Bodybuilders -- Biography; Exercise -- Popular works; Physical education and training -- Popular works; Sandow, Eugen, 1867-1925
What I wish to impress on delicate pupils is the desirability of
progress by degrees. Many men before beginning my system of physical
training have been so weak that doctors have thought little of the
prospect of saving their lives, yet to-day they are amongst the
strongest. They have progressed gradually, always being careful not
to undertake too much, and thus to adapt the exercises to their own
individual requirements. It may be mentioned also that the old, as
well as the young, may derive great benefits from my system, though
all who are over the age of fifty should moderate the exercises on the
lines suggested in the table of ages for pupils between fifteen and
seventeen. My exercises will also be found of considerable benefit to
persons who suffer from obesity.
Pupils must not be discouraged because, after the first few days’
training, they may feel stiff. It sometimes happens that a young man or
woman, or perhaps a middle-aged one, sets out on the course of training
with the greatest enthusiasm. After the first two or three days the
enthusiasm, perhaps, wears off. Then comes a period of stiffness, and
the pupil is inclined to think that he cannot be bothered to proceed
with the course. To such pupils, I would say, in all earnestness,
“Don’t be overcome by apparent difficulties; if you wish to succeed,
go forward; never draw back.” This stiffness, moreover, becomes a very
pleasant feeling. You soon grow to like it; personally, indeed, it may
be said that it is one of the most agreeable sensations I have ever had.
Frequently pupils ask me how long it should take them to get strong.
The answer again depends on themselves, not only on their physical
constitution, but also on the amount of will power they put into their
exercises. As I have said already, it is the brain that developers the
muscles. Brain will do as much as dumb-bells, even more. For example,
when you are sitting down reading, practise contracting your muscles.
Do this every time you are sitting down leisurely, and by contracting
them harder and harder each time, you will find that it will have
the same effect as the use of dumb-bells or any more vigorous form of
exercise.
It is very advisable for all pupils to get into the habit of constantly
practising this muscle-contraction. In itself it is an admirable
exercise, but it is perhaps even more valuable owing to the fact that
it improves the will power and helps to establish that connection
between the brain and the muscles which is the basis of strength and
“condition.”
It will be noticed that throughout my exercises I make a point of
alternate movements. By this means one arm, or, as the case may be,
one set of muscles, is given a momentary rest whilst the other is
in motion, and thus freer circulation is gained than by performing
the movements simultaneously and the strain upon the heart and lungs
relieved.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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