born Aug. 11, 1778, Lanz, Brandenburg, Prussia
died Oct. 15, 1852, Freyburg an der Unstrut, Prussian Saxony
German educator who founded the Turnverein (gymnastic club) movement in Germany.
As a teacher in Berlin from 1809, he began a program of outdoor exercise for students. He invented the parallel bars, rings, balance beam, horse, and horizontal bar, all of which have become standard equipment for gymnastics . In 1819 he came under suspicion for his fervent nationalism and strong influence on youth. He was arrested and imprisoned for almost a year; his gymnastic club closed, and a national ban was placed on gymnastics (lifted in 1842). He was awarded the Iron Cross for military bravery (1840) and served in the national parliament (1848–49).