The effects of rhythmic gymnastics on the physical fitness of college women

Abstract

We are being called upon pre-eminently for one task—to improve physical vigor—through the medium of exercise. First things must come first once again. ... Our unique contribution to education is physical, not intellectual, technical, esthetic, or ethical. (31:119) A voice from the past decade, perhaps, but a voice that today is being echoed and re-echoed throughout the physical education profession as the demands of American society once again present our profession with a challenge. The challenge is that of helping to develop within American youth a level of fitness which will enable them to function effectively and efficiently in the modern world. This concept of fitness, or total fitness, encompasses such areas as emotional, social, mental, and physical fitness; it is with the latter element that the physical education profession is concerned