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5 - Exercise, 1930–1939

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2020

James F. Stark
Affiliation:
University of Leeds
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Summary

The physical culture movement, prominent during the second half of the nineteenth century, had far-reaching effects on rejuvenation in Britain. This chapter considers how regimes of exercise came to be seen as essential components in maintaining a state of youth and beauty (particularly for women). The cosmetics pioneer Elizabeth Arden attempted to capitalise on the popularity of the mass exercise movement by opening an ‘exercise salon’ at her exclusive Bond Street beauty parlour during the early 1930s. At the same time, the Women’s League for Health and Beauty advocated group exercise which included dance, callisthenics and remedial, slimming and rhythmical exercise to music. These mass-participation franchises brought an affordable alternative to expensive personal training for the working classes. The expansion of organised exercise, fuelled by a vibrant youth culture, led to the youthful body becoming an object of celebration. The ideal physique – youthful, lithe and strong – was now held up as an attainable goal for all. Indeed, it was seen as a true expression of the natural instinct of the body, drawing inspiration from naturalistic movements in politics and culture.

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Chapter
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The Cult of Youth
Anti-Ageing in Modern Britain
, pp. 138 - 169
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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  • Exercise, 1930–1939
  • James F. Stark, University of Leeds
  • Book: The Cult of Youth
  • Online publication: 28 February 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108695428.005
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  • Exercise, 1930–1939
  • James F. Stark, University of Leeds
  • Book: The Cult of Youth
  • Online publication: 28 February 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108695428.005
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Exercise, 1930–1939
  • James F. Stark, University of Leeds
  • Book: The Cult of Youth
  • Online publication: 28 February 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108695428.005
Available formats
×