Don Canney

It seems to be that time of year when we all think about getting fit, dreaming of what we could look like on the beach in swim trunks or bikinis.

Watching all the fitness and weight loss ads on television nowadays reminds me of how different fitness crazes are today (many border on gimmicks) compared to my youth.

Some folks back in the day opted for a “slimming machine” that vibrated the weight away, using a large belt one would attach to their waist to watch pounds “melt” away. A flip of a switch would essentially cause that machine to vibrate you into oblivion. I cannot imagine the resulting feeling after stepping off that thing after about 15 minutes. It would bring a whole new meaning to the ’60’s hit, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

Men who opted to build muscle to attract the ladies on the beach would respond to ads in magazines by body builder Joe Weider, whose name is still predominantly seen on exercise equipment sold today.

Remember the Thigh Master? Suzanne Sommers made a bundle pedaling them to people willing to listen. Maybe they worked for some, but I would imagine the aerobic part of that exercise regimen was pretty much nil. How about Jane Fonda? Ted Turner’s ex also made a fortune pedaling her exercise routines and equipment. We had one of her signature treadmills in our house. Little did we realize when we bought it that it was a manual machine (no motor) so much of the workout was making that belt move under human power. The quality of the unit was suspect, so it didn’t last very long.

And how about the Bullworker? It was essentially 5 heavy duty springs connected to two large handles. It would be used by pulling those handles apart in a stretch motion, like mega resistance bands. Once touted on TV by none other than Hulk Hogan, it was heavy enough to be used as a weapon if need be. Additionally, the era had its share of workout related pre-DVD VHS videos and books.

Before places like Planet Fitness, Workout Club and Gold’s Gym, most Nashuans that wanted a place to work out simply joined the YMCA (long before the Village People made it famous). The old Nashua “Y” was once located at 23 Temple Street, with the YWCA just down the street.

For those who chose to get fit at home, who can forget arguably the most popular TV fitness guru of all time? The Jack LaLane Show was watched by thousands of “housewives” of the day. Beginning back in 1951 and running until 1985, Jack dominated the exercise trends of his time. He and his dog Happy would pull viewers off the couch, prompting leg raises, sit-ups and jumping jacks. He made you feel obligated to start moving! An interesting little-known fact about the dog’s name who joined him in his later years: His name was Walter, which was an acronym for, “We All Love To Exercise Daily.” Jack must have been doing something right. He lived to the age of 96!

There are hundreds of exercise machines and tools on the market today that can be had through “As Seen on TV” merchants. From a hand-held roller ball wheel used to tighten core muscles to a mini exercise “bike” one would pedal while sitting down watching TV. Really? So, if I am a couch-potato, all I need to do is use that tiny mini-exercycle, while I channel surf, to get fit? I must be dumber than I look!

Popular weight loss methods today include Weight Watchers (now WW), Jenny Craig, Nutra System, Noom, Slim Fast (still) ad nauseum. We can even get the unwanted pounds sucked away.

Bottom line, despite all the weight loss gimmicks and products available today, most medical professionals agree there is no magic bullet. It is not rocket science. One who is serious will need to consume less and exercise more to lose unwanted pounds.

But anyone who is healthy and happy with themselves despite what they hear, should tune out the noise and enjoy life! As Billy Crystal playing Fernando Lamas once said, “You look maaaarvelous!”

Don Canney is a freelance writer and professional voice artist. He was born and raised in downtown Nashua with great interest in Nashua history circa 1950-1970. He now resides in Litchfield.

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