This presentation covers the evolution of physical fitness from 10,000 BC to present day. It discusses how physical activity has changed throughout history from ancient tribes who would hunt and dance for hours, to the emphasis on fitness in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations for military strength. As societies modernized with the industrial revolution, lifestyles became more sedentary until organized fitness programs emerged in the 20th century to address declining health. The presentation traces the ups and downs of physical fitness over time and argues it has always played an important role in human life.

1. Joey Simmons

2. During this presentation I will be covering how
Physical fitness has evolved all the way back
from 10,00bc to the present now. Physical fitness
has been around from the beginning of time and
and throughout generations we have seen many
changes in physical activity. This presentation
will give you good insight to the Evolution of
Physical Fitness. Enjoy!

3. Even before physical fitness would ever have
thought to be a profession it was a part of
everyday life in the beginning of time
Primitive ages pre–10,00BC
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Tribes would travel up to 20miles to hunt for food
with other tribes
At the end of long hunts they would dance, and
play games that lasted for hours this was
considered their physical activity.

4. Neolithic Agriculture
Revolution
Time Period 10,000-8,800BC
Also know as the period of civilization
Because this was the period for the invention of
agriculture equipment, people were physically
active while maintaining farms and using manual
labor machines.
This also however was a period that led to more
sedentary lifestyles because there were not as
many hardships. Life became somewhat more
convenient.

5. The Near East
Time period 4,000-250BC
Physical activity importance realized within
leading civilizations such as
Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Palestine, Persia, and
Syria.
Emphasized strong physical fitness regimes for
military personnel to develop strong forces.
Some say Physical Fitness can partially
contribute to the Rise and Fall of the Persian
empire.

6. Ancient Greek Civilization
Time Period 2,500-250BC
Ancient Greeks held Physical fitness to the
highest regard.
Not only was physical fitness important but as
well mind body health was also extremely
important.
Some of you may know about the Spartan army
which is said to be one of the most physically
dominated societies in mankind.

7. Roman Civilazation
Time Period 500BC-476AD
Romans mandated all civilians be in good
physical health and be able to report for military
duty.
Activities including
marching, running, jumping, javelin and discus
throw.
The Result of having mandated physical fitness
resulted in an empire who conquered early all of
western world
However, as material wealth became more a
priority physical fitness lost its

8. The Dark Ages
Time Period 476-1000AD
After the fall of the roman empire and despite the
intellectual and cultural setbacks, physical fitness
made a come back in this time.
People were again out hunting their own food
much like the primitive ages which led to a more
physically fit society.

9. The Renaissance.
Time period: 1400-1600AD
This was known as a turning point for physical
fitness
Two gentleman worthy of attention John Locke
and Martin Luther supported the theory that “
high fitness levels enhanced intellectual
learning.”
The renaissance created a conditions to ready a
world for the widespread development of
physical education through Europe.

10. Don’t fall asleep yet!
ALMOST FINISHED!

11. National period in Europe.
Time period: 1700-1850AD
Following the Renaissance came numerous changes
throughout Europe physical fitness and education of fitness
began to expand.
Gymnastics gained immense popularity in
Germany, Denmark and Sweden.
A gentleman by the name of Archibald Macleran
Developed Great Britain's National Systems of Bodily
Exercise and Training in theory and practice. Interestingly
enough some of Archibald's ideas were similar to presentday exercise recommendations such as physical activity
reduces levels of stress.

12. American Colonial Period
Time Period: 1700-1776AD
The early settlers faced a lot of hardships in
colonial life, therefore engaging in physical
activity was a must in order to survive.
Colonial America was an undeveloped
country, The people of the land spent all their
time and energy into plowing fields for crops and
herding cattle, because of this physically
demanding life, there was no need for organized
exercise programs.

13. Americas National Period
Time Period: 1776-1860AD
Physical fitness and physical education had little
emphasis placed on it during this time period.
Although not heavily emphasized. Physical
fitness was still appreciated. One of the
greats, Benjamin Franklin recommended “regular
physical activity- including resistance training- for
health benefits.”

14. Post Civil War
Time Period: 1865-1900
This is an an important time in physical fitness
history, because of the industrial revolution.
Machines began to take away labor jobs, rural
life turned to city life which resulted in less
movement and more sedentary lifestyles. By the
1950s cancer and diabetes increasingly became
more widespread.
However. Not all bad, this period also launched
the first scientific studies on fitness instruction
and created organized fitness teaching methods.

15. th
20
Century America
WWI. 1 of 3 draftees for war were unfit for war.
The Roaring 20’s. Eating, Drinking, Partying Were the
main focus fitness levels continued to decline.
WWII. Still draftees rejected for poor physical levels.
Dr. Thomas k. Cureton introduced Fitness testing for
cardio, muscular strength and flexibility, also identified
exercise intensity guidelines for improving fitness
levels
Cold war early years. 60 percent of American children
fail muscular strength and flexibility test. Compared to
only 9 percent in Europe. Several organizations are
introduced; American health Association; The
American Medical Association

16. Last Slide!
In 1954 The American College of Sports
Medicine was formed. It Is known throughout
history that ACSM is known for scientific
research on various exercise related issues.
In the 1960’s A major presidential campaign was
launched by President John F. Kennedy who
supported physical activity and it health benefits
for Americans of all ages.

17. YOU MADE IT!
I hope you enjoyed this little trip through history
and learned something you didn’t know. As you
can see from the beginning Physical fitness has
always played a role in our lives, and will most
likely always be an issue with its ups and downs
here in America. We must remember to not get
too involved with the materialistic things in life
and too make time to have a healthy YOU it is
something you have complete control over.
Thanks for taking the time to view my
presentation!

18. Sources
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/the-historyof-fitness
http://robertkernodle.hubpages.com/hub/HistoryOf-Physical-Fitness-From-10-000-BC-Until-Now#