Bennington was founded and settled by workers: farmers and their wives, lumbermen, and factory laborers. These people worked hard all day long, they had no need of ‘exercise’. But as the 1800s progressed and more people worked in offices or shops, the popularity of “Physical Culture” grew. It began in Europe, then moved to the US. The idea of organized physical activity was seen to be emblematic of American vigor and our egalitarian social structure. Or maybe not.

Advances in medicine and increasing improvements in health care made people aware that good health was not random, but that exercise and healthy living could be beneficial. The 1800s were also a time of thinking that getting out into nature was healthy, an idea that prompted the founding of summer camps for children in Bennington.

On the darker side, the tide of migration from southern Europe made some Americans wish to maintain and demonstrate the superiority of their citizens compared to the impoverished and underfed new comers. Thus exercising was the key to fitness and national pride. Schools also promoted the ideas of European influencers by providing physical education in the curriculum. It was thought that fit and athletic people of all ages were typical of American exceptionalism.

Some people exercised in groups, and working out with Indian Clubs was called ‘calesthenics’. The clubs were popularized by British soldiers stationed in India who saw native wrestlers exercising with heavy clubs. A lighter weight version was developed and became universally adopted.

Others exercised on their own, hiking or bicycling. From 1860 to 1885, the bicycle was improved to the point that it was a pleasure to ride — a very popular form of exercise.

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