Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1912-10-10
The Trend Of Physical Training.

Paper No. xII-Prof. z. {. Krantz As s.
Phys, Inst. I. 5. -. A.
To a fairly close observer IL is very
apparent that physical training is uB-
dergoing a most remarkable transition.
A most radical change is in process
both IN method and the enlargement OF
its scope.
In the early period Of its develop
ment, physical training embraced
chiefly a system of muscle movements.
The chief emphasis was upon muscle
building. Exercises were graded. IL
at all, with reference to producing
progressive muscular strength, rather
than in their relation to the preduc ton
of organic vigor. In fact in the light
of modern scientific research we dis
cover that much of the work then done
was in violation of normal physiologic
function. The men were not graded,
nor their physical condition known.
This crude course of development
created huge exterior muscles at the
expense of the organic muscles as the
muscles of the heart and stomach.
Big muscles are not always criterion
of great strength. The huge muscles
are fed and new cell tissue built at the
expense of the vital organs, and the
man lacks stamina that is he is incap-
able of great endurance. This un.
scientific stage continued until a COM
paratively recent period. The chief
qualities of perfect man up to this
period were those involved in the max
ing of a good performer or specialist.
the more and more remotely, happily,
physical training is influenced by this
type of work.
Under the leadership of Robert j.
Roberts and late DR.. Luther Gulick of
New York City change resulted in
which the emphasis was shifted from
the heavy muscular work to the lighter
and quicker movements with particu-
lar emphasis upon the fundamental
muscles. thus emphasizing the stmiula-
tion of physlologic function. The
grading of men also received considera-
tion. Heavy apparatus work was mini.
mized which heretofore had received
minimum attention and coincidently
the calisthenic drill was popularized.
To-day we are interested in the
science OF physical training. The phil
osophical aspects of physical exercise
are being carefully analysed and prin-
ciples based upon them developed.
Statistical methods have been inaugu-
rated, charts of physical examinations
made and plotted and we are studying
the man and this problem from a seien-
tific standpoint. We are confronted
to-day with problem gigantic in as
pect and one which needs the earnest
cooperation of every strong man the
making of men of the youth of our
land.
This ministration is not limited to
the providing of physial exercise alone,
for the physical need of many men is
not EXERCISE, frequently in fact
they may receive exercise in super
abundance. but it will include the al
teration of physical habits in reference
to sleep, bathing, diet, the changing
of the physical environment with ref
erence to housing, ventilation and sani-
tation the providence of recreation
thru Fairgrounds and recreation, edu-
cation with reference to disease, the
making OF sentiment for scientific pub
lie sanitation, the feeding of the un-
derDourished and even an educational
and legislative effort against quackery
and charlatanism.
Physical training as interpreted to-
day means physical welfare and physi-
cal welfare in its concept includes all
work that shall have for its aim the
conservation of physical power. the
development of eupheria, the preven-
tion of disease.