The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-08-24
UNWlSE EXERCISE.
How Physical Training May Sometime
Ef OXerl.ntIG.

| Be 0vere.one.
While inactivity and the lack of ex.
/ ercise are generally admitted to be
| fruitful causes of disease and the pro
motors of all sorts of unfavora BILE con.
| ditions, the idea that exercise may be
| overdone and that activity may bring
about the very state of affairs that il is
designed to prevent seems not to have
entered into the thoughts of those who
are most energetic in promulgating the
exercise theory.
Moderation in exercise appears to he
one of the most difficult of all lessons
to learn. Once get the idea into the
head of an individual that Indigestion
and kindred ills can be cured or relieved
by some special form of activity, or, in
deed, by any and all forms. and no
amount of eloquence can persuade him
that there is limit to the benefit re-
ceived, and d point where good ends
and serious evil begins
One needs no better lesson than a
glance through the records of noted
athletes. Few of them live to old age,
and most of them break up altogether
before middle life. If tables could he
prepared showing the average longevity
Of those who have made athletes their
study, they might serve as warming
to those ambitious and adventurous
members of the community who amuse
themselves with exercising machines,
heavy dumb bells. swinging from bars
and the general trapeze performance of
the average gymnasium.
While not desiring to underrate the
Importance Of general physical train
ing. ii is necessary 20 emphasize the
fact that in many cases il does mnch
more harm than good. The exercise Of
all the muscles, which II made neccs-
sary BY ordinary forms OF labor, is much
more beneficial than the sort of prac-
tice that develops only a certain set Of
muscles or calls into play limited por-
ton Of the body.
The most healthful conditions are
unquestionably those that give occupa-
ton 70 the entire system When one
performs physical labor in which the
mind is interested the conditions Of
health are perfectly met Children
who are brought Up 70 do work and re-
eeive instruction at the same time
grow into more perfect symmetry than
when the mental Is neglected for bod
u training alone.
In educational institutions where
gymnastic and calisthenic exercises are
a part Of the regular course. great care
is necessary in the apportionment Of
tirpe devoted 70 such branches. The
student = ambitious. and does not
realize hosT easily the muscles may be
oTerstrained- 81 hosv possible II Is for
the growing frame 70 be warped and
Hlisshapsn By too vigorous exercise or |
some undue strain
Humauitarians would raise hue and
CT 4 ch ldren were put al any sort Of |
y drk that taxed them a. severely as |
do many Of the gyEsnas.ie exercises /
they :. zs. and communities would be 4
ac1uosaIzsti II youngsters were ussf a. 4
carrying s1cis weights as ttey "a ~ on 1
hezlth-iifts and exercising machines
j hey are on their rnettie and strain
eFs-ry nerve % raise jpSt few ounces
more u - almost Incredible the
amount Of strength one may pat forth /
sn6 its results. and the -11tA IN zsson- 1
-sbrDent and deilgh: a. hsz achieve
r.essss tries again and yet avasn. tax /
M and oTertaxiag lis strength. ursss