In the nineteenth century, Victorians are outdoors more than ever before as health spas flourish, fresh air vacations came into vogue and the first home gym incites a fitness craze. When Prince Albert touts the benefits of sea water, everyone wants to jump in.
Advances in medicine promote compassion as a new way of treating mental health. Anxiety conditions such as neurasthenia or information overload stress affect both men and women, and the theory of female hysteria collapses.
One of the most popular health treatments is water therapy or hydrotherapy. Thousands of years old, water treatments have a major revival in the 19th century. Salt water bathing and fresh air are enjoyed for therapeutic benefits and overall health. The beach is the place to be.
Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, is adamant about bathing in sea water for health. He's especially fond of the Isle of Wight for recuperative and holiday purposes. Victoria uses an ornate bathing machine to change and swim in the ocean.
Bathing huts or machines are invented in England during the 18th century by Benjamin Beale, a glove and breeches maker in Kent. Invention of the bath machine reflects growing personal modesty. Prior to bathing costumes and huts, most people just swim naked.
The 18th century lady bather covers it all. She wades into the water in heavy wool skirts, bathing corset, bloomers, long sleeves, special swim stockings and slippers. It's not much better by the 19th century, although skirts and sleeves are shorter. So daring.
With help from testimonials of Prince Albert, the bathing house or bath machine on wheels comes into widespread European use during Victorian era health and fitness movements. The lady steps inside and changes into her bathing attire.
The machine is rolled, cranked, horse drawn or hand pulled into the water, facing away from shore. She can then bathe in privacy. Alternately, she could go for the full workout.
The regimen involves hefty members of the same sex in the bath hut. They physically throw the bather into the sea, and haul her out again. Done several times, it's a form of natural health therapy. At least the client feels better when it's over.
Bath houses eventually become beach party shacks as young ladies set theirs together and swim in groups. Social circles and classes generally remain distinct from each other. For all, bathing in ocean water has known therapeutic benefits.
They include an infusion of minerals such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, chloride and sulphate, to treat ailments like psoriasis, acne and other skin conditions. Sea water also contains nourishing potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium.
Bathing in sea water benefits the respiratory system and can reduce symptoms of asthma and sinusitis. It relieves stress and pain, and fortifies the immune system. It can lessen the appearance of cellulite by enhancing the flow of lymph fluid, a natural clear fluid in the body.
Sea water can also remove impurities and exfoliate skin. The therapeutic and restorative effects of fresh sea air and water are legendary.
Today, over 270 million people visit the British coastline every year. 172 million of them come for the fresh air, holiday atmosphere and health benefits of seaside beaches.
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