The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1883-05-03
Running as Exercise.

UeotONeu On aGlIldlS III peueTdi iOT tLt
preservation and enjoyment of life, run
ming, says Mercurialis, is the most i'm
portant. Since, then, it is pointed out
| to US by nature, it must be in high de-
gree innocent. 1t is very singular that
we should apparently do all we can
| which fortunately, is snot much-to make
our children unlearn the art Of running.
Our earliest physical treatment of
chem seems calculated to destroy their
aptitude for it; in little time, it is too
often the case that the city boys scarcely
dares look as if he wished to run, we
prohibit it so strongly as vulgar, and
when he is more grown up gentility.
steps in and prohibits it altogether
Medical prejudices and our own con-
venience contribute likewise their share,
and never allow our children, boys and
girls, to acquire an art innocent of it
self and necessary to all. 1t is possible
that person may get injury from run
ming, but the fault is not in the exercise,
but in the person who runs without
having had proper training and prac-
Gce.
Negroes and Indians in state of ma
ture run daily in pursuit of game for
food with a facility at which we are as
tonished, but they are not more liable
to consumption on this account than
are those beasts that are so famed for
swiftness. The body of no animal seems
better adapted to running than mans.
The nobler parts, which might be in
jured by an immoderate reaux of blood,
are uppermost, and the laws of gravi-
tation assist in propelling the runner
forward. He has little to do but to
strengthen his limbs by practice and
concentrate his mind on the effort, and
there is nothing severe in this, as eX-
perience has shown. Indeed, running
may be made very beneficial to the
lungs, and perhaps there is nothing bet
ter calculated to strengthen these or
gans, in those who are shortwinded,
than gradual, careful training in this
almost lost art "As soon as children
are expert in walking. turning, and the
like" says the sagaciouS Frank, run
ming races under proper precautions is
an excellent exercise for them" The
principal objects of this exercise are to
strengthen the limbs, develop the lungs,
exercise the will, and promote the cir
culation of the blood.
Running was so highly esteemed by
the old Greeks, that Homer observed
that no man could acquire greater fame
than by being strong in his hands, feet,
and limbs; Plato recommends running,
not only to boys and girls, but to men;
Seneca, who expresses strong disappro-
baton of athletics, recommends running
to Lucilius for exercise. The following
rules may be observed:
Running should only be practiced in
cool weather: as, for instance, in the
late fall, winter, and early spring
months.
The clothing should be light, the head
bare. and the neck uncovered. As soon
as the exercise is finished, warm cloth
ing should be put on and gentle exer-
else continued for some time. 1t is not
necessary to have q race course. The
teacher of school may take his pupils
into the fields and find suitable grounds
for them. Then his pupils may exer-
else their bodies in other ways, acquire
strength, agility, health, and the capac-
ity of continued eXertion; the will is
brought into play vigorously, which is
great aid in the battle of life.
Care must be taken not to overdo,
and thus, perhaps for life, weaken or
injure the heart. The race, at first,
should be short and frequently repeat
ed, rather than long, and full speed
should not be attempted for some time.
Running is well adapted to young
and middle aged persons, but not to
those who are fat. Sedentary persons
may find great benefit in it after the
days work is ended. Ii they live in
cities, quiet spot in the park may be
selected, and short trials adapted to the
strength entered into. Invalids may
do the same thing, only they must be
more careful than the robust never to
over-exert themselves.
Girls may run as well as boys, and,
while they cannot 60 so fast, they can
race much more gracefully and beauti-
fully. Indeed, there can be few more
attractive sights than that OF a race be-
tween beautiful girls from ten to twelve
years of age. After puberty. the change
in the formation of the bones of the pei
Wis in girls renders running less easy
and graceful. In ancient Greece girls
were trained to run races as well as
boys, and TO their superb physical cul-
ture was in great part due the grandeur
and beauty of Greek life during the
years of their ascendency. The modern
style of dress for girls after puberty is
also entirely unsuited to running
Herald OF Health.