This 1940s ‘Slenderizing’ Equipment Promised to Reduce Hips, Buttocks and Thighs

In November 1940, LIFE photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt went to New York City and captured model Pat Ogden testing out the trendiest fitness fad of the decade – the Slenderizing Salon. Using metal rollers to massage women’s “problem areas,” the Slenderizing Salon claimed to help women lose weight without exercise by stimulating muscle contractions.

Model Pat Ogden at slenderizing salon knitting in padded chair while leg rollers work from thigh to ankle.

Model Pat Ogden at slenderizing salon using Wooden Barrel Massager to reduce hips and buttocks.

Model Pat Ogden at slenderizing salon working out on Roaler Massager.

Model Pat Ogden at slenderizing salon enduring the rigors of the Slendo Massager that runs rollers up-and-down to electrically rub away stomach, hips and thighs.

Model Pat Ogden at slenderizing salon.

Model Pat Ogden (L) at slenderizing salon operating a Back Ring Roller designed to work on fatty parts of back from waist up. Ann Miller (R) using a modified Slendro Massager to reduce hips.

Model Pat Ogden at slenderizing salon undergoing abdomen massage on the Roaler Massager.

(Photos by Alfred Eisenstaedt/LIFE photo archive, via The Huffington Post)