Then & Now: Gym Tech

If you’ve been frequenting a gym for a few years, then you’ve likely witnessed the ever evolving landscape of fitness equipment. Treadmills with sleek screens, wall mounts featuring virtual trainers and classes, multi-use designer resistance machines—the list of fitness fads and innovations goes on. But as you work up a sweat on the latest cross-training model, do you ever wonder how it all got to this point?

With everyone looking to the future of fitness, here we’ve taken a look back and rounded up a few of the OG fit tech models. From humble beginnings, the staples of our workouts have had quite the glow-up.

The Treadmill

It would be wrong to start with anything but the treadmill. This iconic machine began in the 19th century, born first not as a fitness tool but as a form of punishment has seen a remarkable transition. Imagine a giant hamster wheel in which prisoners are forced to climb steps to turn the wheel. This served as both hard labor and a deterrent for potential wrongdoers.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and we find ourselves in the realm of Dr. Robert Bruce and Wayne Quinton, the dynamic duo behind the treadmill’s transition from a punitive regimen to an accessible fitness routine. Their treadmill machine was initially designed for cardiac stress testing, measuring the heart’s response to exercise. Little did they know, they were setting the stage for the treadmill to become the go-to cardio machine in gyms worldwide.

Now, this gym tech has become much more decked out in tech itself. Go to a new gym, and you’ll find the treadmills to feature sleek touch screens, a smart device charging dock, and options for various virtual running partners or trails. It’s come a long way in taking the torture aspect out of the equation.

The Stationary Bike

Next, the stationary bike—another cardio classic in the fitness world. This pedal-powered wonder has a history as rich as the benefits it offers. In the late 18th century, a Parisian named Karl Drais invented the first two-wheeled, pedal-less device known as the “running machine” or “hobby horse.” While not exactly a stationary bike, it laid the foundation for our modern pedal-pushing pursuits.

Fast forward to the late 19th century, and we see the birth of the true stationary bike, albeit a rather rudimentary version. These early models featured large flywheels and a simple pedal mechanism. As the years rolled by, so did the improvements—introducing resistance levels, comfortable seats, and even interactive displays. Now, with the Peloton craze, the stationary bike and its relatives continue to pedal through the generations, all while providing a low-impact, high-reward workout.

The StairMaster

The StairMaster is now a household name. Introduced in the 1980s, the StairMaster quickly became the go-to machine for those seeking an intense lower body workout. The concept is simple—climbing stairs without actually going anywhere. It’s like conquering Everest in the comfort of your local or home gym.

However, the concept of simulated stair climbing predates the StairMaster. Of course, the original “treadwheel” featured steps, but the idea didn’t take a fitness twist until much later than the treadmill. Before the StairMaster, there was the revolving staircase, a contraption designed by a certain Jack LaLanne in the 1920s. LaLanne, known as the “Godfather of Fitness,” created a rotating staircase that allowed users to climb endlessly.

While it may not have achieved the fame of its modern counterpart, it paved the way for the StairMaster’s ascent to fitness stardom.

The Rowing Machine

The rowing machine has been a staple in gyms for decades, providing a full-body workout that engages muscles from head to toe. But where did this nifty device come from, and how did it find its way into our workout routines?

The history of the rowing machine can be traced back to the mid-19th century, where water rowing machines were used for training rowers in England. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the concept of indoor rowing gained traction. The first indoor rowing machine, the “Rowing Ergometer,” made its debut in the 1950s, designed by the British Amateur Rowing Association for off-season training.

Fast forward to today, and we have sleek, sophisticated rowing machines that mimic the feel of rowing on water. With their adjustable resistance levels and digital displays, these machines have become a favorite among fitness enthusiasts looking for a challenging yet low-impact workout. Now, you can even take exciting fitness classes centered around the rowing machine, like at the local Ro Fitness!

Elliptical Trainers

Step onto the elliptical trainer and you’re in for a smooth ride that’s easy on the joints. This futuristic-looking machine has become a mainstay in gyms, offering a full-body workout with a low risk of impact-related injuries. But where did the elliptical trainer get its elliptical start?

In the early 1990s, the elliptical trainer emerged as a hybrid of the treadmill and the stationary bike. Its elliptical motion provided a natural, flowing movement that appealed to fitness enthusiasts seeking a gentler alternative to traditional cardio machines. The elliptical’s popularity soared, and today’s models come equipped with fancy features like heart rate monitors, built-in workouts, and even virtual reality integration.

Resistance Machines

Resistance machines allow you to safely push and pull your way to better strength and endurance by setting your desired weight. While the original workouts of the Roman Empire may have included lifting rocks (the OG free weight), this technique can target only so many muscles. Not to mention the elevated risk of injury for beginners or those using much heavier weights.

Fast forward, and we find ourselves back in the realm of Dr. Robert Bruce, Wayne Quinton, and the unsung hero, Dr. Gustav Zander. In the late 19th century, daily life for the average person was shifting. With industrialization changing the way people interacted with their jobs or daily tasks, sedentary life was much more common. With this came the various ailments that our world today knows all too well.

Zander, a Swedish physician, saw a way to use these machines that were taking over daily life to the advantage of the body. Using pulleys and weights, he created contraptions to stretch and strengthen the muscles.

Zander was a pioneer in the field of mechanotherapy. His contributions laid the groundwork for the rehabilitation and exercise machines we use today.

The Power of the Smith Machine

A more specific resistance icon would have to be the Smith Machine, a versatile piece of gym equipment that has become a cornerstone in strength training. With its sleek design and guided barbell, the Smith Machine has revolutionized the way we lift weights, offering a controlled environment for both novice and experienced lifters.

The Smith Machine’s origin story takes us back to the 1950s, where fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne once again makes an appearance. LaLanne, always ahead of his time, designed a prototype for a self-stabilizing squat machine. This early concept eventually evolved into the Smith Machine we know today, providing

And there you have it—a whirlwind tour through the history of popular workout machines. From the treadmill’s humble beginnings as a penal tool to the sleek elliptical trainers of today, each machine has its own unique story. And now, with the prevalence of AI and advancing tech monitors, fitness equipment is sure to evolve even more. We can’t wait to see what’s next!