Are Americans Doing Fitness Wrong?
notes
I AM FINLAND.
and the answer to the question is 'maybe'. it's difficult to discuss what americans are doing because our society isn't homogeneous. there are trends, but it can be a disservice to generalize the trend against a population.
the 'pay to play' model does suggest something though that does feel very American and not very great if we agree that being active is important to societal happiness and health.
the japan example is both fascinating in that it was developed in the 1920s, in america and took hold in japan as a public service that lives to this day.
i will continue to think about this on my next walk!
link
summary
This article explores the different approaches to fitness around the world, contrasting the American "pay-to-play" model with the more integrated and community-focused methods found in Finland, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. It highlights how cultural norms and infrastructure influence exercise habits, showcasing examples like Finland's emphasis on outdoor activities regardless of weather, Japan's widespread radio-taiso routine, the UK's community-driven Parkrun events, and Brazil's integration of fitness into social activities on the beach.