The origins of the Swedish Gymnasium date back to the 19th century. At that time, Per Henrik Ling, Swedish pedagogue, wants to improve the teaching methods of gymnastics and invents the fundamentals of the discipline.

In 1978, Johan Holmsäter, professor of physical education, took up the torch and improved the method.

"He wanted to create a link between sport and health through a fun activity and accessible to the greatest number," said Daniel Coury, Technical Director, trainer and facilitator of the Swedish Gym.

In order to better preserve the health of his students, he collaborates with a team of physiotherapists to develop a complete session, which respects the physical integrity of each one by ensuring that the work is balanced to maintain a good posture and respect the morphology of each one. All in music.

A sport to let off steam and let go

Abs, shoulders, arms, back, thighs, calves ... The different exercises offered in the Swedish Gym classes make the whole body work through simple movements, but always very tonic. "A good way to let off steam while having an optimal energy expenditure", according to Daniel Coury.

A session takes place in four stages: we start with the traditional warm-up before going on with a session of cardio and muscle building. We end with dynamic stretching.

Those looking to shed a few pounds will also be pleased to learn that you can lose between 400 and 700 calories per session. Of course, it depends on our morphology, our physical condition, but also the intensity of the course.

There is no need to use any accessories. In Swedish Gymnasium, we prefer "the joy of movement and the pleasure of moving," explains our expert.

Another positive point, it contributes to our "psychic well-being", he adds.

To hope to reap the multiple benefits of the discipline, one counts 2 to 3 sessions per week.

User-friendly sessions adapted to all

The sessions, which last an hour, are punctuated from beginning to end by various musical universes: "we go from classical to punk, through pop and French variety so as to satisfy everyone."

Each facilitator develops his course according to precise specifications. They draw in a bank of 500 movements, constantly reviewed and corrected by physiotherapists.

The exercises are never the same to not bother us with repetitive sequences. We do not get bogged down with too complicated choreography as it may be the case in a Zumba class .

"Everyone appropriates his session, we are not in the performance," says the technical director.

Indeed, unlike other group lessons, the Swedish Gymnasium does not push for "sports narcissism". The pupils move around the animator, without any mirror in front of them.

This sport-health is adapted to all and does not involve real contraindications, provided of course to opt for the intensity that corresponds to us.

• Standard: a class with an intensity suitable for everyone to improve their physical condition.
• Standard Soft: a course to understand the discipline.
• Moderate: a session with reduced impact, suitable for overweight people, who resume a sports activity or suffer from pathologies (back pain, knee pain), pregnant women or who have just given birth.
• Intensive: a level designed for seasoned athletes.

The other strength of the Swedish Gym? Its warm atmosphere and great accessibility.

"It brings together a very different group of people: men, women, sportspeople or not, of all social classes and of all ages.It is a unifying sport and each session is a party.The atmosphere is very friendly, we do not do not take the lead, you let off steam! Everyone can enjoy it, "concludes Daniel Coury.

Cardio Flex, Core, Dance ... Derivatives of the Swedish Gym

The constantly evolving Swedish Gymnasium has also developed many other course intensities.

The goal ? Satisfying a wide audience, but also "vary the pleasures and training of his followers," says Daniel Coury.

• 75 ': a course to progress in endurance.
• Cardio Flex: ideal for gaining explosiveness through split work.
• Cardio Pump: perfect for those who want to work on their cardio and gain muscle.
• Circuit: on the same principle as a WOD in Crossfit , we run a course with cardio or muscle strengthening exercises.
• Core: a session to improve your posture and balance.
• Flex: a mix of stretching, yoga and Pilates.
• Yoga by the Swedish Gym: a class combining postures of different yoga and a work on breathing .
• Family: as the name suggests, a session to practice the Swedish Gym with his children.
• Dance: for those who have big coordination gaps.
• Running: a course for runners who wish to improve their running performance.
• Clubbing: mirror ball and lively music, this is the Swedish Gymnasium's favorite gym class.

The Swedish Gymnasium, a recognized activity of "public utility" in Sweden

The sport-health approach of the Swedish Gym is worth a public benefit sport in Sweden, where it is also reimbursed by Social Security.

In France, it is now part of certain regions prescribed by a doctor.

What to think seriously to test a session as soon as possible!

Practical information

The courses are accessible at any time of the year, without any condition of commitment.

It is possible to buy "Klass", single sessions, to practice when you want.

To know: in summer, many free courses are offered outdoors throughout France.

Learn more at: www.gymsuedoise.com