Figure 1.-- The origins of the Swedish gymnastics movement was fencing. Here is a fencing lesson in 1908, probably in a high school. We suspect this is a club rather than a school class even though it may have been a school gym. |
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The idea of phsical fitness seems to have attracted some interest in Sweden during the 18th century. One of the first real athletic activities in Swedish schools and universities was fencing. Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) played a major role in introducing an organized gymastics program to Swedish schools. Ling was appointed fencing master at Lund University (1805). A decade later Ling help found the Central Gymnastic Institute (1813). The Institute played a major role in introducing gymnastics to Sweden's developing scgool system. Ling's essential idea was that the selection and type of exercises should be based on the actual requirements of the body. Ling saw that implements or exercise devices could be helpful. His one basic book is a classic in the development of gymastics and phsicl education. [Ling] Ling's sussessor, Gabriel Brating (1799-1881) ans son, Hjalmar Ling (1820-86), continued his work. They lectured at the Institute promoting Ling's ideas in the Sewdish educational and medical establishment. Hjalmar Link became a respected expert in the field of medical gymnastics, but concetrated his efforts in school gymnastics. [Sundbärg]
Ling, Per Henrik. Principles of Gymnastics.
Sundbärg, Axel Gustav. Sweden: Its People and Its Industry (Hedwig Biörklund: 1904).
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