The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-09-20

We should think that every athletic
club and everybody at all interested In
the weil-being OF their physical self
would like to possess a copy OF little
manual just published by the committee
on hygiene OF the Union des Societies
Francaise do Sports Athletiques. The
little manual contains chapters on cloth
ing, hydro-therapcutics, training, the
selection of exercise and many, other fea-
lures of interest and Importance. and from
the published summaries thereof they ap-
| pear 10 be strictly up 10 date.
The committee approve the wooden
sweater in preference to the flannel shirt
for wear at exercise, and SCOTS at the
article called the gymnastic belt which
Is declared TO be useless and better not
worn. Cold water 10 advocated with the
ardor OF Briton, its habitual use being
urged for the morning tub and in a
shower after exercise. Every one knows
that the way OF taking a tub is very sim
pie, and that nothing is required but
big sponge, with which the entire body
can be washed In few seconds, and a
crash towel fo- energetic rubbing. The
temperature OF the water need not be very
cold, as its effect seems better when 1t is
tepid-2O degrees or % degrees Centigrade.
In taking a shower ii is best not to wait
until perspiration has ceased, and the dura-
tion of the shower bath should vary with
the temperature of the water and the per-
sons strength. In any case II should not
last beyond the moment when its disa-
greeable impression comes 10 an end, the
breathing quickens and q sensation of
well-being spreads over the body. 1t
would then be imprudent to continue. |
When exercise has been carried to the
point OF extreme fatigue the shower
should be tepid and should be given very
rapidly.
The committee tells us little that is
new about the choice OF exercise, but its
endorsement of intelligence and approved
selection is worth . good deal. As re-
CARDS the best form OF exercise to he
taken-up, the most advisab BILE, without
question, are those that take place In the
open air. For young people who lead
an intellectual existence, for whom ex-
ercise neither can nor should take the
hrst place, it should be very light, and
should never be carried to the extent of
fatigue. Difficult exercise requires brain
'ctivity, judgment, memory and will,
persons whose brain is tax
ID by intellectual work are not those 10
whom fatiguing sports are adapted.
Aowing, running and cycling are easy
exercises, whereas fencing and riding are
more difficult. III
Exercise should not be taken imp,s-
lately before or after meals. Prepara-
Ions containing kola, coca and other
~~.~N>~S VhiSh give L
trength should never be made use OF. a,
is quite evident that IL form OF exer.
'se is out OF proportion to persons T
rength, neither coffee nor coca will =,
apply the energy necessary to accom- t,
Iish 1t. II, on the other hand, it is COM y y
'tible with ones muscular endurance. VI
careful course Of training is worth more ri
an any OF thosa artificial stimulants. W
During the period OF training. which co
insists In the daily methodical practice
the exercise one has chosen. great
oderation should be observed I'm the
ode OF living. 1t is important to take 90
bstantial nourishment, to drink only No No
nat is strictly necessary at meals and m'
thing between times, and to avoid rel
ice, tobacco and alcohol. There shouId ltt
no late hours, but the athlete sbouId
early in bed aud sleep about nine
urs.