What did fitness equipment look like 100 years ago? They are still used in Russia today

The era of modern exercise machines and fitness clubs began some 30-40 years ago. But the first prototypes of the devices we are used to today appeared more than a century ago. You will be surprised, but in Russia they continue to be used even nowadays, despite the constant improvements in sports equipment.

Invention of the first exercise machines for medical purposes

People from ancient times have been practicing sports, developing strength and endurance. In Babylon, ancient Greece, Egypt, Persia, India, China were fond of archery, running, horseback riding, javelin throwing, fencing, wrestling, swimming and even game sports. Then all of these were relegated to the background. But since the XVII century training began to experience a new heyday. The impetus was progress.

It was physicians who began to develop the forgotten direction of gymnastics. At the end of the XVIII century, the first likeness of the exercise bike was invented – gymnastikon. In the early XIX century, the Swede Per Ling laid the foundations of therapeutic gymnastics, his work was continued by physiotherapist Gustav Zander, the founder of mechanotherapy – a new method of training with the help of special devices. The doctor believed that muscles should be constantly trained and developed a series of devices that would imitate human movements.

Zander’s career developed rapidly. In 1857 he began developing his own devices, in 1865 he opened the Medical and Mechanical Institute in Stockholm and launched the production of the first, still experimental, simulators.

Apparatus for correcting the thorax

Apparatus for measuring the curvature of the spine.

Apparatus for cross-sectional measurement of body changes.

Zander also developed apparatuses for passive movements, which acted on muscles mechanically – by rolling, pushing, vibration. The distinctive feature of his devices was that the exercises could be carried out individually, without the presence of a specialist nearby.

Chest expansion machine

It increases blood flow to the lungs and raises the heart rate.

Abdominal stretching machine

Stretching machine

Vibromassager

Torso twisting machine, strengthens the abdominal muscles.

There was also a similar machine for the pelvis.

Cycling machine

Vertical traction

A machine for bringing the legs together and apart.

Zander’s apparatus in the movie “Love and Doves”.

Seventy years after Zander’s apparatuses were distributed, modern exercise machines were invented in the United States. But it is surprising that the heritage of the Swedish physiotherapist continues to be used in our time. In Essentuki there is still a gym with original Zander’s apparatuses. By the way, the manufacturers gave a guarantee for 500 years, so that the rare devices will serve for the benefit of health for a long time to come.

A conspicuous building with turrets and a signboard “Mechanotherapy” is in demand among spa guests. People develop their joints after fractures, recover from surgeries, receive apparatus massage. The main advantage of Tsander’s simulators is that unlike modern exercise machines, they give minimal strain on the heart.

Tsander’s apparatuses were even featured in the famous movie “Love and Doves”. Do you remember Raisa Zakharovna galloping in a mechanical saddle, Vasily wriggling funny on another device and unusual massagers? These are those famous simulators.

The rights to the video belong to the film concern “Mosfilm”. The video can be viewed on the “Mosfilm Film Concern” channel in YouTube