Emerging in colonial India, the fitness fad that was Indian Club Swinging became a global exercise practice in the early 19th century. Used by physicians, soldiers, gymnasts, children and athletes alike, clubs were used to solve numerous social concerns and ills, and often prescribed to treat everything from depression to spinal abnormalities. This book provides a definitive account of the rise and spread of club swinging as it spread from India to Europe and America, asking why and how it became so popular. Discussing the global, commercial fitness culture of the 19th century, Indian Club Swinging and the Birth of Global Fitness explores how the popularity of this exercise reflected much deeper global and domestic concerns about body image, military preparation and education. Addressing broader questions about nationalism, gender, race and popular commerce across the British Empire, it highlights the origins of our modern transnational fitness culture and shows how it intersected with global and colonial understandings of health, medicine and education.

This book, by Professor Harrison, teaches helpful techniques to help its readers perfect the arts of using dumb-bells and swords. Whether you are a seasoned expert or new to sword-play, you are sure to learn a thing or two from this text.

First published in 1866, The Indian Club Exercise is a vintage exercise book featuring original illustrations and classic workout routines to help beginners master the skill of Indian clubs. Complete with the original illustrations and figures, this volume features a series of workout routines and exercises that are perfect for beginners. The opening chapters include an introduction to the art of Indian clubs, as well as a history of physical culture. Indian clubs, or Iranian clubs, are a type of exercise equipment resembling elongated bowling pins that are traditionally used to develop strength. They are usually wooden, but come in a range of shapes and sizes and can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to fifty pounds each. Indian clubs were most commonly used in Iran during exercise classes that would include choreographed routines led by an instructor. This volume features chapters such as: - General Remarks on Physical Culture - Introduction to the Exercises - The Alphabet of the Club Exercise - The Exercises, with Illustrated Figures - Exercises for Ladies and Concluding Remarks This traditional exercise book has been proudly republished by Read & Co. Books. Not to be missed by those who are interested in classic workout guides or fitness enthusiasts who want to try something new.