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Self-Care Like a Victorian Series, Part 2: Working Up a Sweat the 19th Century Way
March 31st, 2020 |
The Victorian era is known for many things: fashion, literature, and industry. But it also was a time of revolutionizing fitness and health. During the era, gymnasiums began to pop up, PE became a staple in schools, professional sports teams became popular, and people became more interested in maintaining their physical well-being. Here are four ways Victorians stayed active.
Workout Routines
Victorians workout regimes focused on calisthenics and maintaining upper body flexibility as well as posture. The 1800s saw the first home gyms created by Gustav Ernst, who also wrote the most popular book of the period on fitness advice. The goal of exercise was not to be seen as physically strong (although bodybuilding did become popular during this period) but to maintain a state of health. Try this calisthenics workout routine from the Victorian era that you can do at home! No equipment required.
Phys Ed
Physical education for children began being taught in schools during the 1800s. Called drill, teachers would lead students in a variety of exercises to build strength and focus. Keep the kids busy and active with a PE routine from the Victorian era!
Cycling
During the Victorian era, cycling became a popular way to get around. The most famous bike from that era was the Penny-Farthing, characterized by its large front wheel. The bicycle revolutionized local travel. It enabled those living in rural communities to travel easier as well as negated the need for adult chaperones for younger people (as they were always visible on a bicycle). Although there are not many penny-farthings still lying about, cycling is a good way to stay active and explore your community!
Deep Breathing
Not all fitness/focus on well-being is driven by physical activity. The Victorians also had a particular interest in maintaining breath and connection to the body. Take a second to check in, do something kind for yourself, and take a deep breath.
Work up a sweat in style! Leggings and tank tops have nothing on 19th century workout attire. When we picture Victorian fashion, we envision straight laced, large skirts, and stiff collars. Their exercise attire was not much different from their everyday wear. Pictures from exercise books of the period depict men working out in suits and women in long dresses. You have to admire their devotion to style; running is hard enough, let alone doing it in a corset! While I personally do not recommend working out in full-1800s garb, their resourcefulness is a good reminder that you can exercise in whatever makes you most comfortable! No expensive gear required.
Further Reading:
-https://blog.victoriantradingco.com/2017/01/20/victorian-exercise/
–https://www.bbc.com/news/health-28858090
–http://www.johnmalam.co.uk/articles2.html
We hope that you enjoyed learning about exercise in the Victorian era! Please consider supporting content like this at HBMS! https://www.historicbethlehem.org/support/donate/
Florence Arnold is the spring 2020 education intern at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. She is a senior at Muhlenberg College majoring in theatre and history.
