This article highlights how "turnen", the modernised form of earlier gymnastic exercises, emerged in Hungary in the second part of the nineteenth century. It is argued that although the advocates of the "turnen" movement are gradually squeezed from the spheres of modern competitive sports, their strategies of expansion are successful: earlier gymnastic exercises turn into compulsory "turnen" lessons in state schools. Due to the success of the movement, an intricate web of forces emerges, i.e. the field of "turnen" is born. As part of the expansion of modernity the obedient, disciplined, adaptable, publicly displayed rational young body becomes the precondition of a planned future. (Contains 58 footnotes.)