HOW TO GET STRONG
a while; and, unless already strong in the loins, they will ache.
A laboring-man weak here would hardly be worth hiring. A rowing-man weak here could never be a first rate oar till he had trained away the weakness. Heenan, with all his grand physique, his tremendous striking-power, his massive development above the waist, would not have made nearly as enduring an oar as the sturdier, barrel-chested Morrissey; or as the broad-loined Renforth did make. Strong loins are always desirable. He who has them; and is called on in any sudden emergency to lift any heavy weight; as the prostrate form of one who has fallen in a swoon; for instance; is far less likely to work himself serious, if not permanent, injury here, than he who has them untrained and undeveloped. But the tug of war, on fixed cleats, had better be omitted. Listen to several experts.
Paul C. Philips, Physical Director of great skill and experience, says:
"The tug of war is a test rather than a developer of strength; and, in my opinion, a most severe one. Under no circumstances should a man enter into it without having satisfactorily passed a rigid examination of the heart, lungs, and nervous system; and even under these conditions I consider it doubtful if the benefits derived are an equivalent of the risks incurred. The in-door tug of war is generally limited to two minutes; and that time I consider too long for the endurance of most men. The out-door tug of war is generally longer, and even more dangerous, on account of the insecure footing of the men, while under severe strain. The tug of war should be permitted only after each participant has received a thorough physical examination, and when the pull is limited to less than two minutes. On the whole I do not look with favor on its introduction."
George W. Ehler, Chicago's famous Physical Director, says:
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