Throwback Thursday: The Killer Diller 40s Workout

The 1940s is a swingin' time in history, while also the most troubling. A term that was coined at the time was the Killer Diller. This slang term meant that something was the best or the ultimate thing. So, for example, "that date was a killer diller!" "Did you see her killer diller moves on the dance floor?" "That monster movie was killer diller!"

What I noticed while lightly looking into the 1940s is that fitness was of interest, but the world was heavily distracted by the war that was raging around the world. During this time, fitness was primarily focused on what had been done in the 1930s. More sports and flexibility exercises. Women were able to be more engaged in physical exercise opening and it was encouraged for everyone to be taking staying fit seriously.

What I also noticed, though, was that there seems to be an interest in the breast and upper arms for the workout for the women. Fitness seems to frequently be focused on women in the form of videos. I find videos reporting on men doing physical activity, but I find more "here's how to stay fit" videos for women. A personal assumption is that men were familiar with military training and, with WWI and WWII going on, fitness did not go unnoticed. 

So while women were at home and the men were off to war, videos were focused on what women could do to stay fit for when the men come home. One video talked about the "Battle of the Bulge" as a connection to the War. Did you know that a war correspondent named Larry Newman coined the phrase "Battle of the Bulge," because when he was looking at the map, he was "struck by the bulging swell of German troops?" (MentalFloss.com) Interesting piece of trivia, I think. No wonder we hate those "bulges" so much. Think of how much that phrase had influence back then, if your jiggly bits were perceived like the U.S. attacking the Nazis. Oof.

I have two videos that offer some exercise ideas. The first one shows some upper-body exercises to do without equipment. Two-piece outfit is optional.

This second one I like, because it's showing more physical activity being included in schools. It's jumping jacks! So don't forget that really important exercise.

I would be remiss, though, if I didn't mention that dancing was at the heart of the 1940s.

If you really want that blood pumping and have an SD6 friend who is willing to give it a shot, try the Jitterbug.

So your exercise challenge?

1. Complete the upper arm exercises. Do the routine 5 times.
2. Do 25 jumping jacks.
3. Listen to some Killer Diller Music and solo or SD6 dance some Jitterbug!

Finally, though, and I loved this about the phrase "Killer Diller," was that in 1948, there was a movie called Killer Diller. I'm a fan of Mrs. Maisel on Amazon and this movie made me think of the performances that were showcased at The Apollo (the positive ones...). The movie includes performances by Nat King Cole, Moms Mabely, Dusty Fletcher, Butterfly McQueen, the Andy Kirk Orchestra and the Four Congaroos (dancing Lindy Hop). I thought this video was the coolest piece of history and it celebrates music, comedy, and dance. So whether you dance along or are looking for some great music, comedy, and entertainment, check out Killer Diller.