1936 - Jack La Lanne, known as the “Godfather of Fitness” opens the first modern health studio of the U.S. in an old office building in Oakland, California. Thus begins the trend toward working out in health clubs. By 1997, more than 28 million people would have membership to health clubs across the U.S.
1969 - Jazzercise is conceived, the beginning of the group aerobic class craze. Since then the trend has exploded to include step aerobics, water aerobics, kick boxing, yoga, and spinning (cycling on stationary bikes).
1975 - The first underwater immersion body composition test is brought to the public. Although other techniques have been developed, the underwater test has remained the “gold standard” in determining percent body fat. Now fitness goals have gone beyond just losing weight to losing body fat.
1991 - The idea of food as a disease preventive is introduced when The National Cancer Institute and the Produce for Better Health Foundation launch the “5 A Day” program. The program encourages people to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables to prevent cancer.
1998 - When research links a lack of folic acid in mothers' diets to neural tube defects in newborns, the government asks manufacturers to fortify cereal and grain products with the vitamin. As nutritional science becomes more sophisticated, we can expect to see increased targeting of specific nutrients to prevent or treat specific conditions.
