Spartan Athletic Routine

by Mad_Dokter

Just wondering if any historians knew the exact workout routine that the Spartans did.

Tallows

Its not exactly known as far to what the exact workout routine was for Spartans in the agoge and the military. But, what we do know from people like Xenophon and Aristotle is that gymnastics were performed to improve agility (both for males and females). Running was also performed to increase endurance for the Spartiates as well as being forced to live many days in the wilderness alone to survive. As far as weightlifting went there are no sources to suggest they participated in anything as such but rather would have done body exercises like push-ups, sit ups etc. The reason the Spartans were known for their athleticism and endurance did not come from just a routine but rather their whole life dedicated to becoming the best possible soldier for Sparta which included doing things as living in communal messes (ssysition) and wearing only one garment per year, regardless of the harsh weather conditions that took place.