You might think of the gym as a modern invention, with its metal equipment both shiny and matte, hi-tech performance fabrics and electronic machines whirring away—but you’d only be half right. Indeed, the modern gym has its roots on the beaches of Southern California, where GIs returning from World War II congregated for group exercise en plein air. Through sun-kissed fitness sessions, they sought camaraderie, sex appeal and an escape from the humdrum existences of their parents and grandparents, says Eric Chaline, author of The Temple of Perfection: A History of the Gym, on the phone from his home in London. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-six Buy Now Related Stories Design Interiors Issue 44 Giancarlo Valle At work with Giancarlo Valle. Interiors Issue 44 Home Tour: Gergei Erdei Inside the London apartment uniting Greek mythology, medieval iconography and 1970s glamour. Design Interiors Issue 43 Vincent Van Duysen At home with the cult architect. Interiors Issue 43 Home Tour: Rose Uniacke An elegant palazzo—in Pimlico. Design Interiors Issue 42 Studio Tour: Fernando Caruncho Gardens sit between the natural and the artificial. George Upton meets the man mediating between the two. Interiors I’LL BE YOUR MIRROR Worlds collide in a Milanese apartment.
Interiors Issue 44 Home Tour: Gergei Erdei Inside the London apartment uniting Greek mythology, medieval iconography and 1970s glamour.
Design Interiors Issue 42 Studio Tour: Fernando Caruncho Gardens sit between the natural and the artificial. George Upton meets the man mediating between the two.
