Evening star., 1905-11-04
GYMNASIUM OPENED
INSTITUTION UNDER CONTROL OF
LOCAL T. n. c. A.

An important local event this week was
the opening OF the new gymnasium in the
new building OF the Y. M. G.. A. on q
street northwest. 1t is regarded as among
the finest Of its kind in the city or else
where in its equipment and in its facilities
The Y. NJ. c. A. gymnasium is designed
to accommodate the greatest number Of
persons in the greatest number OF ways.
and in carrying out this aim, 1t is stated,
the builders have been very successful.
The gymnasium branch Of the Y. M. c. A.
plant occupies three floors OF the rear wing
of the building. In the basement are the
lockers, shower baths. swimming pool.
bowling alleys and other facilities. On the
first floor are the huge gymnasium offices
of the physical directors and the examina-
ton rooms. The second floor contains the
auxiliary gymnasium, the three special 'ex-
ercise rooms and the running track. Above
the large gymnasium on the third floor are
two handball courts. Each Of these various
rooms is equipped with the latest devices
to make them useful in the best way.
Amount of Floor Space.
The large gymnasium. which is 4s1a by
1111s feet in floor space, Is located at the
end of the corridor leading back from the
large front lobby of the building 1t is well
lighted by large number of windows and
the woodwork and other simple decorations
harmonize to make the room pleasant and
not the usual barn, which is characteristic
of most gymnasiums. 1t is large enough so
that 1t can be used for class exercises and
indoor games of all kinds. including basket
ball, volley ball, indoor base ball. badmin-
ton. etc. 1t also has marked out on 1t
tennis court, the only indoor tennis court
In the city. Besides these the gymnasium
has the usual equipment of parallel bars,
pulley weights, rings. trapeze and such
other things as are found in the gymna-
SUM. The ceiling Is two stories high, as is
the usual custom In gymnasiums. Around
the gymnasium, one story from the floor,
is the running track, twenty laps to the
mile. This Is well banked is covered with
cork, and therefore Is well adapted to both
speed and long-distance running.
Besides the large gymnasium, a small
auxiliary gymnasium is provided, which
can be used whenever the larger one Is be-
ing used for games or for classes. Thus,
there will always be a place for individual
exercise. This contains punching bags
rowing and bicycle machines, pulley
weights wrestling machines, etc. Next to
this small gymnasium are three individual
exercise rooms; for fencing, wrestling and
for other similar sport. 1t is expected
that the membership in the Fencing Club
will be greatly increased this year, and in
struction will be given by Prof. Darieulat,
the celebra ted French maitre d'armes The
WI resting room will be well equipped with
a handsome mat and other necessities
There are also two handball courts for the
devotees of that game.
Plan of Physical Director
1t is the plan of Physical Director
Rideout to have many indoor athletic meets
during the year. and to develop strong
teams in all branches of sports To this
end bweekly contests will be held differ
ent events being held at each meet to ac-
custom all to competition. Both basket
bali and indoor base ball leagues are
formed and will hold regular contests dur
ing the winter.
1t Is expected too, that swimming con-
tests Will be held in the large new pool
which is provided in the new building The
pool is p by so feet in size, much larger
than the old one, and will allow for many
spirited contests.
At present the medical staff of the Y NJ
c. A. is kept very busy in making physical
examinations of those who desire to take
exercise. After this examination, the d.
rector Is able to tell what course of train
ing man should take up, to most benefit
him. The regular classes began their work
on November l. but they will not be held
regularly In the new gymnasium until Mon
day, when the work will begin in earnest.
The class schedules are being distributed
and many are joining. There are classes
as follows: Hygiene and recreation class,
doctors class. students class, clerks class,
graded evening class, calisthenic drill,
leaders class. athletic practice and con-
tests, besides regular hours for practice in
the various games.