In the days before Google, a tiny, cryptic ad in the back of a magazine had a lot of potential. The seller might not be able to fully describe their product, but if the product wasn't very good, that may be a plus for them. Here are some bait-and-switch ads from the 1950s and beyond, and what you'd get if you sent in for them.
"I CAN GIVE YOU MASSIVE ARMS, BROAD SHOULDERS, AND A GIANT SIZED CHEST IN JUST FOUR WEEKS," the Body-Tone pamphlet promises. It is the "World's Fastest Strength and Muscle Building System". It cost $20 in the late 1950s, but today the program is available for free in the Stark Center Archives. I am ready to begin.
Video: This one will get you sweaty, but it's totally worth it. If you're in your good work clothes, bookmark this for later today, or just grab your cleanup kit and get going.
Video: Ever wish you had better balance? Today's workout gives you a chance to work on that skill. It won't leave you sore or sweaty, though! These exercises are all about neuromuscular training: Getting your nerves and muscles to work together so you can control your body precisely.
I've been doing that pull-up program we posted two weeks ago, and guess what? It works. At the beginning, I could do about half a pull-up, and now I can get my nose up to the bar. I also more than doubled the amount of time I can hang from the bar with my arms flexed. Here's how I did it.
Maybe you can't go to the gym. Maybe you don't want to go to the gym. Maybe the gym is too darn expensive. Good thing you can turn to your phone for an instant workout. Which app gives the best workouts, though? Today, we find out.
Crunches and planks aren't everything. If you want to strengthen your core, you need to think bigger. Your core includes all the muscles in your torso, from your shoulders down to your hips. And it does a lot more than help you sit up.
Handstands are fun and impressive, besides just being a great workout. But if you're having trouble even getting your feet off the ground -- hey, I'm right with you -- try walking your feet up a wall.
A proper push-up takes you all the way down to the ground -- but it's easy to cheat by only going partway down. To be sure you're getting the full challenge and benefit out of each rep, pick up your hands every time your chest hits the floor.
Video: The plank is a great exercise for your core, but holding it like a statue is only one of many ways to work those muscles. This video shows a plank-based exercise you probably haven't seen before -- and it's great for your obliques.
If you're a fan of bodyweight workouts, you'll dig muscle rings. Similar to suspension trainers like TRX, muscle rings are versatile, portable and, more importantly, let you get a fierce upper body workout anywhere.
If you can't do a push-up, the key may be forgetting for a moment about pushing yourself up. Instead, lower yourself down from a push-up position -- and reap even more benefits. The same trick works for pull-ups and other challenging exercises: That's the power of "negative" reps.
When going to the gym isn't an option or you're just not feeling up to doing your normal bodyweight routine, roll with this novel, spontaneous workout from Muscle and Strength instead, minimal equipment needed. You'll need a die and a deck of cards.
While you can bust out push-ups and squats at anytime, anywhere, other bodyweight exercises like pull-ups and rows depend on having something that's stable enough for you to hold onto. For that, head to a playground, or better yet: just use your door so you don't even have to leave the house.
