1870-1920 - The Foundation of Fitness
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Late 19th Century life was much different then today. Work was hard and laborious and typically extended from sunrise to sunset. There was little time for recreational activities and most of the modern luxuries, that we take for granted today, did not exist. Fitness, as a lifestyle, was not even recognized by mainstream America until the 20th century.
For many, life during this time was limited to completing chores and surviving the elements. One such element that many people faced in the late-1880s was sickness due to infectious diseases. Mortality rates from measles, scarlet fever, typhoid, whooping cough, diphtheria and other diseases were very high during this time and most medicines used to prevent and cure these diseases were not yet available. Many people were thrilled to reach the ripe “old age” of 50. During this Era the American public knew little about the health promoting and disease preventing benefits of living The Fitness Lifestyle.
The fitness pioneers of this Era definitely had a tough task in preaching the benefits that could be derived by living The Fitness Lifestyle. However these “Physical Culturists,” as they were called, had great passion and resolve and devoted their life in helping to educate the public about fitness.
Physical Culture was the term used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe The Fitness Lifestyle. Defined as, “a philosophy, regimen or lifestyle seeking maximum physical development and mental discipline to improve health, appearance, strength and endurance.”
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