During the Golden Era of American Fitness from 1885-1920, equipment was actually quite sophisticated. Master craftsmen took pride in quality equipment with attention to detail–so did the people using the equipment. The “Triplex Pulley” is a great example of master craftsmanship from a more physically cultured era. (Source: Narragansett Machine Co. USA, 1905)
We have two great podcast shows publishing soon on American Fitness Icon Bonnie Prudden. This photo was the Bonnie Prudden obstacle course which was the first-ever obstacle course for elementary school children. She designed the equipment herself based on her childhood adventures and upbringing that involved classical physical education and Russian Ballet. Note Prudden…… More
Greek body development had three main objectives: 1) National Defense; 2) Mental Development; & 3) Physical Form & Proportion. A great deal of their education system actually involved “physical education” because they knew it developed a higher intelligence and better citizens. Less than five US states now require PE all the way through high school…and…… More
“Suspending your body by the arms is a very simple maneuver, yet it is one of the most important therapeutic exercises. Every able-bodied person should do some arm hanging exercises each day, and better yet, do them several times a day.” –Robert M. Martin, MD, “The Gravity Training System” Many of you have been following…… More
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction…It must be fought for, protected, and handed on…” –Ronald Reagan Fit to Serve? Previous generations of Americans from many different political backgrounds knew and warned of the need to be fit enough to defend our nation. On the eve of our current military considering liposuction…… More
After a long week of playground angst at Lean Berets Basecamp watching American schools quiver and wimp out instead of supporting active play, cartwheels, and the those sinister off the ground pull up bars, we are taking a strong stand FOR physically ACTIVE children complete with rough housing, running, jumping, spinning, leaping, rolling, crawling, and…… More
Jack LaLanne’s birthday was this week which caused us to reflect at The Lean Berets Basecamp. If it was not for Jack LaLanne, there would be no Lean Berets. He was truly our inspiration for launch. This is a great vintage video clip teaching that no matter how much money you have in life–you CANNOT…… More
“Indian Clubs, Teaching Methods, & Historical Highlights” Certification Workshop The Lean Berets have partnered with CSU, Northridge to bring Iowa Physical Educator and Fitness Historian Dr. Ed Thomas to California for a special one-time only certification workshop. This is a rare opportunity to work with one of the best in the fitness and physical education.…… More
Here’s one of the video summaries of our recent “BAR-B-Q” Calisthenics & Fitness party. Thanks again everyone…USA STRONG! *Our friends @ BarStarrz also posted their own BAR-B-Q summary video which is really fun! Thanks for supporting BarStarrz!
If we want to see the future of fitness–we need to intellectually examine the past. Our predecessors in health and fitness clearly have created numerous systems which are still valid today…if we pay attention and are willing to learn from them. Most are long gone now, but their teachings remain along with some photographs, videos,…… More