History of Fitness Around The World

            Throughout history, fitness has always played a key role in society. Even when hunting and gathering tribes where the only forms of civilization to exist, fitness had an impact on daily life. The fastest and most fit man was the most successful hunter and in effect was a crucial member of the tribe. As timed passed, and nations developed, the philosophical teachings of Confucius which encouraged regular physical activity arose in India (Matthews). Similarly, Ancient China encouraged physical fitness due to the recognition being made that physical inactivity is directly correlated to certain diseases including heart disease and diabetes. One could prevent oneself from suffering from these diseases if he/she partakes in physical activity on a regular basis (Dalleck and Kravitz). In result to this recognition, Kung Fu, a form of Chinese martial arts, was developed as way for people to attain a higher level of fitness (Dalleck and Kravitz).

Likewise, Ancient Greece glorified physical fitness. According to Dalleck and Kravitz, “The idealism of physical perfection was one that embodied ancient Greek civilization.” The beauty of the body is represented through much of Greek’s art pieces and sculptures/statues. Present below is a sculpture of Hercules, the strongest man on Earth according to Ancient Greece mythology. It is a very effective visual to represent this era’s obsession with physical perfection.

(Magnificent Grecian Male Sculpture Statue)

Gymnastics was a key aspect of society in Ancient Greece. It was a daily activity that occurred in the palaestra for the boys not yet considered adults: typically younger than the age of fifteen, or in the gymnasium for the adult males (Forbes). All exercise was monitored by a paidotribe whose job is very similar to a modern day personal trainer.

            Other areas of the World have valued fitness as well throughout history, whether it was for military purpose, such as Sparta and Rome, gymnastics development in nations like Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, or health benefits in England (Dalleck and Kravitz).

Works Cited

Dalleck, Lance and Kravitz, Len. The History of Fitness. The University of New

        Mexico. Web. 15 March 2011. <http://unm.edu/>.
Forbes, C.A. Greek Physical Education. New York: The Century Company, 1929. Web. 15 
        March 2011.

Magnificent Grecian Male Sculpture Statue. n.d. Sculpture Art Gallery. Web. 15

        March 2011. <http://sculptureartgallery.com/>.

Matthews, D.O. "A Historical Study of The Aims, Contents, and Methods of 

        Swedish, Danish, and German Gymnastics." Proceedings National College 
        Physical Education Association for Men. 72^nd, January 1969. Web. 15 March

       2011.