The Forward Progress of Fitness
The Forward Progress of Fitness As we enter the 21st century, one of the greatest accomplishments to be celebrated is the continuous pursuit of fitness since the beginning of our existence. Throughout prehistoric time, our quest for fitness has been driven by a desire to survive through hunting and gathering. Today, though no longer driven by subsistence requirements, fitness remains paramount to health and well-being. This blog will highlight historical events and influential individuals who have shaped the history of fitness beginning with primitive man up to the foundation of the modern fitness movement.
From the beginning of mankind to 50,000 years ago. Homo sapiens developed a capacity for language, helping them to make plans, solve problems, and organize effectivelyusing locomotion movement, natural tools, harsh environment and primal exercise. Daily life consisted of running, crawling, jumping and balancing. Imagine the physical strength needed to run from Sabertooths, hunt Wolly Mammoths and climb tall trees to gather fruit. Neolithic Agriculture (10,000~2,500 B.C) Repetitive movements increased compared with natural movements (i.e. Climbing ladder vs climbing trees).
The Neolithic Revolution adopted a limited set of food-producing techniques. During the next millennia it would transform the small and mobile groups of hunter-gatherers that had hitherto dominated human pre-history into sedentary (non-nomadic) societies based in built-up villages and towns. Inventions such as the plow lead to more of a sedentary lifestyle, decreasing daily physical exercise while alleviating some of life’s hardships.
The Near East (4,000~250 B.C.) Was the home of early civilizations across Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Palestine, Persia, and Syria emphasized fitness to the efficiency and performance of military forces. Life revolved around invading and conquering therefore society needed to be in great shape. In Persia, boys as young as six years old became property of the Empire to undergo training such as hunting, marching, riding, and javelin throwing. 
China & India (2,500~250 B.C.) India was the birthplace of yoga, first functional fitness equipment (gada, jori, gar nal, sumtola) and body-weight exercises (dands, Bethaks). In China, it was recognized that physical inactivity was associated with certain diseases (referred to as organ malfunctions and internal stoppages, which sound similar to heart disease and diabetes) were preventable with regular exercise for fitness. Consequently, Cong Fu gymnastics was developed to keep the body in good, working condition. Cong Fu exercise programs consisted of various stances and movements, characterized by separate foot positions and imitations of different animal fighting styles. In addition to Cong Fu gymnastics, other forms of physical activity existed throughout ancient China including archery, badminton, dancing, fencing, and wrestling.
Ancient Greek Civilization (2,500 ~ 200 B.C) In Athens, medical practitioners and philosophers such as Herodicus, Hippocrates, Galen promoted fitness. Boys had to attend palaestra and then gymnasiums after the age of 14. In Sparta, fitness was necessary for wars, even 6-year-old boys start training to become a fit soldier. Women also stayed fit to provide healthy babies. The Greeks believed development of the body was equally as important as development of the mind. Physical well-being was necessary for mental well-being, with the need for a strong, healthy body to harbor a sound mind. Many founding medical practitioners facilitated the growth of fitness throughout ancient Greece, including the likes of Herodicus, Hippocrates, and Galen.
Roman Civilization (200 ~ 476 B.C.) Roman citizens were at their fittest during times of conquest. Citizens between the ages of 17 and 60 were eligible for the military draft. The Roman Empire began declining after the citizens were exposed to the lavish lifestyles that conquest brought. Instead of training the population was more inclined to be entertained. The Northern barbarians were more fit at this time because they were living harder lives that required physical strength. Military training consisted of activities such as running, marching, jumping, and discus and javelin throwing. This lifestyle resulted in strong, fit people who conquered nearly all of the Western World. However, the fitness levels of the general Roman population declined as individuals became enamoured with wealth and entertainment, such as the gladiator battles.
