A Practical Physiology: A Text-Book for Higher SchoolsBlaisdell, Albert F. (Albert Franklin)
Science
A Practical Physiology: A Text-Book for Higher Schools
Blaisdell, Albert F. (Albert Franklin)
Human physiology; Physiology
Mechanical skill has removed most of the risks to health and person
which once existed. A good machine, used by its owner with judgment, is
the most convenient, the safest, and the least expensive means of
traveling for pleasure or exercise. It is doing more than any other
form of exercise to improve the bodily condition of thousands whose
occupations confine them all day to sedentary work. Dependent upon no
one but himself, the cyclist has his means of exercise always at hand.
No preparation is necessary to take a spin of ten miles or so on the
road, during a summer evening or before breakfast.
Bicycling brings into active use the muscles of the legs as well as
those of the trunk and arms. It seems to benefit those who suffer from
dyspepsia, constipation, and functional disorders of the liver.
A special caution must be used against overdoing in cycling, for the
temptation by rivalry, making a record, by social competition on the
road, is stronger in this form of exercise than in any other,
especially for young folks. Many cases have occurred of permanent
injury, and even loss of life, from collapse simply by excessive
exertion and exhaustion.
93. Outdoor Games and Physical Education. While outdoor games are not
necessary to maintain health, yet we can scarcely overestimate the part
that the great games of baseball, football, tennis, golf, and croquet,
play in the physical development of young people. When played in
moderation and under suitable conditions, they are most useful and
beneficial exercises. They are played in the open air, and demand a
great variety of vigorous muscular movement, with a considerable amount
of skill and adroitness of action. These games not only involve
healthful exercise, but develop all those manly and wholesome qualities
so essential to success in life.
A vigorous body is well-nigh essential to success, but equally
important are readiness of action, sound judgment, good temper,
personal courage, a sense of fair play, and above all, a spirit of
honor. Outdoor games, when played in a reasonable and honorable manner,
are most efficient and practical means to develop these qualities in
young people.
94. The School and Physical Education. The advantages to be derived,
during the school period, from the proper care and development of the
body, should be understood and appreciated by school officials,
teachers, and parents. The school period is the best time to shape the
lives of pupils, not mentally or morally alone, but physically as well.
This is the time, by the use of a few daily exercises at school, to
draw back the rounding shoulders, to form the habit of sitting and
standing erect, to build up strong and comely arms and chests, and
otherwise to train pupils to those methods which will serve to ripen
them into vigorous and well-knit men and women.
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