Physical Culture Activities

Physical Culture often referred to as Physie (pronounced fizzy) began in the 19^th century.

Physical culture began as it was noted due to success and increased standards of living the middle classes of the 19^th century had increasing sedentary lifestyles and were suffering from diseases associated with reduced activity levels. Sounds familiar doesn’t it.Initially, physie was developed to encourage these people into a more active life. The origins of the physie movements are drawn from a range of traditional folk games, dancing, sport, military training and medical callisthenics. Exercises from many different fields of sport where also included such as fencing, boxing and wrestling.

At the heart of physie are health & strength training and fun.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines physical culture as:

physical culture, regimen, or lifestyle seeking maximum physical development through such means as weight (resistance) training, diet, aerobic activity, athletic competition, and mental discipline. Specific benefits include improvements in health, appearance, strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, and general fitness as well as greater proficiency in sport activities.

The routines that the girls learn in modern day physie are designed to be age appropriate and to develop:

• Strength
• Postural awareness
• Fitness & flexibility
• Balance, co-ordination and discipline

Girls can begin physie classes from age 3. Classes normally cost around $5 making this an affordable kid’s activity. During physie classes, girls learn dance and exercise routines to modern music designed for fitness and fun. For the more competitive girls there are competitions at local through to National levels. Physie is a sport for life with many ladies competing or partaking for fitness and fun.

For all related Physical culture, activities visit the ActiveActivities directory for comprehensive details on your local physical culture clubs and other kid’s activities.