The History of Fitness Trends: How Workouts Have Evolved Over Time

Fitness trends might seem like they came only from social media, but, in reality, they have been around for hundreds of years. 

The workouts we now call "trends" have evolved, but the idea of doing a particular type of exercise because others do it has always existed. Fitness trends have evolved, as have people's views on exercise and their lifestyles.

Ancient Times (c. 800 BCE – 400 CE): Exercising for a Purpose

From the beginning of civilization, exercise was something people did on a daily basis. In Ancient Greece, physical training was considered just as important as learning a subject such as math or philosophy. 

People exercised in gyms that had different types of workouts, including running, wrestling, and lifting weights. These types of workouts prepared athletes for the Olympic Games as well as prepared soldiers for battle.

In Ancient Rome, physical fitness was mainly focused on preparing soldiers to fight in military campaigns; as such, their physical fitness program was based on a person's ability to perform their military duty and whether or not they had the appropriate level of strength and endurance. 

At this time, fitness was viewed as a necessity; this contrasted with how people today view fitness as a matter of personal choice/appearance.

Industrial Era (1700s – 1800s): Exercise Becomes Routine

The way we move changed dramatically as society transitioned to industrialized methods of living. The rise of factories and office-based work resulted in the end of labor-based movement for many people and marked the beginning of purposeful exercise.

Fitness fads began, particularly within schools, creating an increase in the popularity of organized forms of exercise such as calisthenics and gymnastics. These types of movements were repeated in a systematic manner with an emphasis on proper posture and discipline for overall health. 

At this time, exercise was planned out and scheduled, rather than occurring spontaneously, as it had previously done.

Mid-20th Century (1950s – 1980s): Fitness Gets Fun

By the mid-1900's, there was a shift from exercise being seen as strict and monotonous to luxurious comfort and enjoyment; running was now socially accepted since all you needed was your body and nothing else. Gyms also became available, proving to be a great environment to enhance your fitness.

During the mid-to-late 1970's into the early 1980's, aerobic classes and home workout videos (such as those promoted by movie actress Jane Fonda) turned working out into a source of entertainment. 

With music blaring, people dressed in bright colours, and everyone working out together, they turned exercising into a social event, making it both enjoyable and renewing for most.

Beginning in the late 1980's, fitness fads/new practices continued their growth but focused more on individual activities. 

Two examples of this would be CrossFit (a very aggressive, high-intensity method) and Yoga/Pilates (very low to moderate intensity). The introduction of personal trainers and specific/independent exercise circuits has helped individuals develop their own specific goals.

Early 2000s (1990s – 2010s): Finding the Right Fit (Literally)

When people began to incorporate fitness into their identities, they began to define themselves based on their fitness routines: as a runner, yogi, or lifter. 

Now, fitness trends move at lightning speed, and social media spreads workout routines to millions of people almost instantly. There are also many short workouts, walking challenges, and beginner-friendly routines available to fit busy lifestyles.

Today (2010s – Present): Viral Fitness

Today, most of the popular fitness trends lean more heavily towards balance, consistency, and mental health than they do towards extreme and difficult workouts. 

Many people now associate fitness with not only being active, but also doing so in a way that feels good and is enjoyable and achievable.

Someday, the fitness trends of today will seem as unusual as ancient training methods or old-fashioned aerobics videotapes. 

The future generations will probably look back at these fitness trends and find amusement in them while inventing new fitness trends. At the same time, people will forever create new methods of movement, new ways of staying healthy, and new ways to enjoy themselves.