Bowflex just keeps on truckin'

Today I saw a commercial for Bowflex, and several thoughts came to mind.

I wonder how many Bowflex commercials I've seen in my lifetime? How long has that thing been around? And, if it has been turning enough profit to be in existence that long, why have I never met anyone who actually owns a Bowflex?

Turns out, the beloved Bowflex first came on the scene in 1986. That's some real endurance for a piece of exercise equipment primarily sold through cheesy infomercials.

On that note, let's look at a couple other exercise blasts from the past:

The Thigh Master: Sadly, we had one of these. I never once saw any member of my family use it, but I did use it one time: In eighth grade, I did an oral presentation on Suzanne Somers' book about child abuse, and I held it up as a cheap prop. And of course, I got an A.

Tae Bo: Remember that Billy Blanks guy? He was effing scary. Turns out he's still making it happen on the exercise scene. Who knew?

Cindy Crawford Workout: Pretty sure the only people who bought this were creepy dudes who, um, er, ah, well, ya know. Also, I have to admit I've never donned 5-inch wide hoop earrings while working out. Guess that why she's Cindy Crawford and I am not.

Fitness Made Simple: Oh, how I miss you, John Basedow. His freakishly tanned skin, monstrous pecs and feathery locks were a staple of late-night TV in Iowa. I have yet to see him grace my set since. Sigh.