The following from a Navy magazine of 1896..
INSTRUCTION in Gymnastics, properly so called, is of recent introduction in the Navy, consequent to a great extent upon the abolition of masts and sails. Formerly the necessary handling of the sails, etc., at sea, and the keen competition at exercises aloft in harbour, constituted a kind of gymnastics, and occupied with advantage a considerable amount of time. No one will contend, however, that these supplied the place of systematic physical exercises in any true sense: their tendency was, as has been well remarked by a recent writer, to promote the development of huge arms and shoulders, steady heads, and very unsteady legs, with a slouching gait which has become a by-word as a characteristic of the sailor. The introduction of mastless ships has led in a double manner to the institution of regular physical exercises: the huge gymnasium of the masts and rigging has disappeared, and the time formerly occupied in exercises thereon has to be filled up in some other way. Hence the existence of the Naval Gymnastic Instructor as a recognised individual, in receipt of extra allowances to the amount of 4d. per diem, or £6 1s. 8d. per annum, in consideration of imparting instruction in the use of dumb-bells, Indian clubs, foils, parallel bars. etc.. and the carrying out of physical exercises with squads of men, either by means of the poles manufactured for the purpose, or the rifle as a substitute. A good physique is, of course, a” sine qua non” in the selection of our future men-of-war’s men, and the subject of our illustration, surrounded by the implements of his office, is a good specimen of somewhat exceptional physical development, but there are many like him to be met with among our bluejackets, and everyone who has had the opportunity of seeing bodies of them under arms must realise the immense improvement manifested in their upright carriage, firm swinging step, and generally smart appearance. That this is due, in a great measure, to the introduction of regular physical exercises, there can be no question.
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