A Century of Movement: How Exercise and Daily Activity Have Transformed

This article is part of the Century of Modern Living series, which explores how metabolic health has been shaped by evolving patterns in diet, movement, and stress over the last hundred years.

Early 20th century: naturally active lifestyles

In the early 1900s, movement was inseparable from everyday living. Many people worked in farming, manufacturing, or trades that required physical effort throughout the day. Chores such as wood chopping, handwashing, gardening, and walking long distances added additional layers of activity.

Leisure also involved movement. Community dances, outdoor games, and simple physical play were common forms of entertainment. Strength, stamina, and mobility were not separate goals; they were byproducts of how people lived.

Mid-20th century: industrialization and structured activity

As industrialization expanded, work shifted from labor-intensive roles to more sedentary office and factory jobs. Daily movement decreased, and for the first time, exercise began to be viewed as something distinct from work and home life. Schools incorporated physical education, and organized sports became more common for children and adults.

Public health campaigns also emphasized the value of physical fitness, linking it with national strength and personal responsibility. This era marked the beginning of intentionally setting aside time for movement to offset increasingly inactive lifestyles.

Late 20th century: technology and sedentary habits

The latter half of the century brought technological advances that reshaped transportation, communication, and entertainment. Cars replaced walking and cycling for short trips. Televisions and later computers introduced long periods of sitting. Office jobs expanded as economies shifted toward service and information work.

These changes significantly reduced the natural movement built into daily routines. Exercise became optional rather than inherent. As activity levels declined, conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes became more common, aligning with patterns described in Understanding Chronic Disease .

Modern era: reclaiming movement

Today, many people recognize the consequences of prolonged sitting and are working to reintroduce movement into their daily lives. Modern guidelines emphasize regular physical activity to support metabolic flexibility, cardiovascular function, strength, and mental well-being.

The World Health Organization recommends moderate activity for most days of the week along with muscle-strengthening exercises. These principles align with the approach described in embracing movement, which encourages building a relationship with movement that is enjoyable, sustainable, and integrated into everyday life.

For times when outdoor activity is limited, simple indoor routines can help maintain steady motion throughout the day. Our overview of staying active indoors outlines practical ways to keep moving when space, weather, or schedules make it harder to be outside.

Building a movement lifestyle

Reclaiming movement does not mean replicating the physically demanding roles of earlier generations. Instead, it involves weaving steady activity into modern routines. Walking for short errands, standing periodically during work, choosing stairs, and scheduling exercise with the same priority as other commitments all help restore balance.

Communities and workplaces can support this shift by creating safe walking paths, bike-friendly areas, and accessible recreational spaces. On an individual level, integrating movement into a broader wellness lifestyle makes it more meaningful and sustainable.

Looking forward: restoring daily vitality

The last century transformed movement from a necessity to an option. While technology has reduced physical effort in many beneficial ways, it has also removed the built-in activity that once supported natural strength and metabolic health. Reintroducing movement-whether through planned exercise or small, steady actions-helps restore vitality, improve long-term resilience, and counteract the pressures of modern living.