It's hard to imagine that these bulky Victorian-era machines, most resembling instruments for sophisticated torture, were used for training in gyms. Nevertheless, all these are really prototypes of modern sports simulators.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian eraStrange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
1. Simulator simulating horse racing.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
2. Hand trainer.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
3. A device for side exercises.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
4. A simulator for straightening posture.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
5. Tummy massager.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
6. Hand trainer.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
7. Back massager.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
8. The simulator for the feet.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
9. Stretching simulator.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
10. Hand trainer.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era
11. And two more simulators of an unclear purpose.
Strange and frightening exercise machines of the Victorian era