Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1866-12-20
Do Children Require Special
2Ymnastie Training?

Uittn snS PoSe AS" years. tnC
cultivation Of the body, by means of
gymnastic exercises, has come into
vogue. forced upon us by the too
frequent exhibition of puny and un-
developed forms, and overtasked
brains.
Now, all our best teachers are
beginning to acknowledge the neces-
sity Of q systematic physical training
for children at school, as well as a
development of their mental powers.
Proper apparatus, and q regular
course of gymnastics have been in
troduced in many OF our colleges,
seminaries, and lower schools, and
made part of the course of instruc-
ton, always with a marked improve
ment in the physique and also in the
mental powers of the pupils. The
necessity of such training in the case
of females Is even greater than in
that of males, as the former, by
their habits of life, and the restric-
tions of society, are debarred from
obtaining the exercise and develop
ment of body, that the sterner sex
obtains. We are glad te state that
gymnastic training, has, TO certain
extent, been introduced into the
schools of our city. we hope it will
become permanent branch of in
struction, and be more fully ex-
tended.
We give below the opinions of re-
liable authorities, as to the benefits
of systematic physical training.
The Educational Monthly for Sep
tember says:
sin this fast age we are too apt
to attempt to cultivate mind as the
sntarprising easdener pushes for
ward his early vegetables-in hot
beds. The Roman proverb, sana
mems in corpore saHo, will hold good
in all ages s. and all experience
proves that a sound mind must be
in a sound bedy. Every movement
towards system in physical education
is far more important than elaborate
theories for perfecting mental educa
ton. Without physical health and
vigor mental culture avails little
The popular success of the several
schools for physical culture is auspi- |
oious Of COED results. And the de-
mand for teachers of cslisihenics and
gymnastics in the public schools of
our large cities, and the flourishing
seminaries all over the country,
shows that our leading educators are
waking up to the Importance of phys |
ical education.
These exercises, practised habitu-
ally and energetically, cannot fail to
yield to youth grace, agility, supple
ness. a ready hand, as well as robust
health, solid strength, and power of
endurance. Almost any school room
or parlor will suffice for the exer-
cises. Fer those who wish to use
the plane TO enliven the exercises,
there are several pieces of music
prepared by the best masters.
DR.. Hitchcock, himself a practical
instructor in Gymnastics, says:
"Bnt we maintain that a system of
education which simply crowds the
mind with discipline, to the neglect
of physical culture, is not emily de-
fective, but monstrously pernicious
system. Students may bear the
cramning process through the aca-
demical, collegiate, and even profes-
sional course, but sooner or later the
body will be overpowered. Natures
laws cannot be violated without suf-
fering the penalty at some time; and
of what service can the most cult
waited minds become, if the body is
too feeble to use their learning2 OF
what beauty is the most brilliant gem
without the art of the lapidary to de-
velep and exhibit its splendor?
In how few educational Institu-
tions in eur country is there any
thing like system of exercise sug
gested, or much more required? In
how few Of them dees muscular de-
velepment meet with anything but
encouragement?
Ought not then a gymnasium or
some equivalent means of physical
culture, to be attached to all our edu-
cational institutions female as well
as male, as well as models, libraries,
cabinets, and apparatus7 And if SO,
why should there not be regular
trainings of the body required by
instructors as well as mental exer-
cises? And since but q small por-
ton OF time is required for physical
exercise if it be vigorous, as it will
Of necessity be in gymnasium, why
may net portion Of school duties
each day be o half hour or an hour
Of exercise in the gymnasium morn
ing and evening? Does not every
practical teacher see that at least this
would relieve the necessity of great
many excuses, such as fer "head-
ACHE" " feel SICK" "unable 70 study
to-day" etc."
In regard to the costumes, worn
by females in these exercises, which
look SO grotesque to dnsccustomed
ewes. DIR. Dio Lewis saws. in an srti-