First Gym Instructors

October 2, 2009

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Profile America — Friday, October 2nd. Many Americans are dedicated to staying fit. Often, they have exercise equipment at home, and many hotels maintain workout rooms for their traveling guests. But most people interested in fitness plan their busy schedules to include exercising at a local gym on a regular basis. Along with a variety of equipment, these facilities usually offer professional instruction, either to groups or individuals. The first gymnasium to offer systematic instruction was started this week in 1823 by the Round Hill School in Northampton, Massachusetts. Now, nearly 37 million Americans workout on a regular basis at a local club or gym. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Kane's Famous First Facts, 7371
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 1209
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2009edition.html