Question

2

Participation in Physical Activity in The United States 

Student’s Name

Institution Affiliation

Course

Date

Participation in Physical Activity in The United States 

Over the years, physical activities have become common in the USA due to their numerous benefits to an individual. First, physical activities improve an individual’s physical and mental well-being (Warburton & Bredin, 2017). By engaging in different activities, a person cannot only lose excess fat but also divert their minds from the stressful world and focus on their mental state. Second, physical activities help prevent health problems. Excising the body regularly helps strengthen the muscles enabling the blood to flow freely in the body (Warburton & Bredin, 2017). Other body parts such as the heart can work effectively since the excess fat is removed. Third, physical activities promote teamwork and collaboration among individuals. When playing individuals have to work together so as to win hence learning collaboration skills. As a result, individuals have learned different skills, which are very beneficial in life.

Despite the benefits of physical activities, women have taken much time to accept and participate in various sports. According to Rowe (2016), “in the year 1840 to 1900, physical activities were seen as a male dominated activity.” Males participated in various activities such as hunting, boxing, football, fencing, and wrestling. These physical activities were not viewed as a source of income therefore, individuals participating in them did not take them seriously (Rowe, 2016). By the end of the 19th century, women from the upper social class began participating in some physical activities during their leisure time. The activities included walking, dancing, calisthenics, and horse riding. During this period, gymnastics was not common in the USA. Therefore, only a few individuals had workout routines that they adhered to.

After immigrants began entering the United States, individuals learned more about gymnastic styles. From 1900 to 1950, institutions such as the American College of football began to teach young individuals’ different activities that would be beneficial in their future (Sallis, 2009). Other sports such as baseball, tennis, racing, and professional wrestling became more evident.

From 1950 to the present, there has been remarkable progress in physical activity participation. According to Hanson (2012), “both male and female have been engaging in different physical activities to keep fit as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle.” There has been an increase in fitness clubs, where individuals get the opportunity to train as well as do various activities with the help of a trainer. Second, health education programs have been developed in workplaces and health care facilities to teach individuals on the importance of physical activities (Hansin, 2012). Some organizations have gone ahead to install fitness equipment in the halls so that the employees can have an opportunity to exercise after a busy day. Engaging in physical activities after work helps an individual relax the brain and muscles hence, avoiding different mental disorders. Lastly, electronic devices such as mobile phones have enabled more individuals to participate in physical activities. Individuals are able to download workout routines which they are able to practice when they are free. Moreover, individuals are able to learn of new sports that they can participate in as well as their benefits. Therefore, physical activities are vital in our lives. The government should create more platforms that will enable people participate in various activities.

References

Hanson, V. (2012). The inequality of sport: Women< men. The Review: A journal of undergraduate student research, 13(1), 15-22. https://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1069&context=ur

Rowe, D. (2016, April). Sports, Sexism and the Law: Some Contextual History. In Panel presentation Western Sydney University Law School Public Seminar, Collector Hotel, Parramatta (Vol. 28). https://idrottsforum.org/forumbloggen/sports-sexism-and-the-law-some-contextual-history/

Sallis, J. F. (2009). Measuring physical activity environments: a brief history. American journal of preventive medicine, 36(4), S86-S92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2009.01.002

Warburton, D. E., & Bredin, S. S. (2017). Health benefits of physical activity: a systematic review of current systematic reviews. Current opinion in cardiology, 32(5), 541-556.