Hailey Steinhorst

Professor Brody
English 301
12/19/2018
Let’s Get Physical (Fitness)

When one thinks about physical fitness, they

likely think of it’s beginning in the 70s, with the likes of jogging,

jazzercise, and at home workouts. Perhaps they associate

physical fitness with the dawn of dancing, or maybe they

consider that young army recruits had to become fit to prepare

for war. These are all just shifts in the emphasis of physical

fitness, which has been around since the beginning of time.

Consider the phrase “survival of fittest”; our ancestors had to have strength, speed and

balance in order to catch prey and survive. Skills that we do not necessarily need to survive in

the modern world, but that may help to increase our longevity and quality of life. Seeking to

achieve physical fitness dates back as early as 4000 BC, as ancient Greek men trained their

young men and boys for battle. The young men would practice lifting heavy objects, fighting,

and running. They sought to win every battle they fought, to earn glory and high regard. Today,

physical fitness encompasses daily health as well as the ability to perform specific skills. (New

World Encyclopedia)

Physical fitness has been consistently important to military groups throughout history- for

the ancient Greeks, physical fitness meant glory in war, but it also meant glory in all aspects of

life. The ancient Greeks emphasised physical fitness so much that as early as 776 BC they began

hosting the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games was a chance to boast all that they had

practiced in training for war- and to declare who was the fattest, strongest, or best fighter. The
events were based off things truly found in warfare- running, javelin throwing, and wrestling.

(ancient.eu/greekwarfare). The men who won these competitions earned the highest glory- their

statues were erected among statues of Gods, and they often won any political glory they sought.

Just as the ancient Greeks used physical activity in order to prepare for

warfare, Physical activity has always been used for military training. However, it’s importance in

the life of others not trained for defense has shifted. During the Dark ages, the importance of

being or looking physically fit was rejected in exchange for an emphasis on the mind and soul. In

fact, nobles and royalty were highly regarded for their heftiness as it symbolized the feasts they

could afford to partake in. The nobles were

expected to not partake in any activity, and were

admired for their ability to be served without

lifting a finger. Luckily, this appreciation for

those who could afford to be sedentary passed

with the medieval ages.

The renaissance afforded their emphasis

in education to health and biology rather than astrology and philosophy. This again shifted

promoted the importance of physical fitness. The late 1700s saw a revival of the sports and

games of the ancient Greek Olympic games, adding gymnastics and dancing. This revival came

in part from Jean-Jacques Rousseau's ideas of

physical education and human movement.

Physical activity had shifted from a chore, meant

for military training to something the Greeks had

always seen it as; an enjoyable recreation.

 Throughout the 1800s, physical activity was rendered as important for the morals of a

man. This newfound activity was practiced for men throughout Europe, but was first

implemented for women in the United States in 1823, when Catherine Beecher established the

Hartford's Women’s Seminary in 1823. This school stressed physical education a part of the core

curriculum. However, the man credited with bringing forth the physical fitness movement in the

United States is Dudley Allen Sargent, who followed German and Swedish models to build gyms

in the United States. Gymnastics and “natural movements” were at first emphasised, as well as

education as to why physical fitness is essential to health.The focus of physical activity was on

the movement and activity itself. Sargent and Beecher sought to bring physical fitness to the

general population, and provide education in order to maintain health. It would still be decades

before physical fitness began taking form as an essential tool to maintain health.

Finally, in 1920s fitness journals began circulating, promoting exercise, diet, and overall

healthy living. The journals utilised photos and step-by-step guides in order to promote fitness.

These fitness journals, first circulated throughout Europe and then the United States, gave rise to

the fitness industry we see today. While consumers initially bought these journals to improve

their fitness levels; today we see a growth in consumer product. Fitness Journals, magazines,

videos, articles, and subscription services have provided consumers with endless opportunities to

get fit. Physical fitness is promoted for an ideal physique, good health, and even a clear mind.

There are two components to physical fitness; one’s health or wellbeing and one’s ability to

perform daily activities efficiently. (Oxford Reference Journal, Public Health)These components

play into a larger picture : strengthening our bodies movements and functions in order to live

long, healthy, meaningful lives.

 Physical fitness is not merely used to prepare for war, to entertain through calisthenics, or

to build impressive physiques. Physical fitness is the means by which we as humans develop our

bodies in order to maintain our functional mobility, as well as to specialize in specific skills or

sports. Physical fitness is often used today to prevent diseases such as heart disease and

Alzheimer's, and to help treat mental disorders. Physical fitness is the key to providing us with

fulfilling lives, clear minds, entertainment, and social groups. While some may find different

ways to partake in physical fitness, participation in it is what keeps us healthy throughout all

aspects of life.
 Citations

Collins, & Staples. (2017). The role of physical activity in improving physical fitness in children with

intellectual and developmental disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 69, 49-60.

Khodaverdi, Z., & Stodden, D. (2016). Associations Between Physical Activity and Health-Related

Physical Fitness Across Childhood. Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport, 87(S2), A80.

Perez-Cruzado, Cuesta-Vargas, Vera-Garcia, & Mayoral-Cleries. (2018). Medication and physical

activity and physical fitness in severe mental illness. Psychiatry Research, 267, 19-24.

Porta, M., & Last, J. (2018). Physical fitness. A Dictionary of Public Health, A Dictionary of Public

Health.

Photo 1- Aerobic Enthusiasts shot for ‘Muscle’ Magazine. (Photograph). (1988). Retrieved from:

https://www.goretro.com/2011/09/80s-fitness-craze.html

Photo 2- Lovell, T. Pankration (Painting). Retrieved from: https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-

ancient-traditions/pankration-deadly-martial-art-form-ancient-greece-005221