The Evolution of Our Bodies Since 1776

The history of the United States is being celebrated this month, as we celebrate the Fourth of July. A lot has happened in these almost 250 years. In the development of us as humans and as physical (or less than physical) beings.

In 1776 we were a country and group of people living a life filled with physical tasks consuming our days just to survive. Food was hunted and grown. You had to walk, track and hunt, and process the meat. Crops were farmed by hand and horses and on your own land, just to be harvested months later. You had to build your homes, barns and cellars. Life was tough.

Life like this continued for more than 150 years (6 million really), people moved their bodies daily, working hard without the convenience of technology or much equipment. Our muscles were tested, bones hardened and guts fortified by the natural life we were living.

Only starting in the 1940’s did we see massive industrialization across America’s daily lifestyle. Our crops became produced in mass for as little as possible to turn profit. Our individual farms dwindled and supermarkets thrived. This easier lifestyle freed us up to create, develop and advance in other areas… unfortunately all this lead to a more sedentary life.

Our lives were easier sure, more convenient… absolutely! But this life has taken a toll on our bodies in just a mere 80 years. The rate of disease has increased, bone density decreased, muscle tone decreased and over all health has declined.

Sure, we live longer due to modern medicine but the quality of life is far less. This can be seen by the increase in chronic diseases our older population (and sneaking into our younger population too) are living with.

This evolution isn’t necessarily a death or disease sentence. YOU can do something about it. Your health is in YOUR hands. Here are a few steps to become healthier like the settlers of America.

• Keep moving! Our bodies are made to move and move daily. Not only are we designed to move; were designed to WORK. Lift heavy things, dig, rake, build. We need to use our bodies otherwise they will no longer offer the rewards they used to.

• Eat quality food. Think about the freshness of the crops in the 1920’s. You walked out into the field, harvested the crops, stored them in the cellar and used when needed. We didn’t have fast processed foods, we didn’t have pesticides, we didn’t have GMO.

• Be comfortable being uncomfortable. In 1776 or even 1920 the entire county didn’t have AC, we didn’t have the internet or TV, we didn’t have instant access to anything. We were comfortable or at least used to being uncomfortable. We need to get back to being okay with walking away from a conversation without knowing the answer, sitting allowing our bodies to sweat outside or having cash to purchase things. We are missing our mental fortitude today.

Sure, there are benefits of not living in the 1920s. We have more food, we have (hopefully) less hunger, we have lifesaving medicine, we have ways to keep food fresh longer. So yes, it is better or can be if you live right. Take in the modern advancements while not losing the benefits of the past.

Visit the gym, lift heavy weights. Shop the organic section, avoid the pesticides. Make real food with real ingredients. Practice being uncomfortable.

Be strong, healthy and uncomfortable at TOA. The strength (physical or mental) will benefit you for decades.