About American Turners

The American Turners history stretches all the way back to 1848 when a pair of German immigrants opened their first gymnasium. Embodying the craze of the day for all things salutary and athletic, the duo focused on gymnastic pursuits believing that a sound mind naturally developed from a sound body. The Louisville Turners followed suit the next year, opening the first gym in the city. But it wasn't until 1941 that the first Turner Circus opened, delighting spectators with the dazzling acrobatics and high-flown stunts that the gym's members had been pulling off in private for years. Today, the Turners still hold true to their mission, helping folks achieve mental clarity and fitness through physical activity.