Culture of SPEF in Craig Heuring, Sydney Baker, Julie Tran & Donna Khoshbou

WORLD WAR II ( ) The Olympic games were cancelled in 1940 and 1944 U.S. got involved in 1941 after the Pearl Harbor attack Most males who were drafted were not physically fit for combat. These statistics gave rise to the attention of the importance of fitness. Many professional athletes had to fight in the war, thus revenue and participation declined during this time period Dr. Thomas K. Cureton in the 1940s Researched about exercise and fitness Developed fitness tests for muscular strength, flexibility, And cardiorespiratory endurance. His work helped to create future exercise programs

WORLD WAR II ( ) cont Introduction of the formal fitness test

Education Throughout the 1940s to the 1950s, majors in physical education were offered in over 400 United States colleges and universities. The Cold War was a Baby boomer era. The Minimum Muscular FItness Tests in Children tested 6 movements including the strength and flexibility of leg and trunk muscles. In comparison to Europe, over 6 times the number of American children failed to meet the minimum muscular fitness.

Organizations in Fitness Promotion Political leaders ran meetings to focus on children’s health and fitness, which ultimately led to the improvement or founding of associations such as… President’s Council on Youth Fitness American College of Sports Medicine American Medical Association

Social Influences Jackie Robinson 1st African-American to play baseball in the Major Leagues Made his Major League debut in 1947 His success in professional baseball helped to open the door for other black athletes to participate in professional sports Female sports In 1943, the All American Girls’ Baseball League was established because so many male baseball players had gone off to war….”A League of Their Own” The Ladies’ Professional Golf Association (LPGA) was founded in first LPGA championship was held

Religious Influences Discrimination Religious clothing Prayer

Technical Influences After World War II, sports came back! Number of franchises rose Major sports expanded in teams, which were usually spectator sports More Americans wanted to watch these live sports events, and television played a big role.

What else was on television? “The Jack LaLanne Show”

The Godfather of Fitness Supported and spoke about the value of healthy lifestyles Opened the first U.S. fitness club (1936) Invented dozens of exercise machines Had the longest-running t.v. exercise program of ALL time (34 years) Following an exercise program on television changed the fitness game back in the day! It was more entertaining and helpful for those in the comfort of their own home.

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