When temperatures rise outdoors, more and more people head outside. Many engage in sports. A hundred years ago, it was no different.
Georg Müller, an orthopedic doctor from Berlin, invented a novel exercise device shortly after the turn of the century that could be used anytime and anywhere: the Autogymnast. It is simple to use and provides a comprehensive workout for the body. “The Autogymnast consists of a belt fastened around the waist. On each side, a ring is attached, which must sit precisely at the hips. … Through the ring runs an elastic cord, which ends at a handle at the top and a stirrup at the bottom.” Once secured, a variety of exercises can be performed: arm and leg exercises, push-ups, or exercises lying on the back.
Even back then, it was recommended to take short breaks from desk work to perform a few light exercises. “In any case, it is necessary to exercise without restrictive clothing, without a corset, without an overskirt …” The Autogymnast is available in different sizes, and the appropriate size can be determined from a sizing chart. The device was manufactured by Wilhelm Anhalt GmbH, Ostseebad Kolberg. Since 1885, the pharmacist had been producing body care products (creams, soaps, or sea sand-almond bran) and selling them to spa guests. The brand AOK—an acronym for Anhalt Ostseebad Kolberg—is still well known today.
