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.

    16/186 (page 8)
    Swinging1 1 he OIuRsj. This exercise originated with the East-Indians, who practiced it in plays and festivities. The clubs were afterwards used by the English, and at the present day are considered a favorite and indispensable exercise in every well-regulated gymnasium. For ordinary swinging, the club need not weigh over twelve pounds, but it is better to increase the weight with the increase of strength. Fencing- and Sparring-. The exercise of fencing strengthens the arms and wrists, and promotes the expansion of the chest. Like all other exercises, it should be practiced “ right and left.” To avoid accidents, strong wire masks should be worn on the face, and well padded gloves on the hands. Pupils should be quiet, calm, and firm, in fencing, as well as in sparring; which latter exercise, notwithstanding the prejudice existing against it, is calculated to arouse in persons a greater degree of energy and presence of mind than they might otherwise possess. It makes the limbs flexible and strong, and gives motion and activity to every part of the body,; sparring has, also, a good influence upon the mind. Boxing gloves, prepared for practicing, should be stuffed with horse-hair. The science of fencing and sparring is difficult to learn without the instruction of an experienced teacher. R uniting, If executed with ease, is one of the most wholesome and strengthening exercises for the chest, lungs, and legs. While running, the breast must be distended and the upper part of the body inclined forward. The hands should be closed and raised to a level with the hips, the elbows to the rear. Only the toes and forepart of the feet should touch the ground. The mouth should remain closed, and the respirations take place slowly and regularly through the nose. This exercise should be commenced in a hall; if practiced in the open air, only cool, calm days should be selected ; the pupil should, also, run with the wind. The exercise should not be indulged in too long at a time, but as often as possible. When feeling overheated the pupil should gradually change the run to a walk, and should not, while in this condition, stand still or lie down but move about while the blood is cooling down to natural heat. Leaping- and. Hopping. This exercise cannot be too highly recommended, as it assists not only in strengthening the lower limbs but also in developing the body ; it serves, also, to give the body elasticity and a good attitude in walking. Leaping signifies, in general, a sudden moving upward, with elastic impulse, over an obstacle by means of a run, or otherwise as the case may be. The run is performed on the toes or “balls” of the feet. It should be begun with moderate steps, which are made quicker as the jumper comes nearer to the point of leaping. Children should observe great caution in leaping from elevations. New beginners should use the leaping-board (see explanation of the apparatus, last plate in the' book, Fig. 5) in order to find the right starting point.