In the movie Year One, Jack Black and Michael Cera play two prehistoric men, who, through the course of history, stumble their way to fame and fortune. This got me thinking, not about the movie itself but the casting of Jack Black, “Has prehistoric man ever been depicted as being a little on the heavy side?”

Watch most every other prehistoric movie, or read history and anthropology textbooks, and you will find that it is very rare to see any of them overweight. This is in large part due to the scarcity of food available to them, but their lifestyles also played a huge part.

Prehistoric man sought food through hunting and gathering. Both of these activities required plenty of physical activity. They also didn’t have any means of transportation, leading them to walk wherever they wished to go. The elements or the depletion of resources meant that they had to look for new places to live, both of which are causes of their nomadic nature.

In the modern world today, many of us have sedentary lifestyles. We drive to work everyday, take the elevator to our office, and sometimes have food delivered to us. Children are watching more television and using computers more frequently. It’s no wonder many of us gain weight easily.

Following prehistoric man’s lead can greatly help us improve our lifestyles. Instead of making short drives to the supermarket or bookstore, walking there can be very beneficial. Taking the stairs at work is also helpful, but not if you’re at the 40th floor. There’s no need to overdo it. Incorporating exercise into our daily routines leads to a healthier and happier you.