Exercise
In this era there is an increasing focus, especially amongst social classes of leisure, in maintaining and perfecting the physical form. Someone from the lower classes would be aghast at the idea that one needs to expend physical effort for aesthetic reasons, as their lives are full of toil. However, someone who does not need to physically work for a living may find waistlines expanding and health deteriorating without regular and healthful exercise. There are a variety of activities that the upper classes participate in including riding, walking, fencing, boxing, and calisthenics.
Members of the middle classes may also participate in various forms of exercise, depending upon free time and inclination. Some professions require physical prowess that must be maintained, and some people just enjoy the physical exertion or mastery of a particular physical skill.
Riding is generally done singly or in small groups, ladies often escorted and chaperoned. Riding can happen in any green space, but tends to be more favored in the country than the narrow confines of the city. Any riding to take the air is considered healthful, but jumping and more complicated maneuvers are reserved for experienced horse-people.
To walk or promenade is one of the most popular forms of exercise in any large city.
Fencing, Boxing, and other martial arts have historically been a male or ama’il pastime, but many women have made inroads into these disciplines in the last 50 years or so. Fencing with swords, hand to hand, self defense, stick fighting (with a cane or umbrella), and even more niche forms of martial arts from abroad all have their devotees. Most male-presenting nobles are expected to have at least a passing familiarity with fencing, due to a historical tradition of dueling amongst the upper classes over matters of honor following the rules of The Code Mensur. However, in recent years, many female-presenting nobles have taken up the sport as well. Various social clubs often have spaces set aside for these activities, and there are specialty clubs dedicated to various disciplines.
Calisthenics is a newer discipline, and primarily makes use of body movements to raise the heart rate and hone balance and strength. Weighted medicine balls as well as specialized machines with weights on pulley systems are also utilized. There are no such things as public gymnasiums, but many clubs catering to other fitness regimes such as fencing and boxing have started to carry equipment for calisthenics as well, as it is generally considered to be a good enhancement to other physical training. It is also not uncommon for wealthy exercise devotees to have a small room in their estates dedicated as a gymnasium for calisthenics and/or some form of martial arts.
Participants
There are no guilds who are deeply involved in the wider practice of fitness and exercise, but many guilds encourage exercise as a healthful and useful activity for their guild members to participate in.
Related Organizations