Story: Gyms

Public service gymnasium

During the Second World War public servants who had not joined the forces were urged 'do your bit – keep fit'. In Wellington a public service gymnasium was set up in an Anglican church hall in Thorndon, with separate classes for men and women. This initiative arose from the widely held view that physical fitness was essential for national defence and public morale during wartime.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: ACGO 8333 IA1 W2578 183 139/33

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

David Green, 'Gyms - Twentieth-century developments', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/41030/public-service-gymnasium (accessed 17 April 2024)

Story by David Green, published 5 Sep 2013