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Overview

Exercise machines have become a part of everyday life for many people. Any given day, you will find fitness centers packed to the brim with fitness enthusiasts sweating away excess calories on treadmills, stationary bicycles and elliptical machines. These modern machines may seem commonplace now, but they are a relatively new invention.
Gymnasiums

The first well-known use of specialized exercise equipment was by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, 1778-1852. Jahn, known as the father of gymnastics, opened numerous outdoor arenas, called Turnplatze, in Berlin. They contained new designs of gymnastic equipment, such as wooden horses, balance beams and parallel bars.



A Swede, Gustaf Vilhelm Zander, 1835-1920, played a major part in the development of new exercise machines. Zander opened his first institute in 1864. This Zander institute was filled with all sorts of complicated machines, which were scientifically designed to twist and contort the body in all directions. They reportedly resembled torture devices. Regardless, popularity of the Zander institutes grew and soon they were all over Europe.
Stationary Bicycle

More modern exercise machines shortly followed. The first stationary bike dates back to the late 18th century. It was created by Francis Lowndes and was called the Gymnasticon. The Gymnasticon was a rather large contraption that worked the arms and legs simultaneously.
Rowing Machine

The first rowing machine designs can be traced back to the mid-19th century. W.B. Curtis is credited for coming up with the first design in 1871. It resembled a section of a boat, with a seat in the middle and oars to the sides.
Treadmill

Treadmills for use as fitness equipment date back to the early 20th century. A "Popular Science" magazine from 1933 illustrates how treadmills compare to outdoor running. Dr. Robert Bruce and Wayne Quinton designed the first medical treadmill in 1952 at the University of Washington.
Resistance Exercise Machines

Jack LaLanne, media fitness guru, created new resistance machines in the 1950s. The cable-pulley machine, the Smith machine and the leg extension machine are some of LaLannes's creations.
Step Treadmill

The step treadmill came into existence in 1983, invented by Lanny Potts. It was a revolving staircase, called the Stairmaster 5000. More modern step machines with individual foot platforms soon followed with the invention of the Stairmaster 4000 in 1986.
Elliptical Machine

An engineer from Precor developed the first elliptical machine in 1995. It was designed to mimic running while delivering minimal impact. Reebok later introduced the upper arm levers, effectively making the machine a total body workout.

Tags:  exercise machines fitness stationary bicycles elliptical gymnasiums rowing