The 50 Worst Inventions

From the zany to the dangerous to the just plain dumb, here is TIME's list (in no particular order) of some of the world's bright ideas that just didn't work out

Vibrating Ab Belt

The modern workday, fully equipped with computer log-ins and traffic logjams, lends itself to a sedentary lifestyle. But for those looking to get toned in no time, there are better options than a contraption that resembles a mild defibrillator. While its cost may be less than that of the average gym membership, the vibrating ab belt sparks muscle contractions by sending mild electrical charges into the core areas. If the purpose of exercise is to get heart-healthy, why endanger the heart? Pain is weakness leaving the body, but the vibrating ab belt is money leaving the pocket.

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