Georges Hébert

Georges Hébert (27 April 1875 – 2 August 1957) was a French naval officer who developed a method of physical education which he termed "la méthode naturelle" ("the Natural Method").

Seek to be strong not only physically but also morally

Quotes

Practical Guide of Physical Education, 2nd edition, 1912

• There is, therefore, a general type of rational method or system of human development, based on progressive training work and the consistent practice of the natural and practical exercises. We can call it the natural method.

• Why be a champion jumper or a special team member in any sport, if you cannot climb or swim?

• Seek to be strong not only physically but also morally.

• Methodical or rational education enhances accuracy, avoids guesswork, rejects everything that is unnecessary and monitors results.

• Any physical education method should include two components: a learning part aimed at educating the body, improving endurance, strength and flexibility, teaching the basic techniques for elementary and practical exercises like walking, running, jumping, lifting, climbing, throwing, swimming and defending; and an application part aimed at developing to the highest degree the practical abilities, putting them to use, and providing the means to cope with many real life situations.

• Resistance to cold is as part of physical education as the gymnastic exercises. It is why the bare torso must be the rule all the time when the atmospheric conditions are not too unfavorable.

Quotes about Georges Hébert

• Hébert's method provided a renewed focus on functionality and an altruistic approach to training. He also stressed the necessity of being outdoors and simplified the equipment.

• Hébert established no complex rules and required no expensive equipment. There was no competition, no doping, no stadium and no specific field needed.

• He believed that the training should be varied and, similar to the parcours du combatant, he built a parcours Hébert, an obstacle course made of wood and rope that ensured you never stopped moving.

• Hébert started fighting against organized competitive sports, which he felt lacked any altruistic ideals.
  • Julie Angel (2016). Breaking the Jump: The Secret Story of Parkour's High-flying Rebellion, Aurum Press.

• At the International Congress of Physical Education recently held at Paris the increase of public concern for the welfare and efficiency of the rising generation was made manifest to a striking degree. The most interesting among the various demonstrations of what has been done to further physical education in France, Sweden, Belgium, and elsewhere seems to have been that given by the pupils, apprentices, and riflemen of the French Navy. This demonstration consisted of exercises given under the supervision of Lieut. HEBERT, which were exact counterparts of the daily exercises followed in a large number of naval schools where the Hébert, or "natural," method of physical education is practiced... Their appearance produced a profound impression. Their chests were broad, their color was healthy, their muscles were hard. They marched with a well-disciplined and firm bearing. They went first erect and stiffly, then supple and relaxed, next half bending, and finally on all fours. They also climbed ropes, lifted weights proportioned to their strength, and, without pausing in their exercises, practiced different kinds of breathing as a means of rest.
  • New York Times, April 2, 1913.

Sources

Hébert, Georges (1912; 2nd edition). Guide pratique d'éducation physique, English translation by Pilou and Gregg, 2009.