Fit for Life

Inspired by European and Scandinavian exercise styles, Physical Culture, or physie as it is now known, was developed by Danish-born Hans Christian BjelkePetersen in Hobart in 1892. (Incidentally the controversial Premier of Queensland (Sir Joh) has no part in this story but was Christian’s nephew). To commemorate the 125th anniversary, a comprehensive history was compiled by Jackie Rawlings, the Managing Director of its head body. It is a remarkable read with many photos which illustrate how far physie has come and what it has meant to so many people over the years. The organisation held a 125 Year Spectacular on 24th June, 2017 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, with 1,850 girls and women from across the country performing the history of physie in Australia.  Physie’s motto is ‘empowering girls for life’ and is a fusion of dance and sport for girls and women. According to Jackie it is exercise that can serve you throughout life. “Our youngest student is two-years-old and our oldest is 88,” she said.