The Athlete for 1866

HINTS ON TRAINING. 113 This fact is much overlooked in all preparations for athletic contests where a severe strain is put upon the constitution, as in running, rowing, and walking. "When so delicate a structure as the human body is submitted to the operation of air, food, and exercise, so powerful for evil as well as for good, it may be supposed that every possible variety invital motions thence resulting will be displayed. Excess, defect, ornice adjustment, here play a more important part in affecting health than they do in the construction of the organ­ ism itself. The forcesemployed todrive the machinery require morecare in appli­ cation than is necessary, or even possible, in the securing of a good constitution of the machine itself. The latter we have to take as we find it. The former are placed by Providence very much under our control. And it is upon their pro­ per use or abusethat all ofhealth taken individuallywhich we have it in our power to influence depends."* HIGH JUMPING. One of the most gracefulof competitions generally adopted in a* .letic pro­ grammes is that of jumping. It has, too, an advantage over most athletic pursuits by being easily followedup without fear of any of the constitutional strains that more violent and protracted exercises frequently cause. It is not to be supposed, however,that suddenjumps can be takenwithout fear of a strain if the muscles have not been prepared for the effort.In jumping, the contrac­ tion and extension of the musclesis sudden and violent, and on that account the risk of rupturing a small ligament is the moreto be feared. The risk attends any of those excercises that require quick action a d sudden motion, such as throwing, putting the weight, or sprint running. The old adage, "gently does it," cannot be more aptly applied than to the subject of exercise. The actual amount of exercise must depend entirely on the capabilities ofthe subject, and the quantity that he has been previously accustomed to. No de­ finite rules of quantity applicable to athletes can be laidown. But the fol­ lowing may be advantageously adopted by those who intendto practice jumping. Begin by gentle runs of about three hundred yards, with a few low jumps, say ten, about three feet high. Practise over these jumps for a fewdays until the stiffness ofthe muscles wearsoff, and then gradually raise them to four feet or four feet six inches. If this height cannot be cleared easily, place th jumps at the most suitable height.Care must betaken todo them quickly and neatly. The run between may be slow, but thejumps shouldalways be taken with a quick spring,landing on bothfeet every time. If this modus operandi ispaid attention to, the muscles will soon become accustomed to the sharp contraction required, and the legs will by keeping themwell together over low jumps, and alighting on both feet, lose their tendency to straddle when a higher jump than usual is attempted. Some, when in practice for high jumps, strengthentheir musclesby standing on one leg and loweringthe body down until the hams touch the heel, and then raising themselves up gradually again. This action, however much it may be beneficial to the sinews, cannot but give them a tendency to be slow, which ahould be as much as possible avoided. A heavy coat,with a weight in both ^ pockets, is ofsome service to those athletes stripped and ready to compete, as a great sense of lightness and elasticity is imparted to the frame on its removal. The heavy coat should never be worn except in the few minutes preceding the trial, asby constantuse thegoodeffectswear off. Alwayshave asoft place to alight • Dr. W. Strange. I