The Modern Method of Training for Running, Walking, Rowing & Boxing

43 ruGiusji, CHAPTER VIII. TBAIKIKG 'WITII EEGAJRD TO PUGILISM. rrilE work necessary to reduce or otlierwise J- bring the pugilist into somethinglikecon­ ditionwill be, of course, nearly if not precisely similarto the training requiredfor a pedestrian or othermatch. The physiekingwill requiregreat attention; a,11 drastic and griping medicinesare to be avoided