Accessibility Links
Committing armchair suicide
In the 1970s, Canadians went from couch potatoes to super jocks. Well, not quite. But at least during that decade they did start to get up and get fit. It was thanks to nagging TV ads, the example of an active prime minister and embarrassment compared to some very robust Swedes. But the nagging hasn't been entirely successful. Thirty years later the average Canadian is still overweight and spends more time on the sofa than at the gym.
• Jane Fonda was the first proponent of the 20-minute cardiovascular workout. She recommended 20 continuous minutes of vigorous activity, such as running or cycling.
• In the 1990s, studies showed Fonda's regime was not challenging enough. Experts suggest at least 30 minutes most days of moderate to strenuous exercise is necessary to prevent disease.
• Exercise helps prevent mental and physical illnesses, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, anxiety and depression.
Program: CBC Newsmagazine
Broadcast Date: July 16, 1968
Guest(s): John B. Armstrong, Lloyd Percival
Host: Ted Bissland
Duration: 8:39
Last updated: May 6, 2013
Page consulted on May 6, 2013
All Clips from this Topic
-
Machine helps break down stomach fat.
-
In 1958 most adults don't exercise and children with "TV legs" fail fi...
-
RCAF exercises performed for 11 minutes a day are ideal for both the c...
-
The sudden death rate climbs as lazy Canadians sit in front of the boo...
-
A Stockholm professor says Canadians are in bad shape.
-
In 1975, police recruits get physical.
-
A woman exercising at a Montreal fitness club is addicted to the gym.
-
People on the street comment on their level of physical fitness.
-
A Manitoba high school makes daily exercise compulsory.
-
Celebrated ad campaign is lots of fun to write.
-
Politicians join in a nation-wide exercise competition.
-
Baby boomers' babies have bad habits just like their parents.
-
Government cuts mean the non-profit fitness agency may have to call it...
-
It's 1984 and Canadians are becoming 'downright maniacal' about exerci...
-
In the 1970s, Canadians went from couch potatoes to super jocks. Well,...