How past wars influence fitness culture in Israel - opinion
Past wars in Israel have left a profound mark on the country’s fitness culture, turning it into an important tool for coping with security emergencies.
A man exercising (Illustrative).(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)ByZACH NAHUMDuring times of security instability, fitness culture becomes a survival tool, both mentally and physically. In Israel, where wars and military conflicts are an inseparable part of reality, physical activity is not merely a means to maintain health but an anchor that helps individuals cope with stress and anxiety. Past wars and the experience of dealing with them have shaped the way Israelis perceive fitness – not only as a method for improving combat readiness but also as a tool for maintaining personal and social resilience.
During the Cold War, the emphasis on physical fitness was an essential part of the ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. US president John F. Kennedy called on citizens to take care of their physical fitness as a way to “strengthen the nation” and “demonstrate superiority” over the Soviet bloc. Kennedy even published an article in Sports Illustrated, where he said that Americans had become “soft” and that there was a need to improve physical fitness to maintain US superiority in the world. This phenomenon led to a new wave of physical activities such as running, aerobic exercise, and the development of the modern fitness industry, which became a part of American popular culture and later spread worldwide. The Cold War transformed fitness into an ideological battleground, where sports and physical activity were used as tools to demonstrate power and national dominance. At the same time, in the Soviet Union physical fitness was viewed as a way to showcase communism’s superiority and present the USSR as a model for a strong and united society.
Over the years, it has become evident how global emergencies, such as those in Israel, have led to significant changes in the fitness and health habits of citizens. From major wars to military operations in recent decades, trends in the fitness market have evolved in accordance with the times. In the complex reality of wartime, when anxiety, uncertainty, and daily stress become an integral part of Israeli life, fitness centers and group workout classes have become a significant refuge for many. Physical activity is not only a way to maintain physical health but also a crucial tool for preserving mental well-being. In situations where overwhelming headlines and security tensions weigh heavily on the public’s sense of calm, fitness provides an island of sanity – a space where individuals can disconnect from the outside world and focus on themselves.
The contribution of the fitness industry during wartime is twofold. Firstly, fitness classes help reduce stress and alleviate anxiety created by security threats through intensive physical movement, which has been proven to be calming and shifts the brain’s focus to different concerns, grounding individuals in the here and now. Secondly, fitness classes create a supportive social framework that strengthens the sense of belonging and community. People who attend group workouts not only train together but also share moments of human connection in a reality where loneliness and pressure can take over. They find comfort in the shared experience, realizing that many others are going through the same challenges and difficulties. This sense of solidarity fosters a feeling of community that encourages participants to maintain their fitness routines as a way to preserve mental well-being alongside physical health.
The combination of physical activity with social support provides the foundation for coping with the challenging reality of wartime. Instructors and fitness trainers offer tailored classes that focus not only on physical training but also on relaxation and stress relief. These spaces become environments where people can feel safe and protected, even if only temporarily. Group fitness sessions serve as an informal therapeutic tool, helping people manage difficult realities and maintain both mental and physical resilience during tough times. This can be observed in past wars, as well as in the current conflict, where soldiers and reservists on standby utilize their free time for workouts and strengthening unit cohesion through various sports activities, such as lifting improvised weights like jerry cans filled with water; adding extra weight using combat vests; or running laps around the base to release stress.
Tel Aviv Night Run for the Hostages, 2024. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)Additionally, physical activity is known for its positive impact on the brain – an area that has been extensively researched in recent years. Even short bouts of exercise encourage the release of endorphins, which improve mood and help individuals manage anxiety and depression. During crises like the one we are currently experiencing, this effect is especially critical. Fitness classes allow people to take a break from the constant news cycle and stress, dedicating an hour to themselves – to their bodies and minds. Recent studies show that physical activity helps reduce stress and depression and contributes to better sleep – an issue many Israelis struggle with during wartime.
During crises, such as wars, this effect becomes even more crucial. Fitness classes provide an opportunity to step away from the continuous exposure to news broadcasts that induce stress and anxiety in many Israelis, allowing them to dedicate time to themselves – their bodies and minds. Research has shown that even moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking or cycling, can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, activities such as yoga and Tai Chi, which incorporate mindfulness elements, have proven to be particularly effective in reducing stress and depression.
How fitness has impacted the Israeli mentality
The impact of fitness on Israeli mentality also stems from the cultural and social context of exercise in Israel. Past wars and the challenges they posed shaped the way Israelis perceive fitness – not only as a means to enhance combat readiness, which has historically been a requirement for men and women seeking to join certain military units, but also as a tool for maintaining personal and social resilience. Fitness has become ingrained in Israeli culture, symbolizing strength and endurance. It plays a central role in sustaining both personal and communal resilience during times of crisis. This was particularly evident in the most recent war, where many Israelis made a conscious decision to disconnect from the endless notifications and news updates and take time for their physical and mental well-being, even if just for a brief period.
Moreover, fitness facilities in Israel have undergone significant adaptations due to the country’s complex security situation. Many gyms have been constructed in or relocated to secure areas, adhering to safety guidelines set by the Home Front Command. This adjustment showcases the flexibility and rapid adaptability of the fitness industry and its participants in Israel, as well as the determination to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle even during crises such as war or pandemics like COVID-19, when gyms were forced to close for extended periods.
In recent years, many outdoor fitness projects have been established in parks and open spaces across the country, featuring a variety of exercise equipment. These facilities are particularly appealing to street workout practitioners and those who prefer outdoor training over traditional gyms. Cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv offer outdoor fitness stations equipped with strength training and cardio machines, ninja-style obstacle courses, core-strengthening equipment, and designated tracks for running and cycling. These facilities provide an opportunity for individuals to maintain a fitness routine safely and accessibly, even when indoor gyms are unavailable. Municipalities actively encourage residents to use these public spaces for exercise.
The adaptation of fitness facilities to changing security and health realities highlights the ability of the fitness industry to evolve and adjust to new situations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many gyms began offering online classes and home workout programs to enable people to continue training safely. This shift demonstrated the industry’s capacity to adapt to dynamic circumstances while continuing to provide healthy and safe services, even when face-to-face training was not possible. This adaptability is crucial in a country like Israel, where security and health conditions can change rapidly, proving that Israeli fitness enthusiasts are determined not to abandon their training routines easily.
Past wars in Israel have left a profound mark on the country’s fitness culture, turning it into an important tool for coping with security emergencies. Over the years, physical activity has been perceived not only as a means of improving fitness and general health or as preparation for military service but also as a psychological anchor that helps individuals manage stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. In a reality where wars are a patent part of life, fitness has become a symbol of personal and social resilience, providing people with a stable framework amid security chaos. Gyms and group fitness classes serve a dual role – they offer a physical and mental refuge while reinforcing a sense of community and belonging.■
The writer is CEO of Les Mills Israel fitness programs. He has a master’s degree in physical education.
