The Italian way to gymnastics: the psyco-kinetic theory of Baumann

The present paper aims to demonstrate how the gymnastics theory elaborated by Emilio Baumann differentiated itself from the rest of the 19th century theories about Physical Education – hygienic, ludic and neo-educational gymnastics – (Bonetta 1990). Of central concern is the fact that Baumann gave to gymnastics a «psycho-kinetic, that is educational and spiritual» purpose: in other words, he meant that gymnastics should have overcome the lack of will and character shown by Italian people. As a consequence, Baumann referred to his theory as «Italian gymnastics» in order to «distinguish it from the other forms of gymnastics, which have different methods as well as different aims» (Baumann, 1907). The focus of the current paper is the analysis of gymnastics literature written to support or contrast Baumann’s theory in order to collect evidence of the contribution of «Italian gymnastics» to the development of common values and moral will between Italians.