SubscribeGetting Thin to Music
In the March 1922 issue of Physical Culture, a man called Wallace announced that a "scientific secret of weight regulation had been discovered".
Wallace had "found a way to prevent the system from turning too much of what is eaten, into fat".
His secret? Phonograph records (remember those?) that had music on them.
Wallace even had some excellent testimonials - including Mrs. Grace Horchler who lost 74 pounds in 4 months.
Because of the natural method of reducing, her body was left symmetric, firmly moulded
Wallace felt that "As the knowledge of it [his weight loss technique] grows, the number of women who carry a burden of excessive flesh will grow visibly less". Sadly, the last 85 years has proved otherwise.
One thing: Wallace was way ahead of his time.
Exercise to music didn't catch on until many years later. Aerobics, by Dr Kenneth Cooper was first published in 1968.
In 1969 Jacki Sorenson combined aerobics with dancing and music, and a new exercise technique was born.
Despite the popularity of exercising to music, the "burden of excessive flesh" has grown unabated.
Image scanned by Modern Mechanix
The power of music! Maybe that is why I am a music teacher! My ipod keeps me going on the treadmill and the road. Much of it has to do with song choice. Of course I choose my favorites - ones with words I can focus on. I have asthma so I can't think about my breathing too much. The rhythm helps me keep going. Not sure I could do it without the beat. I make the playlists to vary bpm. Start out slow to warm up, work up to a fast jog (I'm too big to run yet) slow down, speed up, a couple of times and then cool down. It's been 2 weeks and I'm down 9 pounds. I've got a long way to go! Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and comments to the articles on this blog. I read it every morning and it has been very inspirational. ...and the beat goes on!
ReplyI definitely find music necessary to working out. If I don't have time to hit the gym or the sidewalk for a run, I just "bop" at home to music. It still works up a sweat.
Replycongratulations Dawn,
ReplyI also have Asthma and find that focusing on my breath helps me during my run. Iguess to each their own. Keep up the good work.
Yeah, there's a good reason why I LOVE my MP3 player. Those 11 mile runs would get pretty boring without it, I think.
ReplyGreat post!
I was actually running at the gym yesterday without my iPod, just to see how it feels. Let's just say my physical abilities are more enhanced with the help of music!
Replyas everyone would agree, yes the music is one powerful creation on this planet. just like love can move mountains, music simply makes our lives extra special. music is my companion and extraordinary buddy in whatever I do. It also moves my feet dearly...
ReplyI don't have asthma, but I get short of breath very quickly on the treadmil as well, (which is bad because I'm 17 and 125lbs)I found that hard, pounding rock music with a good, steady beat keeps my attention away from my breathing. I also just can't work out without the music because I get bored too easily. I am by no means a natural athlete, and the music is what keeps me running.
ReplyLike Dawn said, I also vary the speed of my songs from slow, to faster, then back down and up again before I slow back down and stop. I adjust the treadmil so that my feet hit the ground with each beat of whatever I'm listening to. I'll seriously trip over myself if I don't do it! I'm uncoordinated.
Moving to the tone of music is really great. Music is like a missing part of the puzzle which makes us more willing to do our exercise. I find its effects to be very effective.
ReplyTrue. That's why I like to exercise to the tone of upbeat music. My exercise doesn't feel complete without music. Silence will only lead to boredom.
ReplyI can't walk, jog, run, or basically do anything without music.
ReplyMy daughter has knee problems so jogging, long hikes etc just can't be done. At the tender age of 15 she is worried about her weight. So I told her the story my mom gave me of a man that lost 300 pounds just doing the "Twist" every night in his living room. So we have downloaded the song Chubby Checker - The Twist 1960 and together we will twist ourselves healthier and put little strain on her knees. :)
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ReplyNice article and helful tip!!!!