Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1896-09-17

! by bit as they nave overcome InlS ueep-
rooted prejudice with regard TO one
physical recreation or another, women
are proving that exercise within the
same limits is just as beneficial to them
as to men. 1t is true they are handi-
capped by dress. by the disuse of their
muscular system for generations, and
by the lack of the early training which
every schoolboy has the benefit Of
Cycling is the ideal exercise to bring
about revolution in this respect. The
amount of muscular and organic effort
to be put forth for its accomplishment
can be regulated exactly to be always
within the powers of the individual,
Herein lies the crux of the whole
question. A sound woman can cycle,
and with benefit to herself. Muscular
development and power of endurance
vary enormously in different women
Just as in different men. Both must
vary with age and with previous train
ing. Many women, unaecustomed as
they are &c physical exertion in Its
manifold forms, ere more likely than
men to forget the necessity of condition
and Of coming to their work gradually
The experience Of one will regulate the
proceedings of anothr, so that with here
and there an unfortunate mistake by an
enthusiast. but little harm will be done
in the long run, The learner, by her
very keenness, who is anxious to out
strip some acquaintance who may have
exaggerated her performances, is very
apt to overdo 1t. Patience and practice
will bring it all right.
The muscles upon which the most
demand is made are those of the lower
extremity. In the majority of women
these muscles are speedily developed
by cycling. The lower extremity Of the
human female has great latent posi-
bilities, but time must be allowed and
opportunity for practice given. Among
other muscles, too which have to be
called into requisition are the erectors
of the spine On the proper use of
these especially depend the appearance
of the cyclist; the scorcher' did not
bring them into play but relaxed the
lot He has not lived in vain If he has
made every woman cyclist determine
she would never make such an object
OF herself.
The large abdominal muscles do bat
little in riding downhill or on level
ground; but in hill-climbing great
strain is thrown upon them. There are
many reasons why women should not
overtax this group. Probably the idea
that these muscles might be over
strained in cycling has had much to do
with checking the enthusiasm of the
| medical profession in advocating this
exercise for women This objection is
at once silenced by refraining from
pounding up steep inclines.
| The muscles of the arms, chest and
| shoulders play minor, but important
parts They will be used to their ben
eft or abused to their detriment ac-
cording to the position adopted. Intel
ligent instruction of the debutante and
proper adjustment of handle-bars and
| saddle will clear up every difficulty in
this respect. The 'scorcher's' position
| is again the wholesome warning, His
! function in the cycling world is that Of
| the helot in Sparta, who was made
I drunk to show society what an objec-
tionable thing was the abuse of alco-
hol. TO ride we'll within the capacity OF
muscular power and endurance and IN
good form will never hurt any sound
woman. Fortunately the good form
| that pleases the eye is the very best for
the rider We may safely trust women
| to adopt it.
AS to the organs affected by cycling,
to begin with, the heart has TO take its
| full share Travelling on the fat and
downhill 1t will have to do a little
extra work, which il reasonably graiu-
ated viii do good to its muscular sub
stance; it's frequency and power OF con-
traction will be slightly increased. SO
much the better for the heart and for
the body generally. An unsound heart
may be much embarrassed This will
| be much exaggerated on struggling
with head wind or IN mounting up
hill. Bad valyular mischief should be
regarded as an absolute bar TO cycling.
! Mere weakness of the muscular fiber ON
! the other hand, will be distinctly ben
4 elJcQ Dy E0HluuH-sSLsc IiulHB. IN
! proved action of the heart means better
circulation Of the blood through the
limbs. lungs, brain, liver, etc, and gives
! that general sensation of improved
health summed up in the word fit"
Muscular action in every limb helps
the return flow of blood through the
veins to the heart.
Lungs perform their function CT
oxygenation Of the blood well or badly
as they are used wisely or not. The
blood must be pumped efficiently
through them by strong heart with
sufficient frequency; inspiration and
| expiration must also take place with
appropriate rhythm to keep the body in
I perfect health. Motion with but slight
exertion through fresh air promotes
4 Frrr-.