HOW TO GET STRONG
muscles, never trained to such work, must sooner or later tell? It would be wonderful if it did not.
Yet now, suppose that same mother had from early childhood been trained to systematic physical exercise suited to her strength, and increasing with that strength until, from a strong and healthy child, she grew to be a hearty, vigorous woman, well developed, strong, and comely—what now would she mind carrying the little tot on her arm? What before soon became heavy and a burden—a willing burden though it was—now never seems so at all; and really is no task for such muscles as she now has. Instead of her day's work breaking her down; it is no more than a woman of her vigor needs—indeed, not so much as she needs—to keep her well and strong.
And, besides escaping the bodily tire and exhaustion; look at the happiness it brings her in the exhilaration which comes with ruddy health; in the feeling of being easily equal to whatever comes up; in being a stranger to indigestion; to nervousness, and all its kindred ailments. This reserve vital force, sparing her many of the doubts and fears so common to the weak, but which the strong seldom know—enables her to endure patiently privation, watching, and even bereavement. And who is the more likely to live to a ripe old age; the woman who never took suitable and adequate exercise to give her even moderate vitality and strength; or she who, by a judicious and sensible system, suited to her particular needs, has developed vigor and power?
But, while this is all well enough for young girls; is it not too late for full-grown women to attempt to get the same benefits? The girl was young and plastic; and, with proper care, could be moulded in almost any way; but the woman already has her make and set; and
40
