
Contents
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‘We must avoid anything which tires us excessively’ ‘We must avoid anything which tires us excessively’
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‘There cannot be just one kind of exercise for all natures, times, ages, and places’ ‘There cannot be just one kind of exercise for all natures, times, ages, and places’
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Exercise for the elites Exercise for the elites
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The body of the gentleman, the body of the devout Christian The body of the gentleman, the body of the devout Christian
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Games, old and new Games, old and new
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Walking as exercise: the lay narrative Walking as exercise: the lay narrative
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Conclusion Conclusion
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5 Gentle Exercise and Genteel Living
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Published:November 2013
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Abstract
Starting with an exploration of ancient views of exercise, we discuss ways in which Renaissance physicians departed from classical and medieval precedents by expressing a preference for moderate, even ‘weak’ forms of exercise, above all gentle walking. This meshed with notions of sobriety and bodily decorum promoted by Counter-Reformation writers and with new notions of noble lifestyle. Gentle physical exercise was promoted as the ideal, particularly for the elites, but doctors increasingly relied also on categories of age when advising on exercise. At the level of practice we note the increased popularity of activities such as fencing, dancing, vaulting, and dressage which emphasized grace and decorum; likewise certain ball games, such as billiards and pall-mall, were seen as less vigorous and therefore more suited to the elites. Reflecting beliefs that travelling was a form of exercise, these views justified changes in forms of transport, with litters and carriages replacing riding.
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