Saturday, January 17, 2009

Victorian Gym Equipment


I found this advertisement in an 1883 British almanac on Google Books. This gymnasium equipment looks very similar to things we see today. The swing at the right looks like it belongs in a playground, as does the "Giant Stride" at middle left.

12 comments:

Aniya said...

Interesting stuff, so that's how they used to work out ;-)

Daisy said...

I'll bet I could have some fun climbing around on those!

Mike Golch said...

Nice to see my advet on your site for the last time,before it all ends on the 22nd of January.

Lidian said...

Aniya - Yes, actually they were really keen on gymnastic stuff in the late 19th century, they used to have gym exhibitions as part of vaudeville shows.

Daisy - I am sure you would! :)

Mike - You are leaving EC? I didn't know - all the best to you! :)

Pam Walter said...

It does look similar to many things we use today only much less erginomically designed and much less forgiving. www.satisfiedsole.com

Karen Henry said...

Interesting...I don't suppose they ever imagined that girls would want to use any of that equipment, though.

Karen

Chat Blanc said...

who knew that all we need to do to get a good workout is go to a playground! ;)

Keyword said...
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Lidian said...

Pam - Yes, it does indeed.

Karen - I think you are right, it was aimed at men though I might check and see if there were any women gymnasts (I hope so!)

Chat Blanc - Oh, it is a good workout, running around a playground, especially if you have small children to chase after.

geerte said...

That is amazing!

mills said...

If you haven't been involved in weight strength training in the past, it is really easy to get confused by all the different kind of home Gym Equipment that is on the market today.

mikegxf said...

When it comes to making an informed decision, most of us won’t even be able to learn about the various pros and cons of different products and so, we will end up making our selections based on hearsay, personal whims and fancies and perhaps,according to the cost of different fitness treadmill equipment. In fact ,such equipment must, at the very least, help to raise your heart rate adequately so that you can succeed in improving the condition and functioning of your heart