Johann Friedrich GutsMuths (1759-1839) was an educator and co-founder of gymnastics. He developed an entire system of gymnastic exercises for young people and summarized it in the book "Gymnastics for Young People" as a kind of instruction book. At a time when sporting activity was frowned upon, he had at least one hour of gymnastics a day at the Salzmannsche Erziehungsanstalt in Schnepfenthal (Thuringia). GutsMuth's work as the founder of the Volkssport movement is brought to life through contemporary testimonies, pictures and quotes.