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Trying to Get in Shape? Here's the History Behind the Common New Year's Resolution
Entrepreneurs played a key role in establishing the fitness industry
Some entrepreneurs and trainers played a vital role in the rising exercise culture.
- Health clubs were popularized by the Vic Tanny Gyms chain.
- Weight-lifting for women was popularized in the 1930s and 1940s by female-bodybuilder Abby "Pudgy" Stockton.
- In 1974, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act paved the way for women to go out and sign up for exercise classes on their own.
- In the '60s and '70s, exercise became a more accepted and celebrated pursuit.
- The '80s and '90s saw the expansion of a conversation about diet and fitness.
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Key Ideas
Influencing consumers
Near the end of the year, attempts to influence consumer behavior abounds with ways to "improve yourself" in the new year. They remind the consumer that you're still the same imperfect person they'...
How new years resolutions changed
Whereas previously resolutions took the form of taking stock of the previous year and making amends to move forward, the American culture today focus on the self.
Self-improvement often boils down to being thin and generating wealth.
Resolution-dependent advertising
Top resolutions tend to be the ones for which it's easiest to market products or services, like gym memberships or workout clothes. They are easily targeted to someone who feels pressure to change their physical aspect.
It is easy to imagine why people might choose these options when prompted to explain what they don't like about themselves and get them to buy things meant to soothe their fears of being unable to change.
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Key Ideas
Different Decade, Different Resolutions
Some New Year's resolutions stay the same every decade, like getting plenty of sleep, getting more exercise, eating better, etc.
As we enter the year 2020, some other New Year Resolutions are...
Nutrition over the Decade
Dietary guidelines changed drastically over the decade.
- Sugar is no longer classified as food, but as an addictive substance similar to cocaine.
- Cholesterol and natural fat are not that bad for you anymore.
- The definition of what healthy means has changed, and now encompasses a more holistic approach to our body.
- Our gut microbes, which get killed by eating processed foods and antibiotics, need to be safeguarded now.
- Emotional stress is a big contributor to our health.
Alcohol intake
Any amount of alcohol can risk conditions like cancer and obesity according to new research. This has resulted in plenty of low and zero alcohol beverages in the market.
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Key Ideas
New Year's resolutions
New Year Resolutions are a disaster for a majority of us.
They feel unpleasant due to the fact that we see them as an event. The time, process, dedication, and commitment we need to them done...
Event Vs Process
All events have a backstory, a history, some amount of risk and sacrifice.
- If we focus on the event only, we will not be able to do anything with our lives.
- If we follow the process, daily making ourselves better and stay committed, we end up getting the life we desire.
Losing weight
As we know, exercise in any form makes us better.
Instead of complicating the process and making it a big event, just smoothen the daily process. Make a habit of going out to exercise by getting up early, wearing the right clothes, packing the gym bag at night, so that you remove friction from the activity.