https://health.usnews.

com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/the-evolution-of-
fitness-trends

https://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/history.html

Lesson 2: Fitness Evolution

Since the beginning of time, people have found ways to stay fit. During the prehistoric
era, man would spend a big portion of their time hunting. Unlike today, prehistoric man
did not have access to rifles and shotguns. In fact, their hunting gear was limited to
spears and complex techniques. It required a lot of strength and endurance to bring
down small and large prey in the prehistoric era. This is why fitness was so important to
primitive man. Below, you will discover more information about the history of physical
fitness.

How Fitness Evolved

When a man was primitive he gained his muscle and wits by hunting and gathering. In
fact, it was absolutely necessary for performing these tasks. However, as time went on
gathering and hunting become more adapt and man didn’t require as much physical
prowess for these activities, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t need strength. Fitness
became absolutely necessary for any ruler that wanted to maintain the biggest and most
ruthless empires. If you recall the Persian military, Macedonian military, and the Roman
military were extremely fitness oriented. Once they achieved success in their conquests,
their physical fitness level became less of a concern thanks to the lavish lifestyles they
were living. This eventually led to their downfall.

Fitness Was Survival

Primitive man relied on their fitness to survive. In fact, any man who lacked fitness did
not survive in the prehistoric era. Those who were in poor physical health did not
survive, because they did not have the strength or endurance to endure the long
hunting expeditions required to gather food. These journeys would last anywhere from
one to two days or even longer, depending on the villages’ food and water needs.

In the 21st Century, hunting and fishing is no longer a requirement for survival. Foods
are available on just about every corner, in grocery stores and restaurant. This brings
up the question of the importance of fitness in the modern world. The top spine surgeon
in Jersey City (NJ)says that fitness is paramount to well-being and health. Without
adequate physical fitness, man would not have been able to survive back then. Mankind
really owes a lot to prehistoric humans and their will to survive.

Cultural Dancing

Dancing was an important activity in the prehistoric era. Both women and men took part
in dances that could last for several hours. Fitness played a major role in partaking in
these events. Those who lacked fitness would set out and watch the others enjoy the
activities. While some of the individuals not partaking in the dances were elderly, others
could not endure the strenuous physical activity. Dancing was not only a part of culture,
it was a great exercise. They might not have realized it at the time, but dancing
definitely helped to keep early humans fit and trim.

Celebration Trips

Primitive man was partial to celebrations. In fact, they would celebrate anything from
successful hunting expeditions to births. A common way of celebrating during this era
was spending time with friends and family members of neighboring tribes. These trips
brought a lot of enjoyment, but for those involved in the trips, they were grueling.
However, the rewards were definitely worth all the effort.

Visiting neighboring tribes during the historic period required a six to 20-mile journey on
foot. These trips required a high level of fitness, which is a quality that primitive man
took very seriously. Today, humans have far more convenient ways to travel. They can
utilize automobiles, planes and trains, In the past, this was impossible. Instead, they
were forced to walk from one location to the next.

It was indeed a struggle. Nevertheless, it helped these individuals remain health and fit.

Staying Healthy

During this period of time, Confucius encourages the Chinese to participate in regular
physical activities. It was understood that it would be possible to prevent and avoid
certain diseases by exercising regularly. Around this time, Cong Fu exercise programs
were developed. They were designed to ensure that the body was able to remain in
excellent working condition. There were many other forms of physical activity for the
Chinese during this time. Badminton, dancing, fencing, wrestling, and archery fall onto
the list.
Eventually, the Cong Fu exercises made their way to India. Yoga also becomes very
popular among the Indian population. Since then, Yoga has quickly become one of
the most popular exercises in the world. It is immensely popular in today’s times too.

In The United States

In the early days, fitness in the US was largely influenced by European immigrants. At
the same time, nationalism and the threats to independence forced early Americans to
remain on their toes. This encourages them to remain fit. Early American leaders urged
Americans to get plenty of physical activity. Benjamin Franklin encourages Americans to
enjoy swimming, running and some resistant training. President Thomas Jefferson also
understood the importance of fitness. He too encourages Americans to exercise.

Physical Education

Eventually, Physical Education classes were added to schools throughout the country.
These classes intended to provide young Americans with the knowledge needed to
keep themselves in physical shape. Since then, America’s fitness scene has really
exploded. G&G Aesthetic and Wellness, Gold’s Gym and many other gym chains have
spread across the country like wildlife. Americans are now aware of the risks of living a
sedentary lifestyle. This is why so many have decided to take it upon themselves to take
action and improve their health.

Technology has caused fitness levels to decrease to some degree, but most Americans
are at least aware of the repercussions of a sedentary lifestyle.

How Routines Have Changed

In today’s time fitness and workout routines have greatly changed. Back in the day it
was constant battling and training with weapons that made men physically fit. Fighting in
arenas and sparring with each other enhanced reflexes and muscles endurance. Now,
people lift weights; ride bikes, or even play badminton or other sports to keep in shape.

Fitness can now be related to fun activities and hobbies. You can put on a paintball
mask and goggles, hit the field, and greatly improve your endurance and vitality.

Fitness can now be related to fun activities and hobbies. If you can do all those physical
activities regularly, then it can improve your endurance and vitality.
History of Fitness Centers

Fitness centers are extremely popular all over the world. The results of the study show
that the impeding aspects, such as life stress and barriers, are most powerful in the
process of maintaining physical activity. Today, sports centers are very common.
However, modern fitness facilities are a relatively recent phenomenon.

In Ancient Persia, Zurkhanehs were organized (actually translated as “houses of

power”). In fact, these were sports halls where future warriors were trained.

As in Persia, the ancient Greeks also had sports halls, which were called gymnasiums.
Here people were preparing for battles and games such as the Olympics.

