Built-to-Last

Summer is here, and with it comes the flood of headlines urging you to “get summer-ready” or “achieve the perfect beach body.” But if we look at history, it’s clear that the “ideal” physique has always been a moving target—shaped by shifting cultural values, art, and social trends. From the muscular, god-like figures of ancient Greece to the soft, graceful forms celebrated in the Renaissance, and to today’s diverse fitness-focused physiques- the types of physiques that are widely admired by society have continually evolved. However, while aesthetics come and go, the desire for health and physical ability remains constant. The true goal of fitness has always been to build strength, endurance, and vitality—qualities that stand the test of time.

Ancient Sculptures, Mechanotherapy, and Modern Fitness Ideals

Back in ancient Greece, fitness was deeply tied to both aesthetics and functionality. Sculptures of gods and athletes like Apollo or Hercules depicted muscular, symmetrical bodies that were powerful but graceful. These ideals weren’t just about looking good; they were a reflection of strength, endurance, and agility — attributes necessary for survival and competition.

Fast forward to the Renaissance period, where fashion and styles reflected a new appreciation for proportion and elegance. Men and women alike embraced clothing that highlighted natural curves and balanced forms—fitted bodices and flowing gowns for women and tailored, yet softer, silhouettes for men. This era celebrated a refined and graceful physique, emphasizing elegance over muscularity.

In the Victorian era, ideals shifted again, especially for women. The hourglass figure became the pinnacle of beauty, with tightly cinched waists achieved through corsetry, full skirts, and accentuated hips and busts. The physiques of both men and women during this era were often shaped and exaggerated by fashion and garment construction, prioritizing appearance and social symbolism over natural athleticism or physical ability. With the comforts of modernity, physically fit men became desirable not for genetics of survival skills, but for the traits of self-discipline and moral standing, as seen in the “Muscular Christianity” movement of the mid-19^th century. Women pursued physical fitness only as far as keeping their figures in line with the fashions of the times, focusing mainly on calisthenics and dance. Because physical fitness was not a natural byproduct of the laborious lifestyles of prior centuries, people had to get creative to maintain their physiques. Dr. Gustav Zander, a Swedish physician and orthopedist of the mid-to-late 19^th century, developed the first gym machines called “mechanotherapy”, which he designed to gradually build muscles through progressive resistance. This concept, mostly used therapeutically for the wealthy, would pave the way for exercise machines as we know them today. (1)

From the early 20th century to today, ideal body types have shifted dramatically—from the slim, lean figures admired in the 1920s to the curvier, hourglass shapes popularized by movie stars like Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, and then to the bulky, muscular physiques that defined the bodybuilding phenomenon of the 1970s and ’80s (looking at you, Schwarzenegger). While these aesthetic trends have come and gone, one thing has remained constant: the pursuit of health and wellness. Beyond changing styles and body ideals, people have always sought to improve their well-being, build strength, and maintain vitality. At its core, fitness is about enhancing health— an enduring goal that transcends passing trends and fashions.

 

What Hasn’t Changed? The Value of Fitness and Ability

Resistance and cardiovascular training continue to be essential for maintaining health and function across all ages. As of 2018, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity for substantial health benefits. (2) In a large study published by the journal Circulation, it was found that adults who performed two to four times the recommended physical activity saw a 26-31% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 28-38% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality. (3)

A well-balanced program combining resistance and cardio training builds muscle strength and power, improves body composition and flexibility, and enhances cardiovascular health. It also supports mental well-being and cognitive function across all ages. For older adults, resistance training is especially important for preserving muscle mass and slowing the natural loss of bone density, which helps reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Regular physical activity also improves insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, and has been associated with a decreased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. (4)

Beyond appearance, physical ability and athleticism are timeless aspects of fitness that truly impact quality of life. Everyday tasks- climbing stairs, carrying groceries, gardening, playing with your children, or even getting up from a chair without assistance- rely on strength, agility, endurance, and mobility. Maintaining and improving these attributes through consistent training helps preserve independence as we age and boosts confidence at any stage of life.

There’s no better time to start your fitness journey than right now. At Pike Fitness, we encourage everyone to embrace a holistic view of fitness. It’s not just about fitting certain standards of physical beauty but about building a body that supports you and your goals—whether that’s running a 5K, lifting your kids, or simply feeling energized each day. Trends will continue to evolve and new “ideal” physiques will emerge, but the timeless pursuit remains the same: becoming stronger, healthier, and more capable versions of ourselves. That is a legacy we can all be proud of.

 

 

1. Naples, Richard. “Dr. Gustav Zander’s Victorian-Era Exercise Machines Made the Bowflex Look like Child’s Play.” Com, Smithsonian Institution, 8 Jan. 2016, www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/gustav-zander-victorian-era-exercise-machines-bowflex-180957758/.
2. “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition.” Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion – HHS, Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2018, odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf.
3. Lee, Dong Hoon, et al. “Long-term leisure-time physical activity intensity and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: A prospective cohort of US adults.” Circulation, vol. 146, no. 7, 16 Aug. 2022, pp. 523–534, https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.121.058162.
4. Colberg, Sheri R et al. “Exercise and type 2 diabetes: the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association: joint position statement.” Diabetes care vol. 33,12 (2010): e147-67. doi:10.2337/dc10-9990