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A gym is a large room, usually containing special equipment, where people go to do physical exercise and get fit.
History of Gym
While GutsMuths is considered the grandfather, it is Friedrich Ludwig Jahn who is dubbed the father of gymnastics (or Turnvater in native German). Born in Brandenburg, Prussia (now northeast Germany), Jahn was responsible for opening an open-air gymnasium in Berlin in 1811 (illustration below).
Memberships and modernisation
The popularity of gymnastics continued to spread throughout the world and just as Europe had given birth to the first gymnastic club, it’s also thought to be the birthplace of the world’s first gym membership.
Both sides of the Atlantic
As we approached the 20th century, the evolution of gyms began to gather pace, thanks initially in part to businessman and eventual philanthropist, Sir George Williams. In 1844, Williams founded the Young Men’s Christian Association, now commonly known as the YMCA. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers in London, he started a bible and prayer study group that quickly established branches throughout England.