The “Golden Era” of American fitness occurred between 1885-1920. We are greatly influenced by this period along with the few “fitness spikes” that occurred post 1920 era during times of WWII military conflict because they were far more sophisticated and “physically literate” than we are today. We will continue to research and communicate what we learn and then teach the historical methods of classical physical education and fitness to our web visitors, corporate clients, and workshop attendees.
Physical Culture References:
The Lean Berets Podcasts on Fitness History:
- Keep Fit-Be Happy (Bonnie Prudden Show #1)
- Kraus-Weber Test (Bonnie Prudden Show #2)
Blog/Video Posts: Inspirational posts to expose and educate on the values of classical PE and fitness by Ron Jones, MS, Historical Kinesiologist, PE/Health Science Teacher
- Columbia Park Boys’ Club of San Francisco
- Movement Quality: Past & Present (WWII)
- Col. Herman Koehler & West Point Military Academy (WWI-WWII)
- Mabel Lee & WWII W.A.C. Fitness (1943)
- Muscular Christianity (1880-1920)
- Historic Gymnasiums & Armories (Pre 1920)
- History of Posture Education (1926)
- Vintage PICAS (1950s)
- Black History & Aaron Hewlett (Mid 1800s)
- Jungle Gym Playgrounds (Pre 1930)
- Acrobat Magazine (1949)
- Boy Scouts Obstacle Course (1942)
- Fit To Serve Military Readiness History
- Historical Gymnasium Tour (Pre 1920)
- LaSierra High School (1962)
- Vintage Jungle Gyms & Benefits
- Vertical Climbing History & Benefits
- Mass Calisthenics & Czech Sokol History
Books: Historic books in PDF form dating back to mid 1800s.
- 1856-Physiology & Calisthenics (Catherine Beecher)
- 1906-Physical Education (Dudley Sargent)
- 1922-Individual Gymanstics: Handbook of Corrective & Remedial Gymnastics (Lillian Drew)
- 1931-The True Art & Science of Hand Balancing (Paulinetti)
- 1941-US War Department Field Manual: FM 21-20-PT (MEN)
- 1943-US War Department Field Manual: FM 35-20-PT (WAC)
- 1946-US War Department Field Manual: FM 21-20-PT (MEN)
Articles:
- 1933-History of Spanish Dancing (JOHPE)
Pages by The Lean Berets: