Page "Empress Elisabeth of Austria" Paragraph 20

The empress developed extremely rigorous and disciplined exercise habits.

Every castle she lived in was equipped with a gymnasium, the Knights ' Hall of the Hofburg was converted into one, mats and balance beams were installed in her bedchamber so that she could practice on them each morning, and the imperial villa at Ischl was fitted with gigantic mirrors so that she could correct every movement and position.

She took up fencing in her 50s with equal discipline.

A fervent horsewoman, she rode every day for hours on end, becoming probably the world's best, as well as best-known, female equestrian at the time.

When due to gout, she could no longer endure long hours in the saddle, she substituted walking, subjecting her attendants to interminable marches and hiking tours in all weather.