The study deals with the establishment of the gym associations and sports clubs in the context of the development of associations law. In particular, it focuses on creation of gym associations after the fall of the so-called Bach absolutism. The setting up of these associations was based on imperial decree from 1852. The next upswing of founding of gym organizations and sports clubs in the Cisleithania occurred after the adoption of the
December Constitution and was based on the Act on Association Law.