From the time more and more people began to be interested in fitness and health. In the
second half of the 19th century, many gyms were founded, where the first fitness
equipment was installed.

So, we can conclude that the history of fitness centers began in antiquity and gradually
transformed into modern gyms, which we have now.

The Enhancements in Fitness Equipment

The development of fitness equipment really changed the fitness world. And, thanks to
technology this equipment just continues to adapt and evolve. The first piece of workout
equipment was created back in 1968 and it was pretty much nothing more than a
stationary bike. It could provide users with simple information like pulse rate and the
amount of calories that the user had burned. This is no longer the case with modernized
equipment. Modern equipment today can go all that, plus more. More comfortable and
ergonomic designs prevent injuries and enhanced scientifically preprogrammed workout
routines help individuals get more out of their workouts.

And, this is not to even mention all the MP3 player attachments and Google maps
technology.

Supplements and Pre-Workout Formulas

Another fitness accessory that has really changed the fitness world is supplements.
Back in the day man only had access to nutrition. Today, if you want to just shed fat and
put on lean muscle, you can find a supplement that will help you do just that. If you want
to grow huge muscles and put on weight, there are supplements that can do that. In
fact, if you compare bodybuilders from previous times to the ones today, you will see
that the modern ones are much bigger and fitter it is because all of these fitness
enhancements over the years.

These are multi-ingredient dietary formulas designed to boost energy and athletic performance.
Pre-workout supplement is a term for a range of bodybuilding supplement products used by
athletes and weightlifters to enhance athletic performance. It is taken to increase endurance,
energy, and focus during a workout.

Timeline on the Evolution of Fitness

The evolution of fitness over a hundred years:

 1900-1920s

The main emphasis was on stretching. Then the progenitors of modern fitness
equipment began to appear: stationary bicycles, rowing machines, and vibrating belts.
The women practiced on the simulators in the dresses and heels.

 1930-1940s

During this period, the physical exercises tried to perform without auxiliary items.
Curling, swings, and “scissors” were popular.

 1950s-1960s

The main person of these years was Jack Lalanne – fitness guru. All US housewives
were engaged in his system, which included jumping, marching on the spot, lifting legs,
and other moves.

 1970-1980
The women, dressed in colorful leggings and headbands, tried to keep up with the
charismatic Jane Fonda and Heather Locklear, who showed from the screen how to
properly perform basic movements of the step aerobics.

Jazzercise set the stage for Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons, who
were the faces of fitness throughout the decade. At the same time, the
idea of going to a gym to work out became commonplace thanks to the
growing popularity of Nautilus variable-resistance training equipment
and the proliferation of corporate gym chains.

In addition, home exercise equipment was introduced to the

marketplace, adding resistance training to the workouts that people
had already grown accustomed to doing at home.
This is also the decade when the fitness industry began the
process of becoming more “professional” through certification
organizations. One of the first fitness organizations to certify
exercise professionals was the organization “American Council
on Exercise”, founded in 1985. During this decade, as the
demand for certified exercise professionals grew, other
certifying organization entered the industry.

1990s

This was a decade marked by late-night infomercials, perhaps

the most successful of which was Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo, a
combination of high-intensity cardio, martial arts and hip hop
moves. Meanwhile, spinning launched a cycling revolution in
the mid-90s that continues to this day.

The 2000s
The turn of the millennium was dominated by the Latin dance
moves of Zumba and the high-intensity competition and
community of Crossfit.

The 2010s and Beyond

What you may have noticed about the trends described above is that
they tend to focus on the same foundational ideas: fun and exciting
aerobic workouts that get the blood pumping and build a sense of
community and camaraderie, and making workouts – both cardio and
strength training – as time efficient and convenient as possible
(whether that’s at home or in the gym).

And these ideas continue to fuel the industry now and into the future:

 High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

 Peloton (the exercise bike).
 The MIRROR, an interactive home gym that features instructor-led
workouts on a large screen.
 Apple Fitness+, the new Apple Watch-focused service that guides
participants through a wide variety of workout formats led by trained
fitness instructors

Apple Watch personalizes your Apple Fitness+ experience by integrating your

personal metrics, like your heart rate and the calories you burn, into every workout. It
brings them to life on the screen to keep you informed and motivated.

What does Apple fitness include?

There are 10 workout types: treadmill run, treadmill walk, stationary bike, rowing,
dance, strength training, core, yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and
cooldown.

 All of these currently popular modalities and products aim to

maximize both the exerciser’s time and the benefits of the
workouts themselves.

 The future of the exercise industry will likely combine these

bedrock principles with technology that's designed to improve
people’s overall health and wellness.

 Fitness apps, virtual coaching and online classes exploded
during the COVID-19 pandemic and are undoubtedly here to stay,
as they have proven to be a convenient and effective way to
improve one’s health and fitness.

  Wearable devices like the Apple Watch and FitBit count steps,
monitor heart rate, count calories burned and measure the
quality of your sleep – and then let you connect with others to
form social-support networks as you pursue your goals. Social
media will likely play an ever-expanding role in every aspect of
our lives, including our health and fitness.

 From online challenges that bring people together to pursue a
common objective to fitness “influencers,” social media is here
to stay.


 On its surface, the fitness industry is built on trends, but at its

foundation is the quest for fun, effective and time-efficient
workouts that improve people’s function, health, fitness and
performance. And that will always be on trend.

Activity:

Identify at least ten physical activities during the primitive era and associate it with the
physical fitness activities today or look for a counterpart activity of today.

Identify at least 3 physical activities from the pre-historic times and discuss how that
particular activity changed or transformed over the years. You can attach picture to
show the evolution of your chosen activity.