CBC Newsmagazine
Committing armchair suicide
Broadcast Date: July 16, 1968
Increased postwar affluence means the nation eats more and walks less. These days, Canadians with bulging bellies are more likely to opt for a ride in the Chevy instead. Passive recreation like TV-watching is also a problem. A fitness expert in this 1968 television report says people are committing "armchair suicide." A man 33-pounds overweight is three times as likely to die suddenly of a heart attack. As a result, men begin lifting weights at the gym and housewives bounce along to TV exercise programs.Committing armchair suicide
• In 1951, American physical fitness expert Arthur H. Steinhaus identified a set of physical fitness principles. One principle maintained that muscles must be overexerted to avoid "body deterioration."• 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.
Committing armchair suicide
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Newsmagazine
Broadcast Date: July 16, 1968
Guest(s): John B. Armstrong, Lloyd Percival
Host: Ted Bissland
Duration: 8:39
Last updated:
Aug. 14, 2003
Committing armchair suicide.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Aug. 14, 2003.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]