CALISTHENIGS: FOR PRIMARY
CONDITIONING

The Navy has large numbers of men to condition in a
comparatively short time. Often, space is limited. Calis-
thenics have proved to be one of the best mass methods for
accomplishing this end. Practically all great athletes and
athletic coaches include calisthenic exercises and drills as
part of their training routines. Calisthenics are used for
warm-up and limbering-up purposes before many sports.
In many instances calisthenic exercises also serve as a “taper-
ing-off” period at the conclusion of a practice or drill ses-
sion. In the Navy that also is the role of calisthenics. They
are a part of, not the entire physical fitness program, as is
evidenced by the broad scope of activities shown elsewhere
in this article.

Many times men find themselves alone. Calisthenics are
a means by which they can obtain exercise under such cir-
cumstances,

At Salerno, Italy, men of a U. S. cruiser get daily workout
aboard ship. Calisthenics take up little room.

Drill with rifles is one form of calisthenics. Four other
orms (there are dozens) are shown on the opposite page.