The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-06-08

the other hand lack of exercise weak
ems the lungs and opens the way for the
many diseases of the same. It is well
known fact that muscular exercise must
be carried on in order to remove from
the body the over-supply of poisonous
properties. Respiratory movements make
an important part of physical training.
After a continued practice of such ex-
ercises one will feel conscious of re-
Eewed energy and courage, and of good
ness as a duty. l have known pupils
to enter the gymnasium with slow step
and unhappy expression, to such a one
we give immediate attention, learn the
cause of such a condition. then begin a
systematic course of exercise. and often
before the allotted time has expired they
are enjoying the work with happy glow
ing faces and loath to leave The Sc
cret Of such transformation lies first. in
iudiciously arranged series of moder-
ate exercises. and by filing the lungs
with good amount of oxygen to be
stored up for use at the end of lesson
Oxygen is taken in and dioxide given
off about twice as fast during expansion
and contraction of muscles as when at
rest. hence it is important that muscu-
lar exercise should be taken: second in
order 10 carry out the law governing ply
steal training (that is, to develop each
part in its proper relation TO the body}
we should next give some easy, simple
movements. in order to establish a con-
nection between mind and muscles. and
to gradually make a transition from men,
tai to muscular work. We must choose
our exercises for their physiological eff
fects, for we wish to avoid the error Of
paying too much attention to the building
up of great bulk of muscles. to the neg
lect of equalization. leading to upbal-
anced power. We must select exercises
for the general effect before beginning
to localize, progression should be made
as above stated. from the simple to the
complex in order to correspond with the
gradual increase of brain and nerve irri-
liability. This applies In the same de-
gree to the growth of muscular power.
AS one of our writer's on physical culture
has so we'll expressed it, these connect
ing points form bridge from intellect
ua1 to physical activity" AS in all prep
arations for lifes work this rule must
aDplv-from humble to exalted. lowest to
highest. and simplest to the harder and
more complicated. This progression also
depends upon the individual. age, sex and
temperament I firmly believe in the
Swedish system of free standing gymnas-
tics before giving apparatus work OF
course we do not expect to overcome in
a short time faulty habit, which. by
continued practice has become second
nature, but it is possible to establish a
better circulation to begin with. AS eX-
ercise is increased SO is RESPIRATION.
oxygen is taken in, distributed through
the blood and tissues of the BODY and so
hastens the elimination of waste mat
ter and poisonous fluids, which are in
many instances the cause of fatigue. 1t
is a thoroughly established fact that mus
cular exercise relieves nervous eXhaus-
tion. strengthens and develops the ner-
vous system. While muscular exercise is
beneficial, yet we know that the nerves
are very active in all muscular move
ments and it behooves us to avoid exer-
cises which might prove pernicious in
stead of beneficial. We do not wish to
turn our gymnasium into circus hall
and not until muscular power has be-
come sufficiently developed and presence
of mind acqired. do we allow any tricks
to be performed, and then only as we
deem advisable There is a very init
mate connection between muscularity
and mentality. a relation between the
brain as a controlling agent. and the
muscles as servants. While 1T Is a
noticeable fact that persons of weak mind
are. detective in locomotion. yet this
does not apply to our blind pupils, FOL
the majority posses minds of most Won
derful retentive power.
MY pupils are taught the theoretical
part of gymnastics for the same reason
that we make study of botany. history
or any other literary study. 1t is our wish
to have the mind entirely free from
mental strain, in order to derive the
most benefit from an exercise. therefore
The literary part of the course is given
at a time when not exercising the mus
cles. Our object is to gradually bring
the mind from mental to muscular actlv-
ity. thus establishing better circulation
and promoting health.
MRS. ELIZABETH HARLEE.