CHAPTER 4: LEISURE, RECREATION, AND WELLNESS “Don’t drop out, drop in. Don’t cop out, compete. Don’t exit, excel.” Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Contents Leisure versus Recreation Historical Development of Recreation: A Brief Overview Benefits of Recreation Factors Affecting Our Recreational Interests and Pursuits Barriers to Recreation and Leisure Health and Wellness

Introduction After reading this chapter, you should have knowledge about the following: 1. The definition of leisure, recreation, and wellness 2. The evolution of recreation in society 3. The benefits of and potential barriers to recreation opportunities 4. How to become physically active

Leisure versus Recreation

Leisure Free time that can be spent as you see fit Activities making up your unstructured free time Many different possibilities Not necessarily planned use of time, but not necessarily wasted time Body’s chance to rejuvenate itself

Leisure is: “time when one is free to relax and do as one wishes.” “freedom from time-consuming duties, responsibilities, or activities.” “the time when you are not working or doing other duties.” “time spent in or free for relaxation or enjoyment.”

Recreation Participation in an activity that you enjoy An activity that will improve us or restore us in some way E.g., playing sports, watching TV, downloading music, or playing video games, cooking and baking, gardening

Recreation is: “the refreshment of one’s mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates.” Recreation is “refreshment of the strength and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion; sport; pastime.” Recreation is “an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates.”

Historical Development of Recreation: A Brief Overview

Renaissance Period (1350–1600) Upper-class Painting, music, literature, science, and education Well-educated man could ride, fence, dance, and paint Great cultural movement in the arts and education

Reformation Period (1500s–1600s) Protestant work ethic introduced to colonial America Recreation and leisure were earned through daily hard work “Work before play” Ample time for recreation and leisure = lazy and a loafer

Industrial Revolution (1700–1900) Working-class No time or energy Few leisure opportunities Visiting the taverns or pubs Middle class Modeled upper class Playing the piano, singing, and drama Upper class Enjoyed many forms of recreation Bird watching, fishing, cricket, polo, and hunting

Roaring 20s People began to recognize the need to enjoy leisure time Hard work followed by deserved recreation and leisure Touring in the newly invented automobile The Charleston in illegal after-hours clubs Jazz Gambling

Depression Years (1929–1945) Recreation became less formal People came together Played their musical instruments Had picnics at the local beaches Went swimming Conducted square dances Made ice cream were the norm Big bands and swing music were popular Attending the movie theatres (with sound)

Modern Era (1950–Present) Fundamental changes in 1950s + Middle-class citizens had extra money for fun and leisure + Finish work each evening with leisure activities + Faster transportation = travel + Early retirement and enjoyment + Municipal multipurpose recreational facilities - Technological advancements took over for PA Present Although technology can provide hours of recreation, it does not necessarily promote a healthy and active lifestyle

Recent Developments Shift in recreation priorities from working long hours Family recreational activities are on the rise More family time Adapted programs and facilities Parents spend time on children’s recreation Adult sports leagues, golf, skiing, and fitness memberships Do we live to work or do we work to live?