Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Episode Summary: Ancient Eroticism, Pagan Workouts & Body Ideals: History of the Gym
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Eric Scheleen, author of Temple of Perfection: The History of the Gym
Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Gym History

In this episode, Kate Lister delves into the intriguing history of gyms, tracing their origins from ancient civilizations to their modern incarnations. Joined by Eric Scheleen, a historian and former personal trainer, the discussion explores how gyms have evolved as social institutions and their impact on body ideals and societal norms.

The Birth of Gym Culture in Ancient Greece

Kate Lister introduces listeners to ancient Greece, highlighting the significance of gymnasiums (gymnasia) around 700 BCE, coinciding with the advent of the first Olympic Games. Eric Scheleen elaborates:

"The gym was probably one of the most important institutions of civil society in ancient Greece. It was a multifunctional space dedicated to the training of male citizens."
— Eric Scheleen, [07:48]

Key points discussed include:

• Social Structure: Gymnasiums were exclusive to freeborn Greek men, excluding women and slaves.
• Activities: Training encompassed wrestling, boxing, running, javelin, discus, and pankration—a brutal blend of boxing and wrestling.
• Nudity and Eroticism: Exercising was done naked, a practice well-attested in sculptures and vase paintings, fostering same-sex camaraderie and eroticism.

The Decline of Gymnasiums: Roman and Medieval Shifts

The transition from Greek to Roman dominance marked a shift in gym culture. Scheleen explains:

"The Romans were much more prudish. They didn’t want to be naked in public like the Greeks... When the empire became Christian, gyms were abolished for about 1200 years."
— Eric Scheleen, [16:25]

Key changes included:

• Roman Influence: Roman gymnasiums were less prominent, focusing more on baths, which later became associated with brothels during the Middle Ages.
• Christianity’s Role: The rise of Christianity led to the dissolution of pagan institutions like gymnasiums, stalling the pursuit of physical fitness for centuries.

Renaissance Resurgence and Enlightenment Innovations

Scheleen outlines the re-emergence of gym culture during the Renaissance, inspired by revived interest in ancient medical texts advocating exercise for health. However, true gym establishments didn't materialize until the Enlightenment, driven by nationalistic movements post-French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

"Friedrich Jan created the first open-air gym, the Turnplatz, focusing on artistic gymnastics with parallel bars and running tracks."
— Eric Scheleen, [19:23]

Highlights include:

• Turnplatz: The foundation of modern gymnastics with equipment resembling adventure playgrounds.
• 19th Century Development: Indoor gyms began to resemble today’s facilities, equipped with standardized exercise apparatus.

The Victorian Era and Eugen Sandow: Shaping Modern Body Ideals

The Victorian period saw a surge in health consciousness, led by figures like Eugen Sandow, dubbed the "father of modern bodybuilding."

"Sandow posed naked for reproducing classical statues, blending art with physical culture, appealing especially to women."
— Eric Scheleen, [25:18]

Key developments:

• Eugen Sandow: Established the first indoor gym in London, promoting physical fitness among the elite.
• Female Bodybuilders: Early female strongwomen emerged but were often seen as freakish, a precursor to post-WWII shifts.
• Post-War Transformation: Jane Fonda’s aerobics videos revolutionized female fitness, balancing strength with femininity and transforming gym culture into a more inclusive space.

Gender Dynamics and the Integration of LGBTQ+ Influences

The episode delves into how gender and sexuality intersect with gym culture:

• Gay Gym Culture: Initially a space for gay men to reclaim masculinity, influencing broader body ideals by promoting toned and aesthetically pleasing physiques over sheer muscularity.

  "Gym culture influenced gays to reclaim their masculinity, and now it's the gays influencing straight men’s body ideals."
  — Eric Scheleen, [36:06]

• Proxy Gay Erotica: Fitness magazines served as discreet avenues for men in the closet to appreciate male beauty without overt acknowledgment.

The Impact of World Wars and Media on Gym Culture

Scheleen discusses the effects of the World Wars and media on gym perceptions:

• World Wars: Shifted focus towards military fitness over personal aesthetics, temporarily disrupting gym culture.

• Superman and Media Influence: The emergence of hyper-masculine figures like Superman and Arnold Schwarzenegger popularized muscular ideals, partly fueled by steroid use.

  "Arnold Schwarzenegger represents the hyper-masculine ideal realized through bodybuilding and media portrayal."
  — Eric Scheleen, [34:31]

The Modern Gym: Diversity and Technological Integration

Current gym culture is characterized by diversity and technological advancements:

• Inclusive Spaces: Modern gyms cater to a wide demographic, breaking down previous gender and age barriers.

• Technological Innovations: Integration of digital elements like virtual reality and interactive equipment enhances the exercise experience.

  "Virtual reality gyms could allow training with ancient Greek athletes or icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger."
  — Eric Scheleen, [39:35]

The Future of Gym Culture

Looking ahead, Scheleen anticipates continued growth and specialization in gym offerings:

"Gyms are becoming specialist, with offerings like Peloton-style cycling and virtual reality experiences shaping the future."
— Eric Scheleen, [39:35]

Predicted trends include:

• Specialized Gyms: Focused on specific types of workouts catering to varied interests.
• Digital Integration: Enhanced use of technology to create immersive and personalized fitness experiences.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Gym

Kate Lister wraps up the episode by acknowledging the gym’s enduring role in society as a hub for physical fitness, social interaction, and cultural expression. The conversation with Eric Scheleen underscores the gym's evolution from ancient sanctuaries of athleticism to modern fitness centers embracing diversity and technological advancements.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Scheleen: "The gym was probably one of the most important institutions of civil society in ancient Greece."
  — [07:48]

• Eric Scheleen: "The Romans were much more prudish... gyms were abolished for about 1200 years."
  — [16:25]

• Eric Scheleen: "Eugen Sandow established the first real indoor gym in London... blending art with physical culture."
  — [25:18]

• Eric Scheleen: "Arnold Schwarzenegger represents the hyper-masculine ideal realized through bodybuilding and media portrayal."
  — [34:31]

• Eric Scheleen: "Virtual reality gyms could allow training with ancient Greek athletes or icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger."
  — [39:35]

For more explorations into the history of sex, scandal, and society, tune into future episodes of Betwixt The Sheets by History Hit.