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Origins -

The concept of physical exercise has been around for centuries. People would do yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, and, of course, the ancient Greeks took exercise very seriously.

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Fitness as a concept -

Though fitness as a concept did not originate until the Victorian era. One of the first records dates back to an English illustrated book from 1861.

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Device -

But it wasn’t until London orthopedic machinist Gustav Ernst invented a portable device that the concept truly took shape.

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Device -

The device invented by Ernst was made of mahogany boards, and it had weights, cords, and pulleys.

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Early gyms had a bad rep -

According to Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, an associate professor of history at The New School in New York City, “They were seen as kind of seedy places where lowlifes would hang out.”

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Post-war -

The concept of home fitness didn't start in the West until after World War II. Particularly in the US, the economy was booming, people were buying bigger houses and moving to the suburbs.

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New market -

Men would often go out to work most of the day, while women would stay home all day. Exercising became an important part of a woman's beauty routine.

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Tech -

But one particular innovation really contributed to the birth of home fitness—the TV. Housewives could now get in shape in the comfort of their own home.

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First show -

In 1951, an exercise TV show by fitness guru Jack LaLanne aired for the first time. It consisted of LaLanne doing exercises such as side bends and leg lifts.

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New products -

Soon after, beauty "miracle" products would start to appear. One of these products was known as ‘slim suit,’ (or sauna suit). These were essentially vinyl jumpsuits that would make women sweat—a lot.

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Hula hoops -

Yes, the classic hula hoop was a fitness device. It was such a success that in the first six months, over 100 million units were sold (this in 1958).

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Vibrating belts -

Then vibrating belts appeared. These were wrapped around the waist or other areas, and it was supposed to help eliminate fat.

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Fitness as a lifestyle -

Over the following 20 years, fitness started to move out of the house. Gyms would open and people started jogging more.

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Innovation -

But then the next big thing happened: VHS.

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'Jane Fonda's Workout' -

No one epitomizes the home fitness industry in the '80s as well as actress Jane Fonda. Her VHS tape was a huge hit!

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Jane Fonda -

It's estimated that since it came out in 1982, the tape sold about 17 million copies around the world, just in the first decade. And, of course, this is not counting any follow-up tapes!

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The birth of the fitness guru -

The tape was the catalyst for numerous other tapes and TV workout programs to emerge at the time. Richard Simmons in the United States is one example.

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The birth of the fitness guru -

And so is Mr Motivator (Derrick Errol Evans) in the UK. Both Simmons and Evans were among the most famous fitness gurus of the time.

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Other celebs jumped on the home fitness bandwagon - Australian model Elle MacPherson was yet another famous face to release a tape. 'The Body' workout video was a success.

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Other celebs jumped on the home fitness bandwagon -

Actress Suzanne Somers popularized the ThighMaster, a device that was supposed to allow you to exercise your legs while sitting on the couch!

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Home equipment -

By the '90s, machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes became increasingly popular.

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Electric stimulators -

Products such as electric ab stimulators also promised a toned tummy, without people having to put in the effort.

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The Shake Weight -

This device also deserves a mention. It’s essentially a sort of dumbbell that you shake to tone your muscles.

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Wellness industry -

The rise of social media and 'influencers' gave birth to a more holistic approach when it comes to working out.

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Wellness industry -

Now it’s more of a lifestyle, rather than an exercise regime. Body and mind are connected, and this is reflected in how people approach the concept of fitness these days.

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Home fitness boom -

Nowadays, people are investing in home fitness equipment like never before.

See also: Gym rules you should never break (but probably do)

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