The Dark (476-1000) and Middle Ages (900-1400) Northern Europeans lived a more primitive than their counterparts to the south. Their lifestyle revolved around hunting and gathering as well as small scale farming of livestock. However, during this same time period Christianity was becoming popular which lead followers away from worldly views. Instead of improving their physical prowess much more time and energy was devoted to grooming one's soul. Their lifestyle consisted of hunting and gathering food, and tending to cattle. Physical activity and fitness were prerequisites for survival. Therefore, despite the cultural setbacks that occurred with the fall of the Roman Empire, fitness experienced a revival during the Dark and Middle Ages.
The Renaissance (1400 ~ 1600) Following the Middle Ages this period of time saw increased interest in the body, anatomy, biology, health, and physical education. In 1420 Vittorino da Feltre opened one of the first schools that emphasized physical education. In 1553, El Libro del Ejercicio Corporal y Sus Provechos, by Spaniard Cristobal Mendez, was the first book to entirely address physical exercise and its benefits. Physical education became the tool used to spread the value and benefits of fitness throughout society. School programs, primarily in ancient Greece, had previously recognized the necessity for curriculums involving physical education.
The National Period in Europe (1700 ~ 1850) Intense feelings for nationalism and independence created the atmosphere for the first modern fitness movement, which came in the form of gymnastics programs. In Germany Johann Guts Muths “Grandfather of German Gymnastics." two books -Gymnastics for the Young and Games. Friedrich Jahn's ("Father of German Gymnastics") passion for German nationalism and independence became the driving force to create gymnastic programs. In SwedenPer Henrik Ling developed and introduced his own gymnastics program to Sweden which consisted of three different areas: 1) educational gymnastics 2) military gymnastics 3) medical gymnastics
In Denmark Frank Nachtegall, was concerned with development of gymnastic programs within school systems. In Spain, Francisco Amoros started a military gymnastics school in Madrid.In England Charles Darwin's theory "Survival of the fittest" encouraged English men to raise to the top of nature's hierarchy. In France, strongman Hippolyte Triat founded a massive gymnasium in Paris. In Scotland, the Highland Games were born with events such as caber tossing, hammer throwing, and the stone shot put, running, wrestling, and jumping. This time period also spawned the Czech Skol movement as well Polish Falcons. All across Europe physical fitness began being identified with national pride and cultural identity.
USA (1800 ~ 1920) Fitness didn't become mainstream in USA until the 19th century although people like Ben Franklin were promoting the benefits of fitness 100 years earlier. Unlike Europe, America wasn't living under the constant threat of foreign invasion and didn't put an emphasis on fitness. However, the flood of immigrants from Europe brought their culture of fitness and gyms started to spring up around the country. Catherine Beecher was the first to implement fitness into a women's educational institution. In 1824 Charles Beck opened the first gym in the country. Dudley Allen Sargent is the man considered to be the founder of physical education in USA. He became the director of the gymnasium at Harvard in 1879, invented gym equipment, encouraged women to exercise and created a Universal Test for Strength, Speed and Endurance in 1902.
Modern Fitness Industry Begins (1900 ~ 1950) The 20th century ushered in the rise of competitive sports and the fitness industry. In Europe, Georges Herbert was promoting his "Natural Method" while Professor Edmond Desbonnet made strength training popular through fitness publications and fitness clubs. These fitness clubs were expensive and didn't become more accessible for the average European until after WWI. In USA, BernarrMacfadded established himself as the face of American physical fitness culture. He founded the first muscle magazine in 1899 called Physical Culture. He also pioneered the concept of physique competitions.
Fitness Becomes Mainstream (1950 ~2000'S) During the latter half of the 20th century fitness made its way to pop culture with the likes of Jack Lalanne, Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons. Over the past 60 years the fitness industry has grown tremendously from its humble beginnings. People started to look for the fastest, easiest way to get in better shape. Countless numbers of workout methods, products, pills, supplements, diets and steroids all promising the same thing have come and gone. Unfortunately, we are currently the unhealthiest we've ever been. Born in 2019 - IFA Indonesia Fitness Academy In 2019, more people are exercising and are gym membersthan at any other point in history. People are more concerned about their health & wellbeing. At IFA we help people inspireothers to achieve more, we know that knowledge is power and at IFA we have everything you need to know to become more knowledgeable about health & fitness.
