Page:How to Get Strong (1899).pdf/60

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HOT TO GET STRONG

them; … artists know nothing of beauty in a form that would give a circular section if sawn in two at any point—not even at the waist; and this squareness means strength. Any muscle, well developed, is beautiful; muscular lines are lines of beauty everywhere. I have yet to hear admiration of a lady's arm that has not good biceps and triceps under its coating of feminine adipose; and as to the forearm, the most beautiful specimens in flesh and blood that I know of are the forearms of pianistes, who have muscles of steel from wrist to elbow."


In his Romantic Love and Personal Beauty, Mr. Finck says (p. 401):


"Always hear in mind that grace of movement often excels beauty of form in the power of inspiring romantic love. And remember that any pains you take to acquire grace will not only multiply your own charms; but will establish a habit of graceful movement in your muscles which will be inherited by your children."


Suppose Smith or Wellesley, or Vassar or Bryn Mawr, should at once introduce in their deservedly famous colleges a system of physical education which should proceed on the simple but intelligent plan, first of training the weaker muscles of each pupil until they are as strong as the rest; and then of transferring the young woman thus physically improved from the class of this or that special work, to that which insures to all muscles alike ample, daily vigorous exercise. That all the girls could be made to consider this daily lesson us much a matter of course in their studies as anything else. Again, that there is a teacher familiar with the work and all its requirements, one who is capable of interesting others, one who fully enters into the spirit of it. With such a master or mistress, if that exercise has been ample; and if the pupils are instructed—whether they be sitting, standing, or walking—to always remain erect; is there any reason why the Vassar girls should not soon have as fine and

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