Aerobics Collection

The Womens League of Health & Beauty exercise classes, 1938
Health and beauty-a morning exercise class at Harrington Road, London, as conducted by Helen Stack(cousin of Prunella Stack)for the Womens League of Health and Beauty

Woman sitting on exercise ball
MODEL RELEASED. Woman exercising with an exercise ball (Swiss ball). A wide variety of exercises can be performed with this piece of equipment. It is used in the Pilates exercise system

Group of young men exercising outdoors with weights (B&W)
archival image

Woman using an exercise ball
MODEL RELEASED. Woman using an exercise ball (Swiss ball) to do sit-ups. A variety of exercises can be performed with this piece of equipment. It is used in the Pilates exercise system

Danish disco dancer Sis Pedersen displayed rather more of herself than planned as she limbered up for the world disco dancing championship to be held in London December 1979

Shoot for John Lewis Partnership product packaging - tights - circa 1960s. Date: 1960s

Kitty Cats Rainbow Workout
Vertigo Artography

Yoga Sun Salutations Sequence Illustration
Illustration Steps of Yoga Sun Salutation

Aerobic dancers Denise Oliver and Paul Renforth get ready for a session

This one man seems to be enjoying this keep-fit session surrounded by women

Evening Chronicle & North East Fit Association Panorama of Movement & Dance at Eldon Square Recreation Centre

A group aerobics session

PERSIAN GYMNASTS
Persian athletes exercise to the accompaniment of music Date: circa 1835

A large group of London Schoolgirls performing a synchronised aerobic gymnastic routine. Date: circa 1935

12th Deutsches Turnfest, Leipzig, Germany
" Heart and hand to the fatherland!" - 12th Deutsches Turnfest (German Gymnastics Festival) at Leipzig - 12th-16th July. Date: 1913

Gymnastics at the Hermitage School, Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1907 by Jean-Ovide Decroly (18711932), a Belgian teacher and psychologist. Date: circa 1920

Gymnastics - 1890 Engraving

Young woman doing aerobics in lycra and legwarmers. Date: circa 1980s

Riviera Aerobics Class
A keep fit class doing aerobic exercises with beach balls on the French Riviera, the young women copying the actions of a young male fitness instructor. Date: early 1930s

Beach Exercises
29th March 1929: A group of children playing at aerobics in the sea at Bognor. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Picture No. 11067134
Cat Donskoy kitten. Date:

Picture No. 11067121
Cat Donskoy kitten. stretching. Date:

Picture No. 11067123
Cat Donskoy kitten. stretching. Date:

British Gymnastics Display with announcer & seated audience
Unintentionally hilarious photographic postcard of a British Gymnastics Display with announce/trainer (armed with a megaphone) and a very reserved seated audience

WWI - What a Pleasure to be a Soldier! Two cheeky (and rather rotund) Geman privates mimic their commanding officer and his hands-on-hips pose - with considerable comic effect!

Woman in leotard exercising during the 1980s

12th Deutsches Turnfest at Leipzig
12th Deutsches Turnfest (German Gymnastics Festival) at Leipzig - 12th-16th July, 1913. Adorning the festival garland Date: 1913

New York chefs exercising
Hotel Commodore, New York. A group of chefs on the roof, Chef Leoni and his cooks exercising 1920

Woman catching a ball
MODEL RELEASED. Woman catching a ball

Policemen doing synchronised exercises
Policemen doing synchronised gymnastic exercises

D-Day - Limbering up for the Invasion
American soldiers use the dockside in a small English harbour to keep fit during the pre-landing period. The landing ships are berthed alongside

The Turnfest - Bern - July 1906
Swiss-wide Gymnastics Festival which takes place every six years - founded in the early 19th century (24th April 1832 in Aaru) and continues to this day

Fleet Street newspaper clerks exercising at lunch time
Young clerks of the advertising departments of newspapers on Fleet Street assemble each lunch time at St. Brides Institute (the artistic headquarters of Londons printers)

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In 1938, the Women's League of Health & Beauty revolutionized exercise classes with their innovative aerobics routines. With a woman confidently sitting on an exercise ball, they paved the way for a new era of fitness. Outdoors, a group of young men could be seen breaking a sweat as they lifted weights, showcasing the strength and determination that defined this form of exercise. Meanwhile, another woman gracefully used an exercise ball to challenge her balance and core strength. The versatility of these balls allowed individuals to engage in various exercises while improving their overall fitness levels. Sometimes even unexpected moments occurred during aerobic sessions - just like Danish disco dancer Sis Pedersen unintentionally revealing more than planned. However, such incidents only added to the excitement and unpredictability that came with this energetic workout routine. For those seeking inner peace and flexibility, yoga sun salutations became an integral part of many aerobics routines. Illustrated sequences demonstrated how these graceful movements not only improved physical health but also nurtured mental well-being. Across different cultures, Persian gymnasts showcased their incredible skills and athleticism through captivating performances. Their dedication to training was evident as they pushed boundaries and amazed audiences worldwide. Back in London, a large group of schoolgirls mesmerized spectators with their synchronized aerobic gymnastic routine. This display highlighted both teamwork and individual discipline within the world of aerobics. Even in Leipzig, Germany at the 12th Deutsches Turnfest event, athletes from all walks of life gathered together to celebrate gymnastics - including various forms of aerobics. It was here that participants showcased their passion for movement while inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle. Finally, capturing the essence of youthful energy and vitality was a young woman fully immersed in her aerobics session. Through dynamic movements combined with upbeat music, she exemplified how this form of exercise empowered individuals by promoting physical fitness alongside mental clarity. From its humble beginnings in 1938 to the present day, it has evolved into a global phenomenon.