Jogging: Origins, Key Figures, and Popularization

Who started jogging?

While running has ancient roots as a fundamental human activity, the modern concept and popularization of "jogging" as a specific, accessible form of fitness for the general public is largely attributed to Arthur Lydiard of New Zealand and Bill Bowerman of the United States in the mid-20th century.

The Ancient Roots of Running and Walking

Before delving into the modern genesis of jogging, it's crucial to acknowledge that running, in its broadest sense, is as old as humanity itself. Our ancestors ran for survival – hunting, escaping predators, and covering vast distances. This was not "jogging" in the contemporary sense of a moderate-intensity, health-focused exercise, but rather a functional, often high-intensity, necessity. Over millennia, running evolved into sport, exemplified by the ancient Olympic Games. However, the idea of regular, lower-intensity running specifically for cardiovascular health and general well-being is a relatively recent development.

The Genesis of Modern Jogging: Bill Bowerman and Arthur Lydiard

The mid-20th century marked a pivotal shift in how running was perceived and practiced, moving from an exclusive domain of elite athletes or military training to an activity embraced by the masses for health. Two figures stand out in this transformation:

Arthur Lydiard: The Father of Jogging Arthur Lydiard (1917-2004), a New Zealand athletics coach, is widely credited with coining and popularizing the term "jogging" in its modern context. Lydiard's philosophy revolutionized endurance training for elite athletes, but crucially, he extended these principles to the general public.

• The Lydiard Method: His training approach emphasized a strong aerobic base built through long, slow-distance running (what we now call jogging) before introducing speed work. This allowed athletes to build incredible stamina and recover quickly.
• Community Engagement: In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Lydiard began organizing informal running groups in Auckland, New Zealand, for older, out-of-shape individuals, encouraging them to run at a comfortable, conversational pace. He called this "jogging."
• Global Influence: Lydiard's success with his Olympic medal-winning athletes brought his methods international recognition. He traveled extensively, conducting clinics and spreading his message of fitness through accessible, moderate-intensity running.

Bill Bowerman's Early Influence Bill Bowerman (1911-1999), a legendary track and field coach at the University of Oregon and co-founder of Nike, played a critical role in bringing Lydiard's ideas to the United States.

• The "Jogging" Book: After a visit to New Zealand in 1962, where he observed Lydiard's community running groups, Bowerman was deeply impressed. He returned to Oregon and, in 1966, co-authored the book "Jogging" with cardiologist W.E. Harris. This book became a bestseller and is often credited with igniting the jogging boom in America, providing practical advice and physiological rationale for the activity.
• Practical Application: Bowerman started a jogging program in Eugene, Oregon, which quickly gained popularity, further cementing the practice in the American consciousness. His emphasis was on accessible fitness for everyone, regardless of athletic background.

Popularization and the Jogging Boom

The ideas propagated by Lydiard and Bowerman found fertile ground in a society increasingly concerned with sedentary lifestyles and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper and Aerobics Dr. Kenneth Cooper, an Air Force physician, further propelled the fitness movement with his groundbreaking book "Aerobics" in 1968. Cooper's work provided a scientific framework for exercise, introducing a points system for various activities, including jogging, to achieve cardiovascular fitness. His research demonstrated the clear link between aerobic exercise and reduced risk of heart disease, giving the public a quantifiable goal and motivation for regular physical activity.

The Cultural Shift and Media Impact The 1970s witnessed an explosion in jogging's popularity.

• Accessible Activity: Jogging required minimal equipment – just a pair of shoes – making it accessible to a broad demographic.
• Health Awareness: Growing public awareness of the benefits of exercise for heart health fueled participation.
• Marathon Culture: The rise of major city marathons, initially for elite athletes, gradually opened to recreational runners, providing an aspirational goal for many joggers.
• Media and Marketing: Fitness magazines, television segments, and advertising campaigns increasingly featured joggers, normalizing and glamorizing the activity.

The Science Behind Jogging's Appeal

From an exercise science perspective, jogging's enduring appeal lies in its profound, multi-faceted benefits, which were increasingly understood and communicated during its rise to prominence:

• Cardiovascular Health: Regular jogging significantly strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and increases VO2 max (the body's maximum oxygen utilization), reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Weight Management: It's an effective calorie-burning activity that contributes to maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing body fat.
• Musculoskeletal Health: While high-impact, appropriate jogging strengthens bones, muscles, and connective tissues, improving bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Mental Well-being: Jogging is a potent stress reliever, releasing endorphins that can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and combat symptoms of depression.
• Accessibility and Simplicity: It requires little specialized equipment or training, making it an easy entry point into regular physical activity for many.

Evolution of Running Culture

From its origins as a fitness prescription, jogging has evolved into a diverse running culture. Today, it encompasses everything from leisurely strolls to competitive racing, trail running, ultramarathons, and a vibrant community of social runners. The foundational principles articulated by Lydiard and Bowerman – the importance of a consistent, moderate-intensity aerobic base – remain central to effective and sustainable running programs for both novices and seasoned athletes.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Accessible Fitness

While running is an ancient human behavior, the deliberate practice of "jogging" as a specific, health-oriented, and widely accessible form of exercise was a mid-20th-century innovation. Arthur Lydiard, with his coaching philosophy and community programs in New Zealand, and Bill Bowerman, who successfully brought these concepts to the American public through his influential book, are the key figures credited with starting the jogging phenomenon. Their work, further amplified by health advocates like Dr. Kenneth Cooper, transformed running from a niche athletic pursuit into a global fitness movement that continues to benefit millions.