The Shake Weight is a piece of exercise equipment that was spoofed in the Season Fourteen episode, "Crème Fraiche". Shake Weights are modified dumbbell devices that increase the effects of exercise. Shake Weight has received controversy and heavy media attention during it's release due to the fact the device is "pumped" during it's use and has been labeled slightly pornographic by some media outlets.
Background
After Randy becomes obsessed with the Food Network, Sharon believes that he doesn't find her attractive anymore. Sheila suggests that Sharon tries out the Shake Weight. Even in real life, the Shake Weight looks to be a handjob, rather than an exercise instrument.
However, in "Crème Fraiche", after each workout the Shake Weight squirts out a dose of refreshing gel, much like semen coming out from a man's penis. It also gives the user some "cab fare", in a metaphor of giving a "one-night-stand" sexual partner some money so they have the means of getting back home. The device also has a hole in the backside where the user can stick their finger and have their pulse checked, again as a metaphor of stimulating the erogenous zones around the anal area of a sexual partner.
Trivia
- Shake Weight has also been parodied by other programs like The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live.
- Studies have found that the Shake Weight exercises are ineffective compared to traditional exercises that target the individual muscles.