Читать книгу Sandow on physical training: a study in the perfect type of the human form - Eugene Sandow - Страница 10

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since, unless the heart and lungs have room for their natural and active play, it will matter little either how large or how strong may be the legs or arms. A narrow or weak chest is not only in itself a serious bodily defect, but it invariably conduces to an inferior physique. This has been well illustrated by facts recently gathered by Dr. G. W. Hambleton, President of the Polytechnic Physical Development Society, of London, who has made many years' researches into the vocations which induce weak lungs and contracted chests. To the neglect of a proper chest development, says this authority, is due the large reduction from the numerical strength of the British army, a reduction which is not only a national weakness, but the occasion of much financial loss, in the annual invaliding and death of so many otherwise effective men from the ranks. Benefit societies and life assurance companies, Dr. Hambleton also computes, lose an enormous sum yearly from the same inciting cause, which might be largely removed, were the tendency of the habits and the surroundings of the insured such as to secure increased breathing capacity. Indifferent breathing power, and the lack of fresh air and proper muscular exercise, are but too certainly the prolific causes of disease and physical degeneracy. Well will it be when the masses recognize and act upon this palpable truth. Well also will it be when our instructors make an effort to raise the prevailing type of chest to a more efficient standard of excellence.

What is further to be said on this important subject, and especially on the topic of vital interest to the youth-in-training—the practical bearing of muscular exercise on the health and strength—will be treated of in a later chapter in the technical division of the work, with the benefit of Mr. Sandow's own experience as a self-trained athlete and preceptor in the science of physical culture.