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.

    18/186 (page 10)
    EXERCISES ON FIXED INSTRUMENTS. The V aulting’ Horse. Exercises on the Vaulting Horse belong to the highest and, also, most difficult departments, and require a practice, activity, and power, attained only by constant practice in other and easier exercises; consequently, it is practiced but little by children or weak persons. Beginners should never attempt the Vaulting Horse exercises, except in the presence of one or two experienced pupils. When leaping over the horse lengthwise, the saddle should be removed. In leaping with a run, the springing-board can be used, in order to find the right starting point; but it is to be observed that the leap must be made on to the board and from it over the horse, with both feet simultaneously, and never with one foot only, because by doing so the power and direction of the leap would be lost. It is also necessary to mention that there are two kinds of Vaulting Horses—the low one, reaching nearly to the breast, and the high one, measuring the size of an ordinary horse. Our remarks apply only to the former, though the exercise can be performed on the latter by experienced gymnasts. The Parallel Bars. This exercise requires considerable exertion, but is one of the healthiest in the list. It contributes more to the development of the breast and shoulders than any other. In the beginning great caution is necessary, in order to prevent the dislocation of the wrist. We would, also, recommend to the beginner not to attempt this exercise without being attended by a leader or an experienced gymnast. In the swinging movement the assistant stands beside the bars and takes hold of the pupil’s arms. In this manner the pupil is greatly assisted, and is also guarded against accidents. Many exercises on the Parallel Bars can be practiced by two persons at the same time ; some even by four persons. When many practice together it may be observed that the movements are made simultaneously. As a concluding remark on this exercise, we would caution all young gymnasts, just in their childhood as it were with regard to gymnastic exercises, against too early a use of the Parallel Bars—the exercise is so severe as to require considerable strength at the outset.