Witte Museum: Relics from Yesteryear: Exercise

September 1, 2104

Dear Witte Museum,

My daughter and I visited your museum today and we were particularly struck by the ancient relics of a time long past. Yes, no need to state the obvious, of course I am talking about the "Exercise Exhibit." We spent almost an hour in this exhibit marveling, along with other Average Americans about the concepts of heart rate related to movement. It was truly fascinating that your curators were able to restore so many tools from yesteryear, from an era when people moved freely from Point A to Point B, unfettered by the confines of cars, jetpacks and teleportation. What exactly were those devices with two wheels that really got the perspiration going upon pushing those things with our feet? I don't think anthropologists have seen those since 1987! My daughter was really taken with the floor with flashing lights. I mean, this is no different than the technology she has in her own bedroom, but we would have never dreamed of using it as her grandparents did--to exercise! What a concept!

Now, the Pull your Own Weight section was a little politically incorrect, don't you think? Considering the new Anti-Segregation of FAT (Failed Athletic Training) People, we were astonished that such a racey item was available for use by museum-goers. There were many FAT people who simply could not participate, and we did not think this was fair. But kuddos to you for riding the line! It was more of an Art piece than a Museum relic! Good for you!

The Heat Sensor screen really played up the Political/Artistic message of the whole piece, actually mirroring one's place on the health spectrum by color--for ALL to see! Wow! That takes guts! I sure hope no one lost their job over that move.

We also really enjoyed the attention to detail with the bathrooms. I had to explain to my daughter how people used to be able to fit into one of those tiny stalls, before the FAT laws. That truly was another time, and you captured it beautifully!

We do hope you will continue to share these ancient relics that hold so much inspiration for today's world.

Thank you!