ThighMaster: The Squeeze Heard Around the World
In the early 1990s, few infomercial products achieved the instant name recognition and staying power of the ThighMaster. Marketed by actress and fitness advocate Suzanne Somers, this compact workout device promised toned thighs, improved muscle tone, and a fun, simple home workout — all without stepping foot in a gym.
It wasn’t just the results that sold it. It was the pitch. The ThighMaster’s commercial was part fitness demo, part glamor shot, and part charm offensive — and it worked like magic.
The Perfect Product + The Perfect Pitchwoman
The genius of the ThighMaster wasn’t just in its simple resistance design — it was in the personality behind it. Suzanne Somers, already a household name from “Three’s Company,” brought credibility, charisma, and a “girl-next-door” appeal to the pitch. Her promise? That anyone, at any age, could tighten and tone their legs with just a few squeezes a day.
Her now-iconic tagline, “Great legs are just a squeeze away,” was backed by demonstrable results, memorable visuals, and a touch of 90s glamour that made it must-see TV.
A Multi-Million Dollar Legacy
By the mid-90s, over 10 million ThighMasters had been sold. It became a staple in home gyms, a pop culture punchline, and a marketing case study in product/celebrity synergy.
More than just a passing trend, the ThighMaster demonstrated that fitness products could sell directly to consumers via infomercials with the right formula:
- A simple and demonstrable product
- A credible celebrity endorsement
- A visually compelling result
- A message that appeals to vanity and convenience
It also inspired countless spin-offs and variations — including versions for upper arms, abs, and even full-body resistance kits.
Where Is the ThighMaster Now?
Still available for sale, the ThighMaster has cemented its place in the DRTV Hall of Fame. Suzanne Somers remained its champion until her passing in 2023, and the product continues to be referenced in comedy sketches, fitness retrospectives, and “As Seen On TV” lists.
Why the ThighMaster Still Matters
In the age of YouTube workouts and app-based fitness plans, the ThighMaster reminds us of a simpler time — when all you needed to get in shape was a squeeze, a smile, and a little late-night inspiration.
Its success proves that the best infomercial products aren’t just functional — they’re memorable.
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