The Athlete for 1866

HINTS ON TRAINING. 121 the collar bone, and brings the arm forwards; the triceps, which is fixedat one end of the shoulder and shoulder blade, and at the otherend of the fore-arm below the elbow, and extends the arm at the elbow joint. The feet is also assisted by a simultaneous spring with the legs, and a rapid turn ofthe body . Iu waliviug, the muscles of the whole body are brought into action more than m any of the other exercises we have alluded to. The arms and back assist the l£gs greatly mchanging the balance of the body, and in bringing the hips for­ ward at each stride. The calf of the leg has much work to do, even as much as m running on the toes.The mwscle however, that suffers most is that which uses 0:1the outside of the skin bone,near the knee, and runs down the le< y -crossing the shin near the ankle, to be inserted near the inside of the sole of the foot. Tins muscle raises the foot, and draws it back towards the leg at the end •of the striae, and also points the heel at the commencement; so tLat in fast walking it has no rest, and consequently becomes very painful. The frontand bac^cmuscles 01 the thigh also come in for a large share of work. 1 lie follow ings measurements are an average of the dimensions of some of the best runners, and may be taken as a fair guide ofwhat the proportion of the Inubs should be respectively:— Height ... 5 ft. 6 in. ... 5 ft. 8 in. ... 5 ft. 10 in. .. 6ft Weight ... 8 st. 4 lbs. ... 9 st. 7 lbs. ... 10 st. 9 lbs.... 12 at Chest ... 35 in. ... 37 in. ... 39 in. ... 40 in Waist ... 27 in. ... 28 in. ... 29 in. , . ,31i n ' Hips ... 34 in. ... 35.1in. ... 37 in. ... 33 in', rhigh ... 20 in. ... 21 in. ... 22 in. 23 in Calf ... 134 in. ... 14 in. ... 141 in. 15 in The dimensionsor the chest may appear mall at first s ght, but it must be remembered that the runner has no muscles of the shoulder-blades to increase his measurement. A well-made runner has not that top-heavy appearance that Oiiaracterises the gymnast who does much arm work. TEMPERAMENT. To a great extent the growth of our muscular power is subject to the special agency of the nervous system, and the care and nourishment of this is often entirely overlooked. The study of the temperament of each individual will invariably give a clue to his propermode of training. We may divide the dilferent classes generally under three heads—the Sanguine, Bilious, and Lymphatic. The characteristics of each may beiu some men clearly defined, in others so merged one into another as to be difficult of classification. The Sanguine Temperament belongs to that class with bright ruddy com- plexion, light hair, and full circulation. Their disposition is energetic and spirited, but their power of resisting disease, or of bearing protracted exercise is not gieat, and their ardent characteris rather the result of nervous exci­ tability than of vital force. Their power lies in dash rather than in endurance The Bilious Temperament is of an opposite description. The circidation is sluggish, the disposition persevering and obstinate • the constitution, as a rule, is tough, and is capable of severe tasks, under which the sanguine would succumb. These men are good subjects for training, but they require good food and much exercise. The Lymphaticare of a pale complexion, with delicate skins and full habit of body. There is a torpor about their mental as wellas muscular actions, "When subject to disease they become peevish, and are difficult to treat. When united to a nervous disposition, they are perhaps the worst classof men for