Summary
The Stuff You Should Know podcast episode, "The Semi-Recent History of Exercise," dives into the fascinating history of exercise and its gradual acceptance into mainstream culture.
In the early 20th century, those who engaged in "physical culture," as it was known then, were often perceived as odd or possibly homosexual. However, by the 1960s, exercise started gaining popularity, with 25% of Americans claiming to exercise regularly, a figure that rose to 70% by 1987.
This shift was largely triggered by British epidemiologist Jeremy N. Morris' research, which demonstrated the health benefits of exercise through studying bus drivers and conductors in the UK. Concurrently, the American public became increasingly concerned with physical appearance and weight, further propelling interest in exercise.
The jogging craze of the 1970s significantly contributed to the exercise boom, and the term "aerobics" was coined by Air Force surgeon Kenneth Cooper. Women also started embracing exercise through the growth of women-centric fitness franchises like Jazzercise, facilitated by the advent of VHS technology.
The podcast goes on to explore the rich history of gyms, which dates back to Jack LaLanne opening the first health club in the United States in 1939 and Vic Taney doing the same near Muscle Beach in Santa Monica. Nautilus eventually bought many of Taney's closed stores in the 1960s, pioneering the idea of adjustable weight machines for easier access to weightlifting. Specialized gyms such as Gold's Gym, known for catering to serious weight lifters, also emerged, while Bally Total Fitness demonstrated the perils of the industry with its eventual bankruptcy.
24 Hour Fitness revolutionized the gym experience by introducing monthly instead of annual memberships, and other fitness trends such as yoga, Pilates, Tae Bo, Barre workouts, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) gained traction over the years. CrossFit, often dubbed a "cult workout" due to its passionate fanbase, combined weightlifting and gymnastics for a powerful workout experience.
Throughout the episode, the hosts reiterate the significance of exercise for mental health and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of finding a workout routine that suits individual preferences and needs.
