You don’t need big bucks to get fit! Women in the 1950’s proved this. Women did not strive to go to the gym to stay fit like we do today, as they walked the kids to school, walked to supermarkets, carried heavy vacuums and other household appliances and many other manual tasks. With our modern technology, women in the 1950’s spent a lot more time on their feet compared to us. All these strenuous duties was one way to get fit!
A 50s woman working hard
Research actually suggests that the average 50’s woman would burn 1000 calories a day, where as the modern woman only burns on average, around 556.
In 1953, the first televised program for women’s exercise began. It was nationally televised in 1959, called the Jack LaLanne Show. It mainly consisted of calisthenics.
The Jack LaLanne Exercise Show
In the 50’s a work out consisted of calisthenics, hula hooping, yoga, bike riding or dancing.
- Calisthenics
In the early 50’s, calisthenic exercises were published in books. Women would practice these exercises in their homes, often during the day, when alone. Later, classes began so women could attend them and meet friends. They became more popular due to Jack LaLanne’s TV Show.
In modern times, calisthenics is similar to what we call aerobics or pilates. Locate your closest gym and give an aerobics or pilates class a try. It is fun, energetic and a great socialising experience!
Calisthenics became popular in the 50s
2. Hula hooping is a great ab work out, and is really fun. Why not just pick up your kids hula hoop and give it a go, you’ll be surprised at how much fun it is!
3. Yoga is seen as a form of relaxation, toning the body, and increasing metabolism. Once control of the body has been completely mastered, the mind is ready for meditation. It was practiced at home, guided by a book.
Nowadays there a plenty of yoga studios you could try, and plenty of online yoga YouTube videos!
Yoga
4. Bike riding is great for exercising and is great for socialising! You could purchase a bicycle to ride around your town. Many councils have installed bicycle tracks around local communities. Alternatively, you could purchase an indoors exercise bike, or use one at your local gym. Exercise bikes still achieve great results, and are convenient in the comfort of your own home!
5. Dancing in the 50’s was also great exercise… Be it rock ‘n’roll, swing, jitterbug, boogie-woogie or bop! All dancing is a great exercise and a great form of socialising. There are many schools today, that teach 50s dancing:
https://www.swingdancedownunder.org/schools/
https://www.allaboutswing.com.au/
Try it out, you will love it! I have enrolled in classes to commence soon. I am so excited! I will tell you how I go.
Maybe we should take a few of these ideas from the 1950’s women and put them into practice in our modern busy lives. I love bike riding, yoga and I am about to learn some rock’n’roll dancing! More of that in my later blogs…
Back soon….
Ridiculously Retro xx
Images: Reference photo, Cleaning image, yoga image from Woman’s World – M.A. White
Ridiculously Retro 
