Calisthenics: History of Pullups and Pushups

Summary

This video explores the rich history of calisthenics, tracing its evolution from ancient times to modern-day freestyle practices. It highlights the shift from military and gymnastic origins to creative bodyweight exercises like pushups and pullups, which gained mainstream attention in the 20th century. The development of freestyle calisthenics, particularly in New York's urban communities in the 1990s and 2000s, is also emphasized, with notable influences from pop culture and fitness pioneers like Bruce Lee and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The rise of competitive calisthenics in the 2000s solidified the movement's global reach and recognition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The word 'calisthenics' was coined in 1826 and initially referred to exercises that were part of military training and gymnastic routines.
• 😀 The first official association of calisthenics with pushups occurred in 1887, when Herman Koehler published a system of exercises at West Point Military Academy.
• 😀 Pullups were not originally considered part of calisthenics but were used as a strength measurement in military training, becoming more closely associated with calisthenics by the 1930s/40s.
• 😀 The development of calisthenics in the early 20th century was heavily influenced by German gymnastic traditions, which spread throughout the US Army and playgrounds.
• 😀 Rhythmic calisthenics became popular in countries like the US, Soviet Union, and Nazi Germany in the 1920s and 1930s, with regular broadcasts encouraging daily exercise.
• 😀 The culture of freestyle calisthenics emerged in the 1990s in New York City, where athletes began incorporating creative moves into traditional bodyweight exercises.
• 😀 The 'Thug Workout' DVD (2002) and the Bar-Tendaz VHS (2003) helped popularize freestyle calisthenics, reaching at-risk youth and spreading through urban culture.
• 😀 The first official freestyle calisthenics competitions were organized in 2008, giving rise to teams and increasing the visibility of the sport.
• 😀 Freestyle calisthenics became mainstream in the late 2000s, largely due to viral videos of athletes like Hannibal and the Calisthenic Kingz, as well as celebrities promoting the sport.
• 😀 Social media, especially YouTube, played a significant role in the global spread of freestyle calisthenics, leading to millions of views and fostering a new generation of athletes.

Q & A

When did the term 'calisthenics' first appear, and what did it initially refer to?

The term 'calisthenics' was first coined in 1826 in London. Initially, it referred to a form of exercise focused more on general movements and warm-ups, rather than the specific bodyweight exercises associated with calisthenics today.

How did pushups and pullups get associated with calisthenics, and when did this happen?

Pushups were first linked to calisthenics in 1887, through Herman Koehler's military calisthenic system for West Point. Pullups, on the other hand, were associated with calisthenics later, around the 1930s or 1940s, although not everyone agreed on their inclusion due to debates about whether calisthenics should involve equipment.

What role did the Prussian Army's gymnastic exercises play in the development of calisthenics in the U.S.?

The Prussian Army's gymnastic exercises influenced Herman Koehler's calisthenic system, which was introduced at West Point in 1887. This system spread throughout the U.S. Army and laid the foundation for early military-based calisthenics, including exercises like pushups.

What is the significance of the 1890s in the history of pushup and pullup competitions?

In the 1890s, pushup and pullup competitions began to be held in American universities, schools, and YMCAs. This marked the first formal recognition of these exercises as part of physical fitness competitions, although they were not yet associated with the term 'calisthenics.'

Why were rhythmic calisthenics so popular in the early 20th century, and which countries adopted them?

Rhythmic calisthenics became popular in the early 20th century due to their adoption in countries like the U.S., Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and Japan. These exercises were often used for mass fitness programs, broadcasted on the radio to encourage citizens to engage in daily physical activity.

How did the Great Gama influence the history of calisthenics?

The Great Gama, a legendary Indian wrestler, popularized the Hindu push-up (dand), which is a variation of the pushup, but he did not invent the pushup itself. The pushup's association with calisthenics came later, as part of broader fitness trends in the military and schools.

What impact did World War I and the disappearance of Turnen organizations have on calisthenics in America?

After World War I, German Turnen organizations faded in America due to their associations with German culture, making way for other forms of exercise. As a result, gymnastics in the U.S. shifted away from German influences, and calisthenics became more associated with military and school-based fitness programs.

How did freestyle calisthenics evolve, and when did it become recognized as a sport?

Freestyle calisthenics evolved in the 1990s, particularly in urban environments like New York, where athletes started adding creative spins to traditional exercises like pullups and pushups. It officially became recognized as a sport with the first freestyle competitions held in 2008.

What role did the Bar-Tendaz group play in the popularization of freestyle calisthenics?

The Bar-Tendaz group, formed in the early 2000s, played a crucial role in popularizing freestyle calisthenics through DVDs and social media. Their focus on creative and athletic bar tricks helped spread calisthenics to a broader audience, particularly to disadvantaged youth in New York.

How did social media and viral videos contribute to the global spread of freestyle calisthenics?

Social media and viral videos played a key role in spreading freestyle calisthenics, particularly through platforms like YouTube. Athletes like Hannibal and Beast gained international fame as their videos, showcasing advanced bar tricks and strength feats, garnered millions of views and inspired new practitioners.