EXERCISE FOR ANY GIVEN MUSCLES
as these very ones; and over-developed by cycling; until they appear deformed.
You will often see men with the fronts of their thighs abnormally large, and of hardly moderate development elsewhere.
Not that cycling does not call other parts into play; for it does. As is well said by Dr. J. West Roosevelt:
"Cycling should not be regarded as an exercise of the legs alone. Observations by experts show that it is not only the legs which are developed by wheeling. In previously sedentary persons a considerable increase in the circumference of the chest takes place; the increase often amounting to one or two, and sometimes even three inches. The arms and forearms also grow firmer; and it is said that in them also quite a marked increase in size has been seen. The muscular system everywhere in the body also improves in tone.
"It is easy to see why cycling increases the strength of the legs. It is also easy to see why the chest-measurement should be increased, as a result of the deeper and more rapid breathing. Not only do the respiratory muscles become stronger and larger; but also the joints and cartilages of the ribs, move more easily and more freely because they have been made more limber by use.
"I do not know of any investigations which have been made to determine whether or not there is any increased mobility of chest (that is, extent of expansion and contraction), as a result of bicycle exercise; but it is almost certain that such studies would demonstrate its existence."
It will be seen that the Doctor does not claim that cycling much enlarges the arms; or the greater muscles of the trunk. The diameters of the body it does much for,—and that is of vast importance; for we americans average too small in every chest-diameter by a fifth, almost by a quarter, to be thoroughly well built and enduring. Cycling will not give a man large arms; will never begin to put a great back on him as will rowing; will do much for his sides; but
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