Monday, March 7, 2011

Susan Powter: Stop the Madness!

In the '90s, the two most influential women with shaved heads were Sinead O'Connor and Susan Powter. Culturally, we Americans weren't quite ready for them. Translation: We feared them. However, unlike O'Connor, who had a political agenda and tore us a photo of the Pope on network television, Susan Powter just wanted to help us lose weight. And if you can offer us a way to lose weight that combines impressive testimonials with a low level of personal effort, we will overlook your bleached buzz cut.

Celebrity spokesperson: Susan Powter

Year introduced: "Lean, Strong and Healthy With Susan Powter" on VHS released in 1993

Price today: From $1.91 used on Amazon

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Thighmaster




Perhaps no celebrity spokesperson has been more influential to the fitness-challenged, couch-dwelling masses than Suzanne Somers. She was a beacon on toned hope for the flabby-thighed masses who dreamed of having shapely, svelte legs like those of Chrissy from "Three's Company." They would do battle with their thighs, and god willing, they would master them. In that coil of metal, plastic and foam rubber, they saw their future ... a future in hot pants.

Celebrity spokesperson: Suzanne Somers

Year introduced: 1991

Price today: $32.95 on ebay