7 Exercise Manuals

Book excerpt: The first manuals for women’s physical fitness and exercise were published in the 19th century. This volume of the Sports She Wrote series presents seven calisthenics manuals authored by women from 1827 to 1900, reflecting the evolving landscape of women's physical fitness, including more than 200 illustrations (102,000 words). On the Utility of Exercise (1827) by Marian Mason introduces calisthenics set to music. A Course of Calisthenics for Young Ladies (1831) by "M." (presumably Marian Mason) features detailed illustrated exercises and an early exercise machine with weights and pulleys. Calisthenic Exercises for Schools, Families and Health Establishments (1856) by Catharine Beecher (excerpts) emphasizes physical education for women. The Laws of Life (1859) by Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell challenges stereotypes of female frailty. Physical Culture, Beauty, Ideals (1892) by Mrs. John Bailey focuses on short daily exercises for self-improvement. Psycho-Physical Culture (1892) by the Thomas sisters (excerpts) promotes mind-body interconnectedness. School Gymnastics Free Hand (1900) by Jessie H. Bancroft (excerpts) offers comprehensive exercises for schoolchildren. These manuals contribute to understanding women's historical engagement with physical fitness, health and exercise during an era when the concept of women training with weights and acquiring strength was new, controversial and often misunderstood. Sports She Wrote is a 31-volume time-capsule of primary documents written by more than 500 women in the 19th century.