Entering Stockholm, we had begun to formulate our thoughts on the general cultural impact on the people here. We had gone for runs and walked the city, encountering hundreds of bikers and runners at every turn. Beyond being a workout, biking to work is a practice that is almost entirely foreign to Americans and is woven deep into the culture there. Additionally, sitting for dinner and seeing a great number of people walking to the gym in workout clothes indicate that these practices extend beyond simple runs and bikes. Speaking to an elderly man we met on the street, he moved well and was full of life. He had worked at the same bank for the majority of his life and biked roughly 6 miles a day total for the commute. This was not including the work outs he had done as a younger man before. Moving to nutrition, all the food here has been simpler than back home. The portions are smaller, and there are more whole foods as the only offering. Additionally, even at a burger place we had gone to, understanding that burgers are not the most healthy food item, the meat and produce was locally sourced and 100% organic. Emphasizing these insights aids in our hypothesis that health and fitness are one of the upmost important values here in Sweden.
It is extremely interesting to see the difference in people here compared to America. All lean and always moving even if it is not exercise. As mentioned before, a 6-mile bike ride to work is not even considered exercise but a normal aspect of life and work. There are a number of people running at any hour of the day here, and they seem to aim to be as consistent as possible. I am in awe of the average Stockholmian, for they seem to have a beer with every meal, yet with all this activity every day and the smaller portion sizes, it seems this beer does not seem to affect their weight by any means. We also stopped in a multitude of gyms on our adventures due to there being one around every corner. They vary in equipment, attitude, and overall feel. This would indicate that there are a number of subcultures within the fitness community here that are all equally important, with the number of people in each of them on a Wednesday at 2 pm. Some insights I have drawn from this are that it is ingrained in Swedes that health and wellness is a cornerstone of their culture and values. Bradley saw an outdoor gym as well on his run in the morning, indicated the Swedish government is passionate about supporting its citizens’ health.
In Conclusion, though this is our first two days in Stockholm, we are beginning to understand the dynamics of health and fitness drastically differ between here and our home. We can see that this not only has an effect on the people but their work, lives, and relationships with inherent happily, more energetic people even if they begin reserved. Truly an eye opening experience to see a country respect themselves (and their health) and treat their bodies with kindness.
