How did our mother’s ever keep up with the latest fitness trends?? The outfits, the moves, the celebrity trainers…. the evolution of women exercising has covered some distance. Sweating may never be “lady-like” but when a gal is watching her figure, movement is required. Just like how our fitness level progresses, women working out over the last century has been a progressive in its nature.
The start of activity began in the 1900’s with stretching…. yes stretching. Movement has to start somewhere. Women were lengthening their muscles wearing ankle length skirts. Around 1910 – 1920, machines were introduced. The stationary bike and rowers were the first to hit the market and of course were done at home. Machines were a luxury. Even back then trends hit the market including the Vibro-Slim, which was the first vibrating belt. Just stand there and let the belt do its magic. If only infomercials existed. The roaring twenties was marked by parties and glamour, and ever gal wanted to look her best in attendance.
Remember the movie “A League of Their Own??” staring Geena Davis and Rosie O’Donnell…. those were the exercising ladies of the 1930’s. The Women’s League of Health and Beauty was founded, bringing femininity to exercise and the world of sports. This glamour continued into the 1940’s and the popular choice of exercise were body weight movements. Sort of like that 1,000 crunches fallacy that will turn into a 6-pack.
The 1950’s and 1960’s is when a girl might actually break a sweat. Hula hooping was extremely trendy. Ladies moved their hips during this time. This was the start of “exercise in disguise” concept. Twisting was also popular. The Trim Twist was the latest and greatest gadget to stand on in order to swivel those hips and work the core. The mid-section has always been a trouble zone.
The 70’s and 80’s are nostalgic for today’s exercisers of a certain age. That leotard, those leg warmers, and the favorite head band, don’t get much use anymore. Aerobics and Jazzercise took the exercise world by storm. At the gym or at home, every gal could be “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” with Richard Simmons or doing one of Jane Fonda’s VHS tapes. This was the beginning of social media on a much smaller scale. Everyone wanted to look like those workout gals on tape. Richard Simmons also brought attention to the actual weight loss struggle that prior to the 80’s, no one really talked about diets and hormones and obesity. The exercise industry became a profitable market. From the music, attire, equipment, and all the accessories, exercise started to be something a girl could spend her money on.
Then Mr. Billy Blanks “hit” the circuit in the 1990’s. Tae-Bo took fitness to the next level. Exercise progressed from stepping to punching and kicking FAST. Martial arts in this form hadn’t been done. Cardio kickboxing was fun and entertaining. That man brought energy to the room.
Entering the 2000’s, dance has been the exercise of choice. Specifically, Zumba. Now this is truly “exercise in disguise”. Moving the hips has come back, but now there’s a whole lot more rhythm and shaking going on. Every gym has a class, ladies teach it out of their garage, and the Latino vibe has sex-appeal.
From closet exercisers to campaigns about “No Body Shame”, working out has certainly progressed for women. Being healthy mothers, wives, and sisters, is the new trend. Social media has influenced many aspects of the fitness industry in both positive and negative ways. We are more informed than ever. We have more access to gyms than ever. We have a million influences on Facebook and Instagram. Yet, no matter what era, we will always be our own worst critics. There is an added pressure to be a certain size, but always remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Healthy comes in all sizes. Desired body shape comes and goes with the times. From the curves of Marilyn Monroe to being runway model skinny, every gal is faced with the choice to embrace their body at whatever weight, size, or shape it currently is. The future generation needs our guidance to be fit, strong, and healthy. Tell your daughter, your best friend, your husband, and yourself that sweating is a lifestyle. The next era of exercise is up to our influence.
