Strength

During the time of the World Wars and consistently through the twentieth century, Americans were noted for their taller and more physically fit appearance compared to their European counterparts. The average male was roughly 5’10 (“Human Height,” n.d.) in 1940 compared to the shorter, more stout Englishmen, who were roughly 5’7. During the second World War, Americans were easier to spot just based on fitness and general health. As GIs made their way to Britain for the Western Front, the British were shocked at the generosity of Americans but also had their assumptions right - Americans were tall (Hogenboom, 2012). They shattered many stereotypes while abroad, even though most GIs were traveling for the first time. However, in modern day, the stereotype could be anything but that. The “Fat American” is now synonymous with fast food, grease, laziness, and bacon. Morbid obesity is now an epidemic in the United States and is one-in-the-same with our “culture.” The hard-working mindset that once grew the country from colonial era is now only for a piece of paper that stated you successfully completed college and lacks completely in physical fitness. Strength training has become renowned for its capabilities in weight loss, mental health, and overall bodily stability. It is recommended for women to lose baby weight or alleviate disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (with the correct diet), or for senior citizens who want to retain mobility and ease potential joint and muscle pain. Though cardio is a popular form of exercise for losing body fat, weight training and muscle development continually burns fat versus cardio, which only burns while actively performing. Strength training is also mainly used to develop a specific body image for bodybuilders, and ultimately tones muscles for a leaner and more athletic look. In all, strength training is beneficial to the body and mind and can bring back the original look of an American – strong, fit, and capable.