A Brief History of Physical Fitness
A Brief History of Physical Fitness
Ever wondered about the history of physical fitness, and how we ended up with gym memberships and training centers? Well, here’s a brief look back in time at the development of our fitness history:
"Run For Your Life"
0-10,000 B.C.E: In the age of primitive man no one was buying memberships to the gym; they were too busy running from predators, hunting down food sources, and trying to survive to worry about ‘working out’.
10,000-8,000 B.C.E: Big changes happened for humankind in this era; no longer considered primitives, our ancestors had begun domesticating plants and animals, and farming tools were being developed. Hunting trips no longer lasted for days, and gathering food became very easy in the new agricultural societies. Indeed, life was still physically demanding, but many of the elders no doubt noted how easy the next generation had it compared to them. This was the beginning of an increasingly sedentary way of life.
4000-250 B.C.E: Having observed the history of physical fitness and linked it to increased military prowess,countries such as Egypt, Palestine, and Syria encouraged physical fitness in their general populations. The Persian Empire required all citizens to be fit from early childhood to ensure that their military would always be in fighting condition.
"Run For Your Quality of Life".
2500-250 B.C.E: In countries such as China, Japan, and India, they realized thatsome illnesses could be traced to physical inactivity. They developed exercises to keep the body fit and healthy, such as dancing, fencing, and yoga. The ancient Greeks were mad for fit bodies as well and physical fitness was considered essential to general well-being and just as important as intellectual development.
0 B.C.E-476 A.C.E: The Roman Empire drafted citizens between 17 and 60 years old(!!!), so people were obligated to be physically fit for most of their lives. But as the Roman Empire grew wealthier and more powerful it also grew
Ever wondered about the history of physical fitness, and how we ended up with gym memberships and training centers? Well, here’s a brief look back in time at the development of our fitness history:
"Run For Your Life"
0-10,000 B.C.E: In the age of primitive man no one was buying memberships to the gym; they were too busy running from predators, hunting down food sources, and trying to survive to worry about ‘working out’.
10,000-8,000 B.C.E: Big changes happened for humankind in this era; no longer considered primitives, our ancestors had begun domesticating plants and animals, and farming tools were being developed. Hunting trips no longer lasted for days, and gathering food became very easy in the new agricultural societies. Indeed, life was still physically demanding, but many of the elders no doubt noted how easy the next generation had it compared to them. This was the beginning of an increasingly sedentary way of life.
4000-250 B.C.E: Having observed the history of physical fitness and linked it to increased military prowess,countries such as Egypt, Palestine, and Syria encouraged physical fitness in their general populations. The Persian Empire required all citizens to be fit from early childhood to ensure that their military would always be in fighting condition.
"Run For Your Quality of Life".
2500-250 B.C.E: In countries such as China, Japan, and India, they realized thatsome illnesses could be traced to physical inactivity. They developed exercises to keep the body fit and healthy, such as dancing, fencing, and yoga. The ancient Greeks were mad for fit bodies as well and physical fitness was considered essential to general well-being and just as important as intellectual development.
0 B.C.E-476 A.C.E: The Roman Empire drafted citizens between 17 and 60 years old(!!!), so people were obligated to be physically fit for most of their lives. But as the Roman Empire grew wealthier and more powerful it also grew