St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-04-22

to give his views for the benefit of those who
wish to cultivate their strength.
''What is your system for making everybody
strong I asked.
"That is broad question: he replied,
"and one that we might discuss for a long
time. Yet my plan is SO simple that child
may easily understand it. First Of all, it is
necessary to know yourself, to be acquainted
with the muscles of the body and what they
are for. About the only exercises that I
advocate are practice with dumbbelis and
walking. do not believe in gymnasiums as
they are usually conducted, nor do I think
that much real benefit is to be derived from
horizontal bars, travelling rings and the
devices usually found in gymnasiums. An
other objection TO the gymnasium is that it
does not permit one to take exercise in the
open air, the qualities of which are of in
estimable value. I believe in walking and
walk great deal myself, and I also recon-
mend cold baths, Of which 1 take two every
day. In using the dumbbell do not favor
any half movements or fiip-1aps such as are
often seen in gymnastic drills. They look
very pretty, but do very little good. Exercise
must be taken regularly, and the weight of
the dumbbell must of course, be suited to
the capacity of the person who is to use it,
"Do you think that anyone, by following
your advice, may become strongr'
Eyes. Even those who are emaciated by
disease may be greatly improved and with
those who are not i'll, of course, much better
results are possible. The case of my mana
ger, Mr.. Ziegfeld, may be taken as an exam
pie. Before he began to train he was man
of average strength and size, weighing about
140 pounds. His weight has increased to 1855
pounds, and he is able to raise hundred
pound dumbbel above his head with ease"
what are the possibilities as to strength
of the average man, that is to say, may he
become what we usually consider an
athlete?'
There is not the slightest doubt of it.
Not only may he become an athlete, but
firmly believe that me may acquire strength
equal to my own, if he will pursue the same
rigid discipline that have pursued. If I had
a child I would begin TO develop him at the
age of two years"
"Does your system apply to women as well
as men?'
"It does in modified form. To begin
with, it seems to me that the dress worn by
women nowadays prevents their full develop
ment, and results in great deal of harm. If
they would take proper outdoor exercise
believe that there would be no more of this
hysteria and these nervous complaints with
which they are afflicted.
''My system may also be applied as a
means of treating diseases, especially those
affecting the lungs and the heart, and in
directly, kidney troubles, which better
circulation would have a tendency to re-
heve"
In this connection it may be well to say
that number Of prominent physicians in
New York, who have become interested in
Shadows teachings have had plans drawn for
model gymnasium. which is to be located
above 10th street, and of which Sandow is to
be the director. The first floor will be so
arranged that it may be thrown into one
large apartment, and in this place the pupils
or patients will go through their exercises
Having done so, they will pass Immediately
into another room that has been freshly
ventilated, and in this way they will secure
practically the benefit of the outdoor air.
''Were you always remarkably strong, even
as child" asked.
''No was not, and neither of my parents
was very powerful. began to train to some
extent at the age of sixteen, and at eighteen
set out in earnest to follow the course in
which I have since continued That was
eight years ago. My system has been per-
fected between two and three years.
"What constitutes your daily exerciseg'
"While am giving public exhibitions, as
at present, I do nothing else, except to walk"
What is your diet?"
al live mostly on nourishing food, such as
beefsteak and chops, and avoid pastry.