Antique 1900 Alois P. Swoboda PHYSIOLOGICAL EXERCISE Early Physique Bodybuilding

Antique, Early Physique & Bodybuilding…

c. 1900

Alois P. Swoboda

THE SWOBODA SYSTEM OF PHYSIOLOGICAL EXERCISE

Brochure Advertisement

This is an early foldout brochure advertisement for Alois P. Swoboda’s system of physiological exercise from the year 1900, based on resistance exercises.

Measures 4 1/4” by 6” closed, and folds opens to 4 panels measuring 8 1/2” x 12”.

Frontside contains photos and detailed information about Alois P. Swoboda & his exercise system with 2 photos, and backside has various testimonials from company presidents and the like, each dated between 1898-1900.

The Swobodian system was based on isometrics & positive thinking & continues to have adherents to this day.

Alois P. Swoboda (1873–1938) was a Physical Culture mail-order instructor. His course did not use apparatus or exercise equipment. Claims in Swoboda's courses included the ability to regrow lost limbs and heal a heart damaged by a heart attack. Swoboda was born in Vienna on March 8, 1873, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1881 with his father, Adolf Swoboda. They settled in Omaha, Nebraska where he quickly found work in the local bathhouses. Mr. Swoboda subsequently worked in Omaha meatpacking factories but did not receive medical training, etc., despite insinuations of a formal education.

Swoboda throughout his career advertised his pseudoscientific ideas under the names "System of Physiological Exercise", "Swoboda's System" and "Conscious Evolution". He described conscious evolution as "based upon a discovery in the cells of the body which I made, and which has revolutionized the effect of exercise."

His mail order advertisements promised to cure practically all diseases. He argued that his system was the only natural method for obtaining health as it rejuvenates cells, organs and tissue in the body. He also advertised his system as restoring youth, no matter the age. His exercise course did not use apparatus or exercise equipment. He charged $20 for his complete course which consisted of six tension exercise lessons, such as flexing the forearm. He also promised his readers that they have the guarantee of United States government that his system works. This false statement was later dropped.

Swoboda managed to dupe Woodrow Wilson into using his exercise system during 1901 and 1902. Swoboda's system was advertised in Harper's Weekly, Pearson's Magazine and Popular Mechanics.

CONDITION:

Excellent, antique pre-owned condition. Some light staining & wear to folds. See photos for details.

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