The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-11-17
INDIAN CLUBS.
If Used Judicially They Will Bring
Roses to the Cheeks.

a tricycle. or a pony, or who do not
live near a good gymnasium, are try
ing to find a substitute for these favor
lite aids TO good health. And to these
the clubs offer the mean for delight
full exercise and amusement, and one
whose price comes within the limits
of the scantiest purse. Indian clubs
have long been used by professional
trainers and the gymnasus OF all the
colleges. but it is a novelty TO see them
in the hands of girls.
They NAV be used in classes, &C.
companied by music, or alone III the
privacy Of the home. The former
method is, of course, the most pleas
ant, as there is always a charm in
work or play where others share 1t. A
teacher of gymnastics in one OF our
charitable institutions thus describes
her exercises in classes
1--WE meet once every day, and swing
the clubs for one hour, keeping time
to the music of the piano. Our idea
is not so much to develop
muscles in excess as to gain
elasticity of the muscles, n
suppleness of motion. Thus we cause
the heart to beat full and strong, and
at the same time induce free respira-
ton and the fullest expansion OF the
lungs, such as would be impossible to
obtain in any other way. In the
sweeping curves, with the arms ex-
tended at full length, the pectoral
muscles lift the ribs upward and
carry them outward. allowing free
entrance of fresh air into the aplces OF
the lungs. More than half the people
never take a really full breath; that
is. they never fill the lungs entirely
and completely with fresh air, partly
from negligence, and partly because
of some impeachment in the fit OF the
clothing"
If there be the slightest tendency
toward consumption, or IN other
trouble of the breathing apparatus,
the Indian clubs will prove a wonder
full boon to the sufferer. The follow
ing exercise, taken regularly every
day, at least morning and night, will
soon make a new girl or boy out Of
the delicate patient.
Stand by the open window, head
erect, shoulders thrown back and
mouth closed. Inhale the fresh air
slowly through the nostrils until the
lungs are filled to the utmost capac-
ity. Then exhale just as slowly until
every particle of the now used up air
is emptied from the air vessels. I'm
less one has tried these slow and care
full breathings, it is impossible to
realize the difference between these
and the halfway method of every
day.
Singers and speakers soon double
their power of holding the breath,
and the increased quantity OF. oxygen
thus taken into the system paints
roses on the palesI cheeks.
If these exercises are taken just be-
before an evening Of study or other
mental work, they will aid wonder
fully in making the task a pleasure.
II one has taken cold, or is suffering
from indigestion, there is no better
way to stir up the blood, or Swing
Off the trouble, than the graceful
Indian-club exercise.
These clubs can be bought in al
most any large town, costing from
so cents to 81 or more the pair, de-
pending upon the weight and the
finish. For girls the proper weight is
one and a half or two pounds. 1t is
best to start with a light club, and as
the muscles grow strong change the
weight accordingly. They can be
made at almost any carpenters shop,
so that no one need be without them
on O of living in the country.
In swinging the club, almost any
dress may be worn if it be loose
enough. OF course the girl who wears
corsets will not care to practice gym
nastics. A loose blouse waist and
plain skirt. such as is usually worn
for lawn tennis, is the very best style
OF dress for all physical exercise.
At first the unusual strain will
make the muscles sore, and perhaps
blister the hands; but these troubles
are soon over, and the club-swinging
becomes an unmixed pleasure as we'll
as benefit.
A physician, in recommending it,
says:-''Those with weak lungs should
begia with gentle movements, and
gradually increase. Do not practice
until you are tired out. for then much
of the good will be lost. Any one
who will take up this exercise, judi
ciously practicing every day in a well
ventilated room, or out of doors when
the weather will permit, will certainly
find beneficial results. AS a phys
ician, | recommend it, because it is
much more enjoyable and much
cheaper than taking medicine. "-E.
A. Matthews In Hoqpeg'S Young Peo-
pie.
How Tony Sold R~osebuds.
He was only a dog, but a remark
i l1l@x1on1 10 %hA