Even mentioning the word ‘workout’ is synonymous with stress; we see it as a ‘necessary evil,’ and that’s why we add it to to-do lists and assign accountability partners to resist giving up. However, working out wasn’t always as big a deal as it is now. Folks from the past decades were engaged in so many daily activities that they didn’t need to struggle to keep fit. Here is what gym exercise was like back in the 1950s.
The ultimate workout routine
Exercising didn’t revolve around visiting the gym back in the 50s. In those times, activities like walking to supermarkets, carrying heavy vacuums, and walking kids to school kept people busy and active.
Courtesy: LA Times
Women didn’t rush to the gym because their activities already helped them stay fit. In 1953, the “Jack LaLanne Show,” the first televised program for women’s exercise, began. Women only had to follow the exercise steps as seen on TV.
Calisthenics: The ultimate exercise
In the 1950s, women burned about 1000 calories per day, while today, women struggle to burn 556 calories daily. The funny thing is that these women didn’t engage in as many stressful exercises as we do in the gym today.
Courtesy: Pinterest
Calisthenics was one fun way women kept fit in the past decades. Popularized by the “Jack LaLanne Show,” calisthenics classes began, and women would attend in their free time. Today, calisthenics is similar to aerobics.
Yoga: Right from the beginning
Yoga is an ancient recreational activity, you’ll agree with us. However, yoga in the 1950’s wasn’t done at the gym with friends. People often read yoga books and practiced the art at home.
Courtesy: Pinterest
Today, there are many yoga studios and gyms where people practice yoga in groups. The benefits of yoga remain the same, from enhanced metabolism and relaxation to a toned body.
Hula hooping: Sweat and style
Hula hooping is a vintage exercise activity that makes us wish we were born in the 1950’s. These folks just danced with hula hoops for some minutes and were done with working out for the day.
Courtesy: Pinterest
Today, hula hooping has been left to the kids and high school students. Nobody seems to know that the fun activity is also a great form of working out the abs. We’d better get those hula hoops!
Bike riding: A convenient type of exercise
The older folks did exercise for fun and wellness, but we, on the other hand, do it to burn as many calories as possible. In those times, bike riding was another easy way of exercising and also socializing.
Courtesy: Pinterest
There are now gyms where you can ride bikes; many communities have installed bicycle tracks for people to ride around. Although bike riding isn’t like weight lifting and other strenuous exercises, reducing sedentary time can help you reduce how much exercise you need.
