Back in the 50's (when I were a lad) we didn't have Gyms everywhere, static exercise bikes, or sets of dumbbells in the garage.
For overall body exercise we had Hula Hoops.
To imitate the modern trend for jogging/fell running/marathons etc, we shook all our insides about with Pogo Sticks.
And as for Cardio-Vascular exercise we had Slinkies, which involved running up and down the stairs at high speed every few seconds.
Any other exercise was had by being chased by the farmer's dog from across the fields.
Amazingly, we managed to stay as fit as those who, these days, spend all day in the Gym.
We didn't have Thai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, Elliptical training, Treadmills, or Aqua-Jogging; and we certainly didn't have those 21st C essentials, Personal Trainers.
How we survived I have no idea!
We walked everywhere, to school, to the shops, to see friends - even in the snow!
ReplyDeleteWalking is the most basic and effective exercise there is. Thank goodness I have a Dog. We are just back from our morning walk.
DeleteMy exercise was walking to school, in a very hilly town, carrying satchel, games kit and cookery basket. Down-hill then up-hill no matter which route I chose.
ReplyDeleteIt obviously did the job. Walking for at least 30 mins a day, and getting 'out-of-breath' is all you need.
DeleteHa-ha! Back when I were a lad, the only gyms there were were school gymnasiums that smelt of floor polish and sweat. They had lethal wooden bars up the sides and piles of mats for rolling on. Sometimes you got to chuck big leather medicine balls filled with sand at each other and the sergeant major sports teachers that bawled out commands were all sadists who were determined we would not have any fun. After that experience you never wanted to go in a gym again, let alone pay good money for gym membership!
ReplyDeleteMy son (kimbo) once said that my old school was so posh, we didn't have a Gym, we had a James! However, I do remember a Gym, and it was very much how you describe.
DeleteWhy are physical education teachers the world over always sadists? God, I had some horrible ones. I remember a gym teacher in middle school who made me run laps around the gym (for being a couple of minutes late to class) until I threw up. Fun times.
DeleteI think it's part of their job description!
DeleteYou brought back some great memories. I remember the hula hoops. That was excellent exercise. I tried one a few years ago. There was no way I could hold it up.
ReplyDeleteWe used to cover miles on our bikes in our spare time. Lucky parents didn't know exactly where we went. And all our schools had swimming pools. I learnt to swim before I learnt to spell.
We were also more or less forced to join some athletic school team. At weekends I played netball and hockey and my brothers all played rugby. We played tennis, swam, walked or biked everywhere.
A very different world. We had a lot more freedom, didn't need to be taxied everywhere by parents
When I was at school we had very little free time, we were always out playing some sport or other. I've always loved cycling; my bike represented freedom!
DeleteI used to be quite good at hooolahooping. It was a bit like Chubby Checkers The Twist dancing. We're gonna do the Twist and it goes like this. I loved to roller skate up and down the street, and climbing trees was good fun.
ReplyDeleteMy late mother was a great tree climber. If we turned our backs, she'd be at the top of some huge tree in an instant.
DeleteOthers said it first, walking. And for me, riding a bike daily. I can remember riding in the snow, and on the iced over pond.
ReplyDeleteI loved my bike, but sadly I had to abandon it. My dodgy knee and legs made riding impossible. I miss it.
DeleteI think the comments have said it all - we had more freedom to ride our bikes, walk to meet up with friends and gym was something done as part of the school day - just another lesson. Life was so much simpler - and enjoyable back then!
ReplyDeleteGym sessions were unnecessary. As long as one walked, hula-hooped, etc, we all had plenty of exercise.
DeleteWalked to school. Two miles, mostly uphill . Dashed home at dinnertime for soup or a sandwich. Bolted it down,ha! Back in time for the afternoon bell being rung in the playground. I loved school.
ReplyDeleteGosh! You went home for lunch? That must have been quite a task; especially if the weather was bad.
DeleteMy mum didn't drive so when dad was working if it was fairly local we walked - Grandma hated buses preferring to walk an hour or so there and same on the return - We would accompany gran when visiting her friend - They were thin - flis x
ReplyDeleteWalking is the best exercise.... and it's free! I would love to be able to walk further than I can. But.....
DeleteNo gym/health and fitness club membership for me!
ReplyDeleteI continue to do all my own landscaping and gardening. Plus, walking with my dog daily works well too.
A friend has been advised to purchase a home exercise bicycle to improve blood circulation and muscle strength. The purchase has been made, let's see if it makes a difference.
From what I've seen of those Bikes, they end up in the garage (by the side of the Pasta Machine).
DeleteWe didn't need gyms. As children we cycled for miles, played outside in the fresh air, swam, walked for miles and to school. Climbed trees, had ropes, climbing nets and sports days at junior school. Parents dug huge gardens and grew healthy food not processed. They went potato picking or helped out on farms when needed.
ReplyDeleteNo constant sweets, chocolate or cakes, they were a limited treat. No junk food, giant pizzas, no takeaways except the Friday chippy treat.
I do wonder what the life expectancy is of some of today's, sedentary, phone and computer fixated, junk food, takeaway generation of today.
The mobile phone/rucksack generation are already suffering. They not only have physical problems, they all seem to suffer from 'Mental Health' as well. Burger joints and Chicken shops haven't helped.
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