The 1990s saw a boom in the popularity of bodybuilding supplement kits. These kits promised to help users achieve their fitness goals through a combination of specialized supplements, diet plans, and exercise routines.
Brands such as Weider, Cybergenics and ICOPRO became household names among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders alike, and the kits were seen as a shortcut to achieving the ideal physique.
However, as the 90s came to a close, the popularity of these kits began to decline. Today, they are largely a relic of a bygone era. So, what happened? Why did bodybuilding supplement kits lose popularity in the 90s and beyond?
Cybergenics Phase 1: Cybergenics Phase 1 kits was designed for Beginner and Intermediate athletes. Photo credit: YouTube-Jaded Personal Trainer. https://youtu.be/iM0Wo5fkT7w
My fascination with supplement kits
I remember the 15 year old me (in 1998) working hard to make money to be able to buy the Cybergenics Total Bodybuilding System kit as well as their Cybertrim kits to be able to try them on myself and, importantly, to be able to read about their “secret” ingredients.
Remember, we were in the pre-internet era and one couldn’t simply google the formulation. The box didn’t give much information away, either.
But I already had my guess: these kits would contain the most popular ingredients of that era, namely Dibencozide (Coenzyme B12), Smilax officinalis, Gamma Oryzanol, Muira Puama and possibly glandular extracts, among others. These were heralded as safer alternatives to steroids.
I became fascinated with kits because I took my first step into the bodybuilding world in 1997 (12th June, 1997 to be exact) and I rapidly start devouring information on training, nutrition and supplements. One of the sources of information were back issues of muscle magazines which I would purchase at a small sports shop Eva Boutique (Desforges Street, Port Louis, Mauritius). These magazines dated to the late 80s and early 90s and I had a ton of them. I still have them to this day. I used to hang out a lot there, to speak to their nutritionist Mr. Ian Easton, a gentleman who was a giant in terms of nutrition and supplement knowledge.
Kits were all over these magazines in the 90s, dominated by brands like Cybergenics, Weider and ICOPRO.
They were the big dogs in the supplement kit game.
A look at some of the most popular kits
Cybergenics kits
Cybergenics Phase 1: Cybergenics Phase 1 kits was designed for Beginner and Intermediate athletes.
Cybergenics Total Bodybuilding System Kits: promoted as the “definitive” bodybuilding supplement kit.
Cybergenics Cybertrim, their signature fat loss kit.
Weider Kits
ICOPRO
ICOPRO: this brand didn’t last long on the market. They were associated with the World Wrestling Entertainment (then known as World Wrestling Federation).
Why did the popularity of kits decline?
There are several reasons why supplement kits didn’t enjoy long-lasting success. Their popularity rapidly declined, to the point that by the late 90s, there weren’t many kits on the market. Below are the reasons why I think this happened:
- Changing supplement industry landscape: more supplements/ brands became available on the market, giving consumers more options to try products from several brands.
- Increased consumer knowledge: the internet saw a rise of chat forums where information could be shared. Armed with more knowledge, consumers started to seek out individual supplements that are backed by scientific research and evidence, rather than relying on pre-packaged kits that may contain questionable ingredients.
- Cost consciousness: many people became more cost-conscious. Product kits were still expensive, and consumers increasingly started looking for more affordable options. While some kits offered a discount compared to buying the supplements individually, the overall cost were still higher than what people were willing to spend.
Future of supplement kits?
That being said, there are still some companies that offer product kits for those looking for a complete solution. However, these kits may be marketed more towards specific requirements, like the promotion of gut health and stress/ cognitive support, rather than being marketed to a sports nutrition audience like in the 90s. I’ll talk more about them in the future.
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Medical: The information presented on this website is intended for adults 18 or over. Its aim is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a medical or health professional before you begin any program related to exercise, nutrition, or supplementation especially if you have a medical condition. If you consume any product mentioned on our site, you do so on your own free will, and you knowingly and voluntarily accept the risks.
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Hello there,
Did any company take over the Cybergenics brand and if not what would be the equivalent brand now. I used this product and it was brilliant and I have never found any a better product.
Regards
Seb