The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-10
Women and Exercise.
Washington Star.


AN article recently on the new tension
method of muscle building reminds me of
the ever consuming desire of the ladies
who are thin TO become feshy and of the
corresponding Discrimination TO indulge in
the exercise which will produce this happy
result" said a well-known Washington
physician this morning.
"A thin, anemic man who is in earnest to
build up his health and round out his
muscles will undertake and faithfully pur-
sue any prescribed method to this end. If
he is earnest he will stop drinking, limit his
cigars and take his regular daily allotment
Of exercise whether it be boxing, rowing
gymnastics or the muscle tension method,
giving attention TO his diet and denying
himself such luxuries, or what he may
have considered only necessaries, as his
trainer or physician may direct. In short
man will buckle down to training when
he makes up his mind TO do so with the re-
suit that in a short time he takes on
flesh, his step becomes elastic, his eyes
bright his complexion clear and his appe-
title good, features of our being as keenly
desired by the fair sex as by US.
Once man 'swears Off and determines
to build himself up il is the exception
rather than the rule that he backslides in
to his former habits, careless or dissipated.
the case may be. He learns with his
renewed strength and practical revivifica-
ton of his youth that a carelessly lived or
sporting life does not pay, and he gives at
tenton to the size of his biceps when he
bends his elbow rather than looking into
the glass that cheers. For nervousness, the
great disease of the rapid age in which we
live, If the patient will only abstain from
coffee and spirituous liquors, not drinking
more than two bottles of ale or three bot
ties of beer, and these at meals, or on re-
firing day, a systematic method of mild
exercise will make new man out of some
men in a month.
systems IN modified degrees if they would
remain faithful to the prescribed regimen,
allowing for the difference in the organic
and muscular systems of the sexes. The
stomach seems 10 be about the first organ
to respond to the new blood and stimulated
general bodily activity resulting from mild
exercise properly directed, and the appe
tite seems better and it is rapidly declared
TO be decidedly better With a quickened
appetite the rest is easy, and remains only
a question of time and faithfulneSS to the
method undertaken.
Ladies. however, cannot bear the thought
of exercise TO produce good color and good
health. l suppose the secret is because il is
too much like labor, against which the sex
is cons titutionally opposed except as an in
voluntary means of earning a living. Men
will exercise from the pure love of being
busy and occupied. but the fair SEX alas,
no. Hence they will take our prescriptions
without murmur, pay our bills and play
fully but determinedly shake their pretty
heads when suggest suitable exercise to
assist nature in getting the upper hand Of
encroaching disease or merely make a pre-
tense a it if consenting.
Perhaps an excuse may be found for the
dissemination noted because of their past
and present environment. Some like to
play golf, but it is mainly because of the
novelty of the game and an opportunity to
display variety of costumes 1t is anus
ing to hear our patients reply to our en-
treaties to take exercise by saying in very
much injured tones, Why, doctor, L go to
the golf links three times week. but their
innate modesty prevents the admission that
they get no farther than the veranda of
the clubhouse or make a show of playing
by being in the gallery brigade, meaning
those who follow the boys and girls who
really chase the white ball over the green
sward.
Women could bring the much coveted
flush of the rose to their white or sallow
cheeks If they but possessed strength of
will to let bonbons alone, cut out carriage
rides and substitute walks, abandon late
supperS and fatiguing social functions for
few months under the careful and direct
guidance of a trainer or a physician, but
they won't. They could go at it again with
renewed zest, pleasure and vigor If they
only would