# What exactly was the purpose of those jiggle-belt gym machines circa pre-1960s? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 15, 2006, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403 "2006-03-15T02:10:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![stuyguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/1 "2006-03-15T02:10:25Z")
We’ve all seen 'em in old movies and TV shows. Just about every physical comedy performer used them in sketches that were set inside of a gym or spa. Of course I’m talking about those waist-high devices that featured a big loose belt that jiggled like crazy when the machine was turned on. The belt went around the user’s butt, or waist, or belly. Was this thing supposed to make the user lose weight? Or maybe “break up” his/her fat cells? Or was it nothing more than just a feel-good butt massager? ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/2 "2006-03-15T02:31:20Z")
I saw one in a gym circa 1984. ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/3 "2006-03-15T03:24:41Z")
They were, theoretically, supposed to be a sort of passive exercise, whereby some fat was “broken up” or burned off without a person actually doing any work. Snake oil. ---
**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/4 "2006-03-15T03:33:12Z")
When I was a child our neighbours had one of these. We thought it was the height of sophistication and were always begging to be allowed to play with it. We never did get a chance. ---
**Author:** ![Civil\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d78d45/32.png) [@Civil\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Civil_Guy)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/5 "2006-03-15T04:40:25Z")
> [@MLS](#): > > They were, theoretically, supposed to be a sort of passive exercise, whereby some fat was “broken up” or burned off without a person actually doing any work. Snake oil. Entirely snake oil? Not really doubting, but I suspect that when we’re tossed around, we’ve got this instinctive reaction to resist the tossing, to set ourselves ‘straight’. I know that after I get off a small boat, I feel a lot more tired than when I got on - though admittedly, much of that might be the sun and excitement and whatnot. Still, the belts might have had some good effect (sure, best combined with other regular excercise and diet control) - perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/6 "2006-03-15T04:42:53Z")
Well, it all depends on where you wear the belt, if you know what I mean… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Civil\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d78d45/32.png) [@Civil\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Civil_Guy)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/7 "2006-03-15T04:50:21Z")
The possibilities stagger the mind… ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/8 "2006-03-15T05:02:07Z")
> [@Civil Guy](#): > > The possibilities stagger the mind… And the body. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/9 "2006-03-15T05:52:56Z")
Get your own [Exercise Belt Massager](http://www.gadgetuniverse.com/product_detail.asp?SKU=TH+453&MENU=GIFTCENTER). Or, for the internet age, try our new [computer slimming belt](http://www.tradekey.com/selloffer_view/id/27013.htm)! It’s portable! [Order now!](http://www.indiaplaza.com/discount/pd.aspx?sku=DIS190220059). These are not medical devices nor are they prescribed by a licenced doctor. Void where prohibited. Every minute there is a sucker born. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/10 "2006-03-15T06:14:26Z")
And also remember those “reducing machines,” where you were put into (basically) a “sauna box” with just your head sticking out. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/11 "2006-03-15T07:08:13Z")
> [@Earl Snake-Hips Tucker](#): > > And also remember those “reducing machines,” where you were put into (basically) a “sauna box” with just your head sticking out. Would that be [one of these?](http://www.saunex.com/body_toxin_removal.shtml) or perhaps [one of these?](http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/9/prweb160680.htm) e3 ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/12 "2006-03-15T09:33:58Z")
> [@Measure for Measure](#): > > Or, for the internet age, try our new [computer slimming belt](http://www.tradekey.com/selloffer_view/id/27013.htm) > [@](#): > > it uses the infrared ray given off by the over-ma-gnetic wave to permeate to the subcutaneous tissue of the body fat, it can make the fat motion directly and pass through the muscles and skin to 4-7cm deep,8 different frequency vibrations worked directly on your skin with 5 high frequency vibrators.and the particulate grease will be burned out by 8:100 over-powerful magnetic wave in continuous usage. I note that web page has a _Report Fraud_ button, perhaps they should re-think that. ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/13 "2006-03-15T14:11:57Z")
> [@Measure for Measure](#): > > Get your own [Exercise Belt Massager](http://www.gadgetuniverse.com/product_detail.asp?SKU=TH+453&MENU=GIFTCENTER). Description of item from linked site, emphasis mine: “It is now known by professional trainers that this activity is a perfect _ **worm** _ up for \*\*\*you mussel \* \*\* and a great blood circulator to start your day or any activity.” Nothing says quality like bad copy. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/14 "2006-03-15T14:36:49Z")
> [@Small Clanger](#): > > I note that web page has a _Report Fraud_ button, perhaps they should re-think that. They need a _Report Engrish_ button. ---
**Author:** ![LionelHutz405](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lionelhutz405/32/536_2.png) [@LionelHutz405](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LionelHutz405)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/15 "2006-03-15T14:50:18Z")
> [@Enright3](#): > > Would that be [one of these?](http://www.saunex.com/body_toxin_removal.shtml) or perhaps [one of these?](http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/9/prweb160680.htm) > e3 Ah, but we’ve come so far nowadays. Now you can get one of [these](http://www.gymform-plus.co.uk/velformbelt.htm) “sweat away unwanted fat” :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/16 "2006-03-15T14:52:29Z")
Forget toning muscles or burning fat. Could a device like that deliver an effective massage to the lower back? Or maybe the hamstrings? I ask because it looks like it would feel great to have one of these things around after a long day of sitting. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/17 "2006-03-15T15:17:46Z")
It seems to me that it would be harmful, shaking your booty that much. Like it would indeed “Break up” fat. Along with all the other tissue that you want to keep intact. If you shook that much, it might [pure speculation here] damage connective tissue and result in that part of your body becoming all droopy and losing tone. A massage device should at least be slower or gentler in order to prevent such damage. ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/18 "2006-03-15T17:17:11Z")
Given the limited range of motion of these machines, and the fleshy (and thus absorbing of impact) bits of the body they were designed to be worn around, I can’t see much in the way of connective tissue damage. I can definitely see nerve damage from prolonged use, though. I’ve always wondered about these sham devices though. Is there a provision, much like “holistic” and “herbal suppliment” provisions are to legitemate medicine, where these can be sold while still making outrageous claims? Is it simply weasel words like “can,” “may” and “up to” that allow them to be marketed as devices that can achieve results that are patently absurd even on the surface? Wouldn’t the makers, if legally pressed, be required to show _some_ kind of directly correlated positive results – however nominal – that back up one or more of their claims? ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/19 "2006-03-15T17:18:10Z")
When I was a kid our family belonged to an athletic club that had a couple. This was the seventies. We had a blast messing around with those things. They were quite strong, and you could set them to different speeds. They did have a little bit of a message quality to them, but I think the biggest weight loss potential to them was that you couldn’t eat while using one. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403/20 "2006-03-15T17:20:13Z")
I may be wrong, but in the _Seinfeld_ series finale, when we see Newman leaving his apartment on his way to watch the trial in Latham, MA, I believe there is one of these machines standing by the door. At least, it looks like some sort of contraption that stands about high-waist high, and has a big rubber belt hanging loosely off of it. Can anyone who’s seen this episode confirm? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-purpose-of-those-jiggle-belt-gym-machines-circa-pre-1960s/348403.md?page=2)