The History of Health and Fitness
by Mitchell Thompson
(4 Minute Read)
The history of fitness and kinesiology is a long and fascinating one, stretching back to ancient times. From the earliest days of human civilization, people have sought to understand the body and its capabilities, and to use physical activity to improve their health and well-being. In the modern era, fitness and kinesiology have become an integral part of our lives. With this being said, the difference between “fitness” or staying physically healthy in modern times versus the past stems from the necessity for survival at its fittest. Even though we don’t need to be in shape nowadays (thanks to modern technology), not being in shape can cause you to run into chronic diseases from being sedentary. In either case, past or present, if you aren’t in shape it could mean the difference between life or death.
The earliest known evidence of physical activity dates back to around 3500 BC, when the ancient Egyptians began to practice a form of gymnastics. This activity was designed to improve physical strength and agility, and was used to prepare warriors for battle. That’s the thing: health and fitness for most of human history was essential for survival. Our ancestors would have loved to have taken a day off - and when they could, I’m sure they did. Whereas today, technology and convenience justify every day as being a potential day off.
The ancient Greeks also developed a form of physical activity, which they called “gymnastics”. This activity was designed to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. The first recorded use of kinesiology dates back to the 5th century BC, when Hippocrates, the father of medicine, wrote about the importance of physical activity in maintaining health. He believed that physical activity was essential for the body to function properly, and that it could help to prevent and treat a range of illnesses. The discoveries of Hippocrates and other ancient proto-kinesiologists would remain the gold standard for health and fitness for quite some time - until the 19th century.
In the 19th century, physical activity began to be seen as a way to improve physical health and fitness. This was largely due to the work of German physician and physiologist, Friedrich Jahn. He developed a system of exercises designed to improve physical strength and agility, and is credited with introducing the concept of physical fitness to the world. He is also the inventor of the balance beam, rings, horizontal and parallel bars, and the pommel horse. A great insight from Jahn’s teachings reveals his belief in fitness being integral for building morale and developing character and identity. With all of my clients, the most important skill that they sustain is the discovery of a better version of their self. And most people give up on their health and fitness because they weren’t able to find that better version of their self.
It was also during the 19th century when bodybuilding began to gain popularity in Europe, with the first bodybuilding competition taking place in London in 1891. This event was organized by Eugen Sandow, who is widely considered to be the father of modern bodybuilding. In the early 20th century, bodybuilding began to gain traction in the United States, with the first major U.S. bodybuilding competition taking place in 1904. This event was organized by Bernarr Macfadden, who is credited with popularizing the sport in the United States. In the 1950s, bodybuilding began to gain mainstream popularity, and in 1950 the first Mr. Universe competition was held. In the 1970s, bodybuilding began to gain even more popularity, with the first Mr. Olympia competition taking place in 1977. Organized and made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger and the documentary “Pumping Iron,” the Mr. Olympia competition and its competitors continue to inspire millions of people to this day.
In the early 20th century, physical activity began to be seen as a way to improve mental and emotional health as well. This was largely due to the work of American psychologist, William James. William James believed that physical activity could help to reduce stress and improve mental health. This psychological insight would become a precursor to the modern understanding of why exercise is so important - especially in regards to mental health. Unlike our ancestors, we do not have to earn our worth everyday, meaning we had to earn the food we ate, the clothes we wore, and the water we drank. Meanwhile, you can go to the store to buy your dinner and dessert, wheres our ancestors had to risk their lives daily for dinner in deserts. Unbeknownst to our ancestors, the daily act of having to work for survival gave them a dopaminergic fulfillment that we otherwise lack today. Without going on a tangent about dopamine and the brain-reward system, it’s safe to say our ancestors did not have the luxury to not be in shape.
In the late 20th century, kinesiology began to be seen as a way to improve physical performance. This was largely due to the work of American physiologist, Dr. Kenneth Cooper. Cooper is know for his creation of exercises designed to improve physical performance, and he is credited with introducing the concept of aerobic exercise to the world. Aerobics means “to live with oxygen” and the concept of recreational running and “Zone 2 training” became popularized in large thanks to Dr. Cooper’s discoveries.
Think about it: modern fitness as we know is barely 100 years old. Today, fitness and kinesiology play an integral part of our lives (for those who partake), and even though only 1 person out of every 4 gets the regular amount of exercise required to be healthy, those who do exercise regularly are more equipped today than ever before. Even though I believe the fitness industry has its own flaws, and the status quo of exercise science is outdated, our modern understanding of health and fitness is remarkable. With the internet and the resources of today, there is no reason why you shouldn’t start your health and fitness journey today. That way, in the future, you can look back at your past self and thank them for their consideration on such a historical day.