for toning arms quickly, it mostly generated laughs and internet memes.
10. Slide Boards
Wikimedia Commons
These long plastic mats came with booties to simulate a skating motion. Fun for a while, but they offered limited versatility and took up too much space.
11. Mini Trampolines (Rebounders)
Julietwhite42 on Wikimedia Commons
Used for low-impact cardio, these trampolines were common in home workouts. They were bulky and hard to store, and often squeaky.
12. Ankle Weights
Dennis Sylvester Hurd on Flickr
Once a go-to for walking or kickboxing workouts, ankle weights promised toned legs. However, they often caused strain and imbalance during movement.
13. Body Balls (Balance Balls)
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These oversized inflatable balls were everywhere — from gyms to office chairs. While they had some core-strengthening benefits, they were awkward and easily popped. Today, they’ve been mostly replaced by more compact and stable tools.
14. Ab Belts (EMS Belts)
Charles Gaudreault on Unsplash
These belts claimed to use electrical pulses to tone your abs while you watched TV. Results were minimal, and discomfort was common.
15. Latex Sweat Wraps
JIP on Wikimedia Commons
Tightly wrapped around the waist, these were meant to “melt away” belly fat. They just made you sweat a lot — nothing more. Many people wore them under their clothes, leading to heat rashes and discomfort.
16. VHS Workout Tapes
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Jane Fonda and Billy Blanks ruled the living room with these tapes. While nostalgic, they’re incompatible with modern devices. Streaming fitness content has taken over.
17. Toner Shoes (Rocker Bottoms)
M. Cooper on Unsplash
These shoes claimed to shape legs and glutes just by walking. Turns out, the science didn’t back it up. They were uncomfortable and even caused injuries.
18. Hand Grippers
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia Commons
Used to improve grip strength, these stiff spring-loaded tools were popular among home gym users. However, their benefits were often minimal and frequently overstated.