100 Years of Fitness in 100 Seconds
100 Years of Fitness in 100 Seconds
100 Years of Fitness showcases ‘keep fit’ fads and movements from the 1910s to the current day, presents 100 years of women’s fitness in 100 seconds – See more: https://www.benenden.co.uk/100yrsfitness/index.html
It’s a colourful history: from the gentle stretches of the 1910s and 1920s, designed to reduce ‘unfeminine’ perspiration, to the hula hoop and twister fads of the mid-20th century and today’s high-energy Zumba workouts.
It begins with the 1910s, an era when women took to early exercise bikes and weights with gusto: ankle-length attire or not! Their main form of exercise was comprised of gentle stretches that were said to improve the hips and, believe it or not, ease constipation!
1920s fitness included more of the same stretches, with a more energetic twist undoubtedly inspired by the popular dance routine, the Charleston. Glamour prevailed even during these workouts, with fitness clothes incorporating silk nightgowns and full makeup instead of sports bras!
In the 1930s, fitness made a concerted leap forward. Enter the Women’s League of Health and Beauty, an organisation created by Mary Bagot Stack, aiming to bring fitness to the masses. ‘Movement is life’ was her motto, and her fitness exercises were revolutionary, incorporating, for the first time, things like star jumps in large group classes.
Next, the 1940s marked another departure for women’s fitness. The Women’s League of Health and Beauty maintained a large membership, but with the onset of war, many women began exercising in their own homes. Genteel, sweat-minimising exercises were the order of the day, including an early form of sit-up.
1950s fitness is the epitome of retro fitness, with the hula hoop taking centre stage. Both children and adults were swept up in the craze, and with a little clever marketing, people saw the hula hoop as a fully-fledged exercise tool! Who knew you could have so much fun while burning calories?
Hula hoop fitness was later cast aside when the 1960s introduced the world to the Trim Twist. Made from a square of pressed board mounted on top of a metal turning mechanism, this portable piece of kit became a hit with housewives and office workers alike. Simply stand on top and get twisting to firm the stomach, bottom, arms and legs.
1970s fitness took a jauntier turn when former Broadway star, Judi Sheppard Missett, introduced her new phenomenon… Jazzercise! This combination of aerobic exercise and jazz dancing was designed to slim and tone, and proved so much fun that it’s still practised in 32 countries!
When we reach the 1980s, it’s all about aerobics. Day-glo leotards and big hair dominated the fitness industry, with physical fitness becoming something of a status symbol. High-energy routines and high kicks provided an intense cardiovascular workout, and Jane Fonda dominated television screens.
1990s fitness was less Jane Fonda and more Billy Blanks, an American taekwondo instructor who brought Tae Bo to the nation. His exercise trend combined taekwondo and boxing to create movements designed to promote fitness and work every area of the body.
The 2000s, however, were the decade in which fitness through dance returned. ‘Street dance’ passed through school yards and local neighbourhoods into dance studios and gyms, becoming the fitness trend of choice. ‘Locking’ and ‘popping’ the body, bobbing and weaving, and grabbing or punching through the air are the hallmarks of almost every routine.
Today, in the 2010s, fitness is even more fast-paced: say hello to Zumba! Incorporating elements of hip-hop, soca, salsa, samba, merengue and mambo, it feels more like a trip to a nightclub with friends than an effort to get fit! From the old to the young, everybody is welcome at classes. Health and fitness has never been more accessible!
This video has been brought to you by Benenden Health, a healthcare service with a difference. Founded in 1905 to provide affordable treatment to postal workers suffering from tuberculosis, Benenden has grown to encompass both physical and mental wellbeing. Today it provides a wide variety of services to almost 900,000 members.
For more information or to register, find us here: https://www.benenden.co.uk/
Just saying but those work outs must suck for gain
can we go back to the 70s
40s, 50s, 70s I loved best.
Is it me or is the 1930s and the 1940s looks better than some of the later ones?
Just ride a bike, swim, walk, hike, surf, drink water and eat clean.
Idk why but I’m really proud I’ve never done any of this
Jazzercise was created in 1982 I think
Gfgjguh
The 80s😂😂
And Men?
2000s dance is cool 🙂
After the 1970s it just became cringey
2020: Twerk!
Why was the women’s style of the 60’s and back so elegant and beautiful? I find that style so much more composed and sexy as opposed to girls just wearing leggings and a tank top now
Lmao. Aerobics
2020s would be Barre! I love Barre!😄❤️
It’s funny how back then stretching was keeping fit what about all the people with slow metabolisms and shitty genetics like myself?
I love the 80’s vibes
The 2000s was the most boring Decade without any character…
You forgot the ancient Roman Empire where intense labour and gladiator fights were pretty good workouts
50s, 70s, 80s, 2000s, and 2010s
1940s song?
So it was 101 seconds of 95 years of fitness
I like that the newer popular forms of fitness include a lot of dance. That makes exercise fun
Your vids are really good
How did she manage to live 100 years without even getting old. God damn disturbing!
I expected nothing less from the 1980’s
1970!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Umm this vid is 100 seconds long
70’s the best
street dancing oh god the flashbacks
We are now in 2020
I like 1970
90´s song?
Zumba strikes me as just crazier jazzercise
I feel like they forgot weightlifting 🤔🤔🤔
Is this just dance fitness
why aint fortnite dances in here?
Funny thats Zumba looks the most stupid and worst for your joints…
Fitness or cardio?
2020 bout to be tiktok dances 😂
Ist there a Male Version out there ?
Great vid
Great👍
Alright for real though no one works out like this
100 years of aerobic fitness programs*
No deadlifts? No Bench Press? No Squats? they must be crossfitters!
1980 is the worst !!!
This is more dancing then gym fitness!
Just found your channel, really dig it. I just subbed! Look forward to more vids
*1960-70s* are the best. We went downhill from there.