You may be surprised to learn that the treadmill was invented as a prison torture device in 19th-century England. Or maybe you're not surprised, depending on your feelings about huffing and puffing as you trod along on an automatic belt to nowhere. Still, it's a little wild to realize that upward of 50 million Americans willingly use a device each year that was conceptualized to make criminals suffer. A lot of people are gluttons for punishment, though.

Exercise fads constantly come and go. In 2025, that means spin classes are out, Pilates and strength training are in, and the Thighmaster is probably sitting somewhere in your great aunt's basement. Americans tend to treat fitness as a consumer product to be used and, once we get bored or something better comes along, tossed aside. Yes, ex

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