The physical activities of women in the colonial period in the United States were limited. Social attitudes differed between the northern and southern colonies on appropriate activities for women. In the north it was not considered unseemly for women to participate in ice skating, while in the south women were encouraged to become good equestriennes. In the colonies as a whole, women's recreational activities were limited to less strenuous pleasures, such as dancing, quilting, and decorous swimming (bathing). As spectators, women were permitted to view horse races and boat races. (JD)