On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Your fitness resolution is 200 years old
Jan 6, 2026
Conor Heffernan, a lecturer in the sociology of sport and author of "When Fitness Went Global," delves into the historical roots of our obsession with fitness. He discusses the transformative 19th century, where industrialization and military training spurred global fitness trends. Conor shines a light on unique practices like historic stone lifting and critiques how fitness commercializes anxieties. He also explores the legacies of strongwomen and the ongoing connection between body ideals, gender, and race in contemporary fitness culture.
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Fitness Became A Global Movement In The 1800s
- Conor Heffernan traces modern fitness culture to the 19th century, not ancient practices alone.
- He calls it "physical culture," focused on movement, strengthening, and whole-person health.
Revival Of Historic Stone Lifting
- Conor describes revivals of historic stone lifting across Ireland and other countries.
- He frames stone lifting as blending hiking, strength, mindfulness, and nature.
Three Drivers That Standardized Exercise
- Industrialization, schooling, and military training together created widespread demand for exercise.
- These shifts standardized exercise practices across cities and nations in the 1800s.
