When did exercise become a leisure activity? Did citizens of ancient societies engage in regular exercise / gyms for purposes other than military or athletic?

by appliedcurio

Gyms are common in America, as other athletic activities like running. When did this become a thing for the average citizen?

jschooltiger

Hi there -- while there's always more to be said on this topic, you may be interested in these older threads:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/5hcclh/did_socrates_even_lift/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6g8iv9/how_did_people_from_ancient_greece_keep_their/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3qp4pu/greek_gods_are_always_so_ripped_the_muscles_on/