Kristin Scott says although physical culture has modernised during recent years, there were still misconceptions among those not involved in it.
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“A lot of people don’t really know too much about it,” she said.
“It is becoming more modern though now.
“We’re making it to fun, popular music and taking away the big hair and the (fake) tan… It’s trying to phase that out, so it doesn’t have that look I guess.”
Physical culture, or Physie, is practised by Australian females of many ages.
It has been described as gymnastics meets march meets dancing.
It aims to build confidence, good posture, strength, fitness and flexibility through exercise.
Ms Scott recently relocated from Balgownie to Sydney, and is a member of the Mt Ousley Physical Culture Club.
The University of NSW student, 24, has received national recognition in the world of Physie.
The Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture (BJP) was founded in 1892 by Hans Christian Bjelke-Petersen.
Ms Scott competed in the BJP national grand finals at the Opera House last week.
She won her age group (23-24), and was also named overall winner.
Ms Scott has been a member of the Mt Ousley club since the age of four.
She was initially taught by her mother Elizabeth.
“It’s in the family,” Ms Scott said.
“My mum trained at that club as well from when she was a little girl; she was about five and did Physie there.
“Then she started teaching when she was 20.
“So my sister and I have just grown up with it in our lives.
“I’ve got a lot of friends in my age group, and a bit older and younger that have come up with me.
“It’s a very strong club spirit.
“The friends I’ve got at Physie I’ve had forever, so that’s something really nice about it as well.”
Ms Scott said the activity boosted her overall fitness and endurance.
“It’s also something that’s really good for your confidence… It gets you to perform under pressure in competitions.”
Ms Scott said Physie was a form of exercise that would likely serve her well going forward.
“I’m in it for life now,” she laughed.
“I think it’s something I’ll do forever, and it’s something you can do forever.
“A lot of sports you can’t keep going to, but Physie’s something they try to make accessible to a really broad age range.”