Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-11-24

holy horror of blood and muscle gave place
to the desire to cultivate both as an evil
dence of physical superiority, and to-day it
is the exception, not the rule, to meet
women who are shocked at the suggestion
of thorough course of athletics.
In summer women ride, pull the oars,
swim, play tennis, and enter heart and
soul into a half dozen other active games
just for pure sport; while in winter they
patronize the Turkish and Russian baths
swimming and riding schools and gymna.
Sums, and employ fencing masters-and
am told even ballet masters-all with
view TO correct physical development.
Why, such an anomaly has a pale-faced
woman become, so much is this condition
to be dreaded, that artists are engaged in
the regular business of giving the brown
and red tints OF exposure to the skin. and
enjoy, SO says one of our popular truth
tellers," the most liberal patronage from
the unfortunate stay-at-homes who wish to
simulate the benefits of the country outing
and save the reputation for health, which
is now recognized as the greatest of per-
sonal blessings.
Indeed, it is to be seriously questioned
whether the dialogue concerning bodily
ailments quite common in polite circles a
few years since would not bring down the
edict of Punishment and ostracism upon
the head of an offender; and nothing is
more certain than that women as rule
now hasten to disclaim all delicacy and
weakness with as much spirit as they
would disclaim vice.
l have seen STOPPING figure and halt
ing gait, accompanied by the unavoidable
weakness of lungs incidental to narrow
chest, entirely cured by the very simple
and easily performed exercise of raising
oneself upon the toes leisurely in per-
feet perpendicular several times daily.
To take this exercise properly one must
take perfect position, with the heels to-
gether and the toes at an angle of forty
i've degrees. Then drop the arms lifelessly
by the sides, animating and raising the
chest to its full capacity muscularly; the
chin well drawn in, and the crown of the
head feeling, as our Professor used to put
it, as if attached to string suspended
from the ceiling above. Slowly raise upon
the balls of both feet to the greatest posi-
bic hight, thereby exercising all the mus
cles of the legs and body; come again into
the standing position without swayiug the
body backward out of the perfect line.
Repeat this same exercise first ON one foot
and then the other.
1t is wonderful what Strengthening out
power this exercise has upon round
shoulders and crooked backs, and one will
be surprised to note how soon the lungs
begin to show the effect of such expansive
development.
If to the above one adds the equally sim
pie exercise of touching the palms of the
hands together with arms extended in front
Of the body, and then with regular and
graceful outward movement the backs of
the hands are made TO touch behind the
body from three to six times, all the while
keeping the lungs inflated with pure air,
we may be absolutely sure that an erect
carriage and full lung power viii be es-
tablished. Of course, such exercise must
be taken by women without stays and in a
loose gown; as, indeed, all exercise in
tended to strengthen and develop the mus
cular system needs to be taken.
COSTUMES FOR GYMNAsIUMs.
In the gymnasiums and fencing classes
a regular costume is worn which will not
impede or interfere with the free move
ments of any member of the body: and
those who are about to enter upon course
of physical development, whether by the
lighter or heavier method, with or with
out apparatus, will do we'll TO provide
themselves with such a costume, which
ought properly to consist Of pair of full
Turkish trousers, with a jersey underwaist
or blouse, which can be worn with an
abbreviated tunic drapery, if one be super
sensitive about appearing in the simple
trousers and blouse. This style is now
worn as the regulation costume in all of
the popular gymnasiums patronized by
both sexes.
money to a long and comprehensive
course of physical study which will include
all forms Of gymnastics, | advise the lighter
course, which can be taken without APP
paratus, as that best calculated to develop
all parts of the body tremendously, and as
the one system which is convenient and
always possible to be taken at home or
abroad, requiring only loose costume and
the time, will and knowledge to be prac-
ticed daily.
Where one depends upon clubs, ma
chimes, bars and swings, together with all
the paraphernalia of a weIl-equipped GYM
nasium, the chances are that days and even
weeks will pass during the year when prae-
tice will become impossible, and in towns
where no such conveniences are to be had,
heavy systems are out Of the question.
While do not wish to be understood as
deprecating the value of these forms of
physical upbuildment, my object at present
70 ax,lot,, h,,c,y ,,,a,, o,,I ,,-1.s,--.
have no opportunity for the heavy work,
how TO get real benefit out of what is
within their reach.
The lighter course of physical study will
develop every muscle in the body without
sacrificing the grace of any part to another.
This is the course of roundness, curves and
reserved vital force, and not that Of knotty
muscles and predominating specialties.
Each movement has an object in taking
gentle hold upon some particular part, and
although the course given by competent
teachers in detail is impossible to explain
in brief letter, it is safe to say that a very
fair system OF development can be assured
to conscientn5fis worker who faithfully
carries out the exercises already given, and
add two Others, one for breathing and an
other for diverting the blood from the
head when the pressure is too great.
Probably no exercise is of more i'm
portance to the blood, heart and lungs than
that calculated to insure proper breathing
Most persons breathe very badly indeed,
taking short, 'schoppyD inspirations, which
fill the middle cells of the lungs, leaving
the upper and lower parts to gather cob
webs and disease. In taking the breath
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