Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

THE BUILD OF THE ATHLETE 9 and indeed upon the compactness of the muscles of the thigh and leg. As far as the foot is concerned, this haunch muscle (fig. 2) braces some of the other muscles of the leg, thus giving them added purchase so that they may support and act upon the arches of the foot. This muscle is fastened to the natural elastic stocking of the leg, drawing it taut. Some of the muscle– substance of the leg is fastened on to the inner surface of this natural stocking, and has an influence similar to that of the elastic suspenders used to keep up hosiery upon the limbs. A thickened band of this natural stocking, running almost on a line with the · seam of the trousers on the outside of the thigh, supports the knee-joint. The muscle in question is well developed in the Russian dancers, and stands out boldly when the dancer stoops upon one leg and holds the other out horizontally from the trunk of the body. This little detail is given to emphasise the true importance of a thorough and scientific perception of the relationship in work of all the muscles. It would be too much like a professional study inflicted upon the reader, if all the reasons were given for the exercises which are set forth in the Appendix of this book. The exercises referred to should be undertaken with true faith, and performed with zest and pleasure, not as a labour. The improvement in pace against the clock will show the benefit obtained in a few weeks, and the results will encourage the athlete to continue to perfect himself. We have known great professional dancers who would shame the professional runner in the matter of perseverance; many of these dancers train for hours a day. Great pianists, also, perform hours of loving labour to adapt their finger movements to the