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Story: Gyms

Auckland YMCA gymnasium members, 1913

Auckland Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) gymnasium members pose with gym equipment in front of admiring onlookers. A number of YMCAs set up gyms in the 19th century to provide opportunities for young men to build strength and fitness.

Using this item

Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Reference: AWNS-19130925-48-4

by W. Beattie

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

David Green, Gyms – Origins of the gym, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/zoomify/41024/auckland-ymca-gymnasium-members-1913 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by David Green, published 7 March 2013.