An issue of federal concern since the early 1960s when concerns about the obesity and poor health of many Americans prompted President Kennedy to create the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. Numerous publications highlighting the relationship between exercise and the prevention of heart disease bolstered commitment to the “work hard, play hard” ethic. Running and other forms of workout became popular in the 1970s, especially with the success of Jane Fonda’s exercise video, which prompted many other celebrities (Victoria Principal, Arnold Schwarzenegger) to develop their own profitable exercise regimens. By the late 1980s, videos had been produced to tone and sculpt every part and muscle on the body (abs and buns of steel) and cable providers had developed full-time exercise channels. Building on their own tradition of muscular Christianity YMCAs increasingly became preoccupied with acquiring exercise equipment, competing with the new health spas cropping up in every mall, and trying to draw those who wanted partial reimbursement on their health insurance. By the 1990s the new gym culture had become prominent in depictions of single social life from afternoon soaps to commercials, and President Clinton, a burger-eating Kennedy Democrat, appointed his own President’s Council on Physical Fitness, headed by Florence Griffith Joyner.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Industry/Domain: Culture
- Category: American culture
- Company: Routledge
Creator
- Aaron J
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(Manila, Philippines)