The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1890-04-27

where there is competent teacher, who has
given his time to the study of the human body
and its requirements, aud who knows how to
lead you on gradually upward from the sim
plest exercises to the heavier ones, letting each
exercise link into the other without any strain
or particular effort of the muscles.
You do not go to gymnasium to be an atm
lete or acrobat, etc, but to produce a healthy
growth of your whole body and to maintain
strong and healthy physique
In judging of the effects of exercise we think
the least of the muscular development pro-
duced for the effect of all general exercise is to
develop muscle, and this aim is reached with
out especially working for it. But we think
all the more of the effect produced on nerves,
vessels ETC., for the result in this direction can
be vastly changed by varying the movements
Measuring a mans strength, we should compare
the man to himself. We must not say that
man is strong because he can hold so much air,
or because he can lift so many pounds, or jump
so high. Bat when he possesses healthy, we'll
balanced, and well-proportioned body, which
his will has under good control, then he pos
sesses 'physical culture" even though in the
eyes of some he may seem weak as compared to
others.
In order that gymnastics shall be systematic
there must be progression. We must begin with
the fundamental position, and all through the
lessons keep our attention to the right position
in each exercise; then, in accordance with the
physiological truth, that the first, greatest, and
most extensive effect Of exercise is on the
respiratory OlSdns, VIC huep nave
movements to produce perfect freedom of
these organs this must be followed by exer-
cises, which will straighten the dorsal region Of
the spine, draw the chest forward and cultivate
the extensibility of the upper region of the alb
domen. Then should follow exercises to eX-
pand the upper part of the chest, followed by
slow leg movements, which will give rest to
the upper parts of the body and equalize the
circulation of the blood
Now, there should be arm movements which
have the effect of placing the shoulder blades in
correct position, followed by abdominal eXer-
cises to bring into play the abdominal walls and
lateral trunk-movements which have good
effect on the general circulation and on the
| nerves, and also expand the chest laterally and
strengthen the muscles around the waist.
These should again be followed by leg move
ments-running, jumping, vaultlng, etc.-and as
finish of the lesson there should be respiratory
exercises, consisting of deep inhalation and eX
| halation, accompanied by some arm movements
| that will expand and contract the chest in ever
rhythm with the respiratory act.
| In order to gain these effects it is not neces
sary to use any apparatus or weights at all
| The muscles will develop in themselves if tht
formed: there is enough weight in our OWL
| bones and flesh to give US something to do if W.
| will do it right.
Remember said it is not necessary to ust
| apparatus, but this does not indicate that [ an
| opposed to them-far from that But when ap
| paratus or weights are used the students mus
| be instructed after the same system, as already
described, and commenced very light and easy
| taking great care that no strain nor overtaXine
| of the muscles occur and always stop short o1
fatigue. HARTvIG NIssEN