Instructions in gymnastics / by Arthur and Charles Nahl.

  • Nahl, Arthur.
Date:
1865
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Instructions in gymnastics / by Arthur and Charles Nahl. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    13/186 (page 5)
    GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS. The various exercises are divided into the following branches: 1st. “ Gymnastics on the Ground,” or “ Free Exercises.” These, however, can be practiced, as well in rooms as in the open air—no implements or apparatus of any kind being required. The open air, however, possesses obvious advantages over a close room. 2d. Exercises in which movable apparatus is used, such as lifting weights, swinging clubs, leaping with a pole, fencing, boxing, etc., etc. 3d. Exercises on fixed apparatus, fastened either to the ground, wall, or ceiling. To this division belong most of the instruments, as well as the different bars, rings, vaulting horse, trapeze, climbing poles, ladders, ropes, etc. 4th. Exercises requiring an extended space of ground, and which cannot be practiced to advantage in rooms, such as running, leaping, drilling, riding, wrestling, etc., etc. Gymnasiums in the open air are far more preferable than rooms and halls, where at times (especially in the summer season) damp air prevails, and where too much ventilation causes a draught, which is very injurious to health, and where the body is much more disposed to perspire, than in the open air. Gymnasiums should be located in wind-calm places, and the ground should be even and covered with something soft, such as tanners’ bark, etc. Particular care should be taken while practicing in rooms, to spread something soft on the floor, to avoid accident. After exercise care should likewise be taken to change the apparel from next the skin. We would especially recommend to teachers of gymnastics and leaders of the same, to adhere strictly to the rule of dividing their classes equally, according to strength and ability, and in all cases retain the gradation of the exercises in the regular order as they may follow each other. Pupils should likewise be classed according to their expertness. These classes should not consist of more than ten ! pupils, and each class should have its separate leader. Teachers should be particular to have their scholars conform to the rules and regulations. The leaders of the different classes should be selected by the teacher from the best pupils of the highest rank. No difficult exercises should be attempted until the easier ones are performed with ease and safety. Pupils should by all means avoid bad habits, such as making grimaces, stretching out the tongue, puffing the cheeks, and other contortions of the body. No exercises should be indulged in until at least two hours after meals, in order that the process of