Various philosophies clashed at the 1889 A Conference in the interest of Physical Training in Boston. This is commonly referred to the "Battle of the Systems."

German System (Turners): Objected to stress placed on games and sports in American society. Major purpose of gymnastics is to provide for physical, moral, and social training of youth. Jahn, Follen, Beck, Lieber.

Swedish System: Health is the harmonious relationship of the nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems. Ling, Nissen, Hemenway, Posse.

French (Delsarte) System: Physical exercises that stress poise, grace, and beauty that are conducive to acting and singing.

American Systems: Health related focusing on physical training and anthropometric measurements. Some incorporated popular sporting activities in curriculum. Beecher, Sargent, Hitchcock, Gulick.