These were Nazi calisthenics leagues in which huge groups of adult men and women exercised like soldiers in boot camp on a regular basis.
Here in America, we frown on exercise. Kids don’t get exercise in school, and adults don’t get any exercise for the rest of their born days. It’s un-American. The Obesity Epidemic Consider the latest statistics:
- 1/3rd of American kids are obese or overweight
- 1/3rd of American adults are obese
- 1/3rd of American adults are overweight
Moreover, the “normal” weight people are recommended to attain is at least 40 pounds over the “Met Life Longevity Standards” for the ideal weight for life expectancy, disease prevention, and overall health.
The Uber-American Male
As an example, take a man of average height and build, with a heavy muscle mass from regular exercising – cycling, yard work, sports.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria designates a “normal” weight of up to 180 pounds. The Met Life Tales say the ideal weight is 145-150 pounds. Even at 145 pounds, a heavily-muscled frame has a healthy amount of fat around the midsection.
Thus, it’s safe to say that, according to Met Life:
- 1/3rd of Americans are morbidly obese
- 1/3rd are obese
- 1/3rd are overweight
That leaves only 2-3% of all Americans who have a healthy weight. And most of them probably maintain this weight by virtue of smoking.