Adolf Koch

Life & Legacy

Adolf Karl Hubert Koch (9 April 1897, in Berlin – 2 July 1970) was a German educationalist, health professional, and sports teacher, best known for founding a progressive physical education movement during the Weimar Germany period that emphasised natural movement and physical freedom. A prominent advocate of Freikörperkultur (free body culture), a social movement in Germany that gained prominence in the early 20th century and promoted nudity to foster health and body positivity, Koch's work was also integral to the broader Lebensreform movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which aimed to renew society through a return to nature, simplicity, and holistic well-being.