You thought zumba and ashtanga yoga were torture enough in the pursuit of youth and fitness? Be grateful you didn’t live in the 1940s when young women were encouraged to visit slenderizing salons in the pursuit of perfection.  These photos show poor Pat Ogden being pummeled by a Wooden Barrel Massager and a Roaler Massager to reduce her thighs and buttocks.

Doesn’t she look like she’s having a lovely time? On the bright side at least she could do some knitting at the same time, you can’t do that while you’re at a zumba class!

   

Image source and copyright: Time LIFE archives