As we enter the 21st century, one of the greatest
accomplishments to be celebrated is the continuous pursuit of fitness since the beginning of man's existence.
Throughout prehistoric time, man's quest for this has been driven by a desire
to survive through hunting and gathering. Today, though no longer driven by
subsistence requirements, staying in shape remains paramount to health and
well-being.
It is for this reason that the idea of fitness equipment became so important.
Experts preached to consumers the need for good health. Disease was increasing
and most likely tied to poor physical status. This need to "be in shape" became
so popular that a whole industry has grown around it, and as with every
industry, technology has produced some amazing machines to get the job done -
Australia is known to have some of the best brands.
Mankind has known for a long time how important it is
to be in shape, the Spartans of Northern Greece were one of the most physically
fit societies in the history of mankind (perhaps they started the great interest
that would follow centuries later with fitness equipment). The heightened interest in fitness
within Spartan culture was primarily for military purposes. During this era,
Greek states were frequently at war with each other. Fighting skills were highly
correlated with an individual's physical state, making it imperative for individuals to
be in great shape. Spartan society required males to start training programs at the age of six.
Going forward in time, one of the simplest pieces of fitness equipment to be
made was the exercise bike or stationary bike and that's all it was - a bike you
could ride in one spot. If bad weather was a factor then, of course, that was
the preferred alternative to actual bike riding - a great way to exercise. NASA,
the U.S. space program, recognized the need for physical health too. They
trained their astronauts on Skylab to ensure they remained healthy while on
board.
According to history articles, the first "gym" filled with mechanical fitness
equipment was built by Swedish physician Gustav Zander in the late 19th century.
A contraption
for cardiovascular health designed to imitate a "natural" activity. His
stomach-punching apparatus evokes contemporary "abs-crunching" machines.
Somehow the idea of such a machine doesn't sound like it would do too well in
Australia today.
Above you will find some of the gym equipment we have on offer here at
FourBody
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