The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-05-21
Educating The Muscle.


THE function of all education is 10
fit us for complete living.
Probably there are some who do not
understand or appreciate the run
meaning of educational gymnastics. 1t
6 a link or golden means combining
theory with practice, and strength
With grace. 1t teaches one how Y
rain the muscles TO hold the oodE
structure.
To some, the term physical cul-
ture" merely means a lax wish-a-
washy order of exercise, suggestive OF
perfectly homeless creature. Then
the other extreme is brought about by
lver-doing with apparatus to the eX-
elusion of lighter work for relaxation.
)ne form is used at the expense OF
trength, the other at the expense OF
grace. A happy medium is secured
when we combine the two. very
important feature of such training Is
he education or culture of those
muscles which are brought into con-
slant use when walking, standing and
sitting. Onesidedness and spinal cur
,iture could and would be prevented,
f children were taught to carry them
selves properly when in the three po-
sitions mentioned. This training OF
education ofsthe different muscles must
If necessity be gradual, and should
stretching, If the health of both
muscles and vital organs is to be con-
sidered Proper development Will
surely follow the combining Of exercis-
s for symmetry with those for
strength They should not be separ.
ate A grading of the exercises is as
necessary as grading in other matters
Thus, to do ones whole duty, we need
give exercises for perfect relaxation
in order to permit new energy TO flow
nto muscles and nerve cells. Never
vas there a truer saying than that
haste makes waste" and never more
true than when applied to physical
education or muscle training.
The destruction of cells and tissues
is constantly going on, and the pro-
)lem is how to make repair and waste
IS nearly equal as possible. The hast
ening of the circulatory current furn-
shes new blood to the tissues ana
cells which nurishes them and at the
same time. hastens the elimination of
noXious properties. Heavy apparatus
will produce certain muscular deVel-
)pment, yet an exclusive use of it.
will cause heart strain by checking
he circulation in the capillaries, at
he same time, causing pressure in
the arteries, as when one has chill
the blood is sent in undue quantities
heavy work, this action takes place.
Hence, it is nice point to understand
lust when to stop. Socrates says "a
man can get no nearer God than by
giving health to his fellowman." 1t
certainly fills ones heart with glad
ness to witness the successful out
come of many a weary days labor,
when we know we have been instru-
mental in improving the health and
20 rf thnCa under.
Physical culture as a help to charac-
ter building, is another important fac
or With improved circulation, one
las a better digestion, hence, an inn
proved temper or disposition. As one
grows older, the arteries become
thickened with deposits and there is
4 steady gathering of refuse in the
blood vessels which tends to impede
he progress of the functions of the
organs. and does great harm to the
delicate machinery of life. Therefore.
the great need of taking exercise daily.
We could dwell at length upon the
Importance of correct and deep
breathing exercises. What goodness,
health. power and strength is infused
INTO the life of every one, when he
draws deeply upon the great universal
reservoir of life. We should see to il
also that exercises other than those
With apparatus, be used. Again, relax
ing movements, should be used in con-
aection with the stronger movements
in order that the waste may not ex-
eeed the vital supply Muscular
strength does not mean muscular
health, but if we follow physiological
laws. l. e., let pressure and ralief or
work and rest, follow each other reg
llarly, then we may expect a reason
able degree of coordinate develop
of -
equal to the waste, and when we al
low the circulation TO become impair
ed. we bring disaster upon the whole
system-m is retarded.
cerable pressure is increased. and the
circulatory system is poisoned
The attainment of correct car
riage OF the body means free circu-