German and Swedish Gymnastics

Friedrich Ludwig Jahn was know as "father of gymnastics," Turnvater Jahn. After he joined the prussian army he devoted his life to restoring the spirits of his fellow countrymen by their development of their physical and moral powers through the practice of gymnastics.He started this movement and gyms opened and clubs started all around Germany and became a major past time. Source: Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, 10/22/14.

German gymnastics was started Johann Guts Muth and Turbvater Jahn. It was physical conditioning that used large fixed apparatus, vaulting, and marching. The two men thought that the "militaristic" view of fitness was essential for a strong nation.Jahn preached this movement called the "Turnverein" to mold the youth of Germany into strong citizens. This movement was brought to the United States by Charles Beck, a German immigrant. In the United States the movement has the same basic ideas but wasn't as nationalistic as it was in Germany. Source: Battle of the Systems, 10/22/14.

Pehr Henrik Ling pioneered the teaching of physical education in Sweden. After restoring his health by being a fencing master he decided to apply his knowledge to benefit others.He took his ideas and expanded them while studying about anatomy, physiology, and through training of a doctor. He then elaborated a system of gymnastics, exercises and meneuvers divided into four branches: pedagogical, medical, military, and aesthetic. Source: Pehr Henrik Ling, 10/22/14.

Swedish gymnastics also refereed as "Swedish Movement Cure" was founded by Pehr Henrik Ling. This was a more health-oriented approach and recognized for inherent medical values.The Swedish "light gymnastics" consisted if calisthenics and exercises. The system was introduced in the States by Hartvig Nissen and Nils Posse the the 1880s. Source: Battle of the Systems, 10/22/14.