Evening star., 1897-03-06
EXERCISE FOR WOMEN.

Indulgence In Outdoor Sports Re-
garded us n Boon.
From Harper's Bazaar.
1t is strange that any one who is abreast
of the times should censure outdoor exer-
else for girl, as one must see In the gen
Grafton of young women growing up the
benefits resulting from physical activity.
There Is nothing more conducive to
girls health than being in the air and sun
shine where she may develop her muscles.
expand her lungs. and lay up store OF
vitality as lifelong blessing. Surely this
is preferable to staying indoors. propped up
by cushions, reading novels and eating can
dy or slipping tea. The former is certain
to develop into strong, vigorous woman
hood. physically and mentally. while the
other Is sure to injure her health and dis
position by dawdling indoors.
And yet there are men ana women SO
narrow-minded as to declare the girl whose
life is one Of action likely to become mas
cultne In her manners and ideas. altnough
they cannot explain why playing tennis,
sailing or riding should make her nature
coarser and her morals more lax than these
of a girl whose life is one Of Incidence.
Nevertheless, such theory seems firmly
implanted In the minds of some Illogical
and preiudiced people, who fail to recog-
nize any medium between the girl who
takes no exercise and the few who carry II
to extreme.
claims the lackadaisical girl the only type
of refinement. If illiberal women would in
fern themselves before so unjnstly con-
demning they might realize the harm they
good.
They seem not to think It wrong to play
tennis or to ride little. for they permit
their own children to do these: it is more
frequently when some one elses daughter
excels in these or similar sports that they
shocked. They shudder at the public
ity, forgetting that 1t Is attendant upon
success in anything. and that it is hardly
fair to accept mediocrity as unobjectionable
while those who excel are held UP for CEN
sure.
1t is well known that the physical state
powerfully influences the mental and moral
tone, and no one can deny that judicious
exercise assists the organs in the perform
ance of their functions. Therefore not only
Is the health promoted, but it follows that
the mind, too, Is inyigorated, STRENGTHENED
and improved.
A young girl usually has fund of en-
ergy and enthusiasm that will find an out
let in some way. How much wiser to teach
her to use 1t in laying up a supply of health
that will keep her we'll and cheerful than tu
allow her exuberance of spirits to lead her
into mischievous escapades. If guarded too
closely for this, her vivacity given 40 vent,
and the expansion Of body and brain hin
dered, her existence will be unnatural and
Improbable. She may indeed acquire much
book knowledge. but go can the girl who is
resting dIIeT neT outdoor eX2rt1OnS, with
perceptions Sharpened, mind refreshed, and
keener appreciation OF what she reads.
Sports serve to strengthen the character
by developing qualities in which women
are often deficient. Self-reliance Is one of
the valuable lessons thus taught, the quick
decisions and immediate action required be-
coming habit which sAconsciously affects
the conduct outside of the sport that has
developed 1t. Patience, perseverance and
Judgment are also among the qualities en-
couraged. and a cool head. a quick eye ard
muscles under control are some Of the re-
suits.
growth OF interest in athletics at colleges
has done much to improve the moral tone
OF undergraduates. A great part Of the
time which dozen years ago was spent
in drinking and brawliEg Is now devoted to
training for rowing, base ball, foot ball or
track events.
If it is conceded that regular exercise i'm
proves the morals well as the physique
of men. the Same should apply to women.
At least 1t will furnish them with interests
ether than gossip. clothes and nirtations;
while. contrary to the assertions of some
1t need not interfere with the cultivation of
whatever taste they may have for music,
literature or art. Even her appearance
may be improved by exercise. A sunken
chest and narrow shoulders can be reme-
died. small arm enlarged weak muscles
strengthened and flesh that is fiabby made
firm.
To produce the best effects, the work done
should not be distasteful. For instance, 1t
Is mistake to force riding upon any one
who fears a horse. or to insist upon max
ing a practical sailor of one who dislikes
the water. There are so many sports from
which to choose that all should be able to
find one that for them combines health and
pleasure. l have endeavored to point out a
few of the many benefits to be derived from
outdoor sports, but 1t should be remem-
bered that in all exercise regularity, rather
than great effort, yields the best results.
Work should be begun gradually. and slow
ly increased as 1t needs less exertion.