Old timey gym equipment

Sibi

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Swedish House-Gymnastics (1913) in a German book titled Schwedische Haus-Gymnastik nach dem System P.H. Ling's by Theodor Bergquist, Director of the Swedish Gymnastic Institute in the Bavarian spa town of Bad Wörishofen.
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Sibi

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1917 publication Physical Training for Business Men by American author Harrie Irving Hancock. The book's premise is that a certain quality of physical presence, "impressive carriage and appearance", are essential to "those who would succeed in the business world". This is not, however, all about pure athleticism. Despite his strength and endurance the athlete "may show many signs of bodily slovenliness" which would negatively effect his business dealings. More important than brawn is to foster "the appearance of physical ease, alertness, grace, and discipline."

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Sibi

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Randomly...

Squad from the Milwaukee Turnverein who won five medals at Germany's Fifth National Turnfest at Frankfurt in 1880.
No wonder they won, their coach is a freemason o_O
 
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Some of that stuff looks like it could be used to torture people. Like maybe whoever designed that stuff could have also designed actual torture stuff such as the rack torture device they had in the middle ages. I give you credit though for digging it all up lol. I bet the btk killer would like to have had some of that stuff to use on his victims.
 

Maes17

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Some of that stuff looks like it could be used to torture people. Like maybe whoever designed that stuff could have also designed actual torture stuff such as the rack torture device they had in the middle ages. I give you credit though for digging it all up lol. I bet the btk killer would like to have had some of that stuff to use on his victims.
Pretty interesting to see some of the earlier fitness stuff. Sometimes I wonder how seriously people took fitness in what looks to be late 1800’s/1900’s
 

TempestOfTempo

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KG is the real deal and hes also among the best, just not the best of the best... although he was certainly elite in both training and competition innovations!
 

TempestOfTempo

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Pretty interesting to see some of the earlier fitness stuff. Sometimes I wonder how seriously people took fitness in what looks to be late 1800’s/1900’s
VERY seriously! Just ask Farmer Burns :) the Russian Lion George Hackenscmidt or the Great Gama!!
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TempestOfTempo

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1940's Life Magazine - Housewife workout










Even the workout gear had heels smh...
That hanging push-up on the desk looks like it takes some serious fitness. Interestingly enough, a number of these could also be included in a jailhouse fitness routine.
 

Simka

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Of course, it all looks funny today, but in general, not much has really changed. This old equipment is similar to the one that we use today. I've recently checked the Aarons reviews on this website in the hope to find something good at an affordable price for my home workouts, I should say, the modern equipment looks pretty similar.
 
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