This detailed guide from 1914 is dedicated to bringing the fighting forces of the US Army up to exacting physical fitness standards. The volume represents the major fitness themes of the early 20th century included guidance of barbells, pommel horse, Olympic bars and rings and much more.

The manual is designed for use by training personnel and explains how to best create a training environment, deliver training and measure and monitor results. With the tensions and eventual war breaking out in 1914, the guide represents a trend for heightening of fitness standards for all western armies at the time.

There are interesting and poignant prefaces from Major General, Chief of Staff Leonard Wood which set the scene for the Army's evolving demands. Watch out too for the unique sections on use of the rifle as a fitness tool for dexterity and calisthenics.

Published just prior to the outbreak of World War 1, this beautifully illustrated guide was designed to revolutionise the combat fitness and readiness of the US Army covering a wide range of gymnastic and combat calisthenic exercises.