The Evolution Of Physical Education: The History Of Physical Education

The history of physical education goes back to ancient times, if people think of it in the simple terms of fitness.Today, people actually think of physical education more in terms of health and physical education. Indeed, probably most schools in America today even separate health and physical education classes.The history of physical education verifies that in many of the ancient cultures sports, and fitness, were a way of life. Sports were often a way for young men to develop the skills and strength necessary to be warrior (Dalleck 2) .Young women were generally not involved in these sports because the sports were associated with military training. The ancient Persians, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans all had fitness training regimens and young men expected to serve in the military (Dalleck 2).

The first modern physical education movement, which was centered on physical fitness, came in the form of gymnastics programs becoming especially prevalent in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Great Britain.The growth of gymnastics in Germany can be primarily attributed to the work of two physical educators: Johann Guts Muths and Friedrich Jahn. Muths invented numerous exercise programs and the equipment upon which they were performed (Dalleck 3). As you look at the history of physical education in Europe from the 18th and 19th centuries and you can see its impact on American schools. As Europeans moved to the United states they brought with them aspects of their culture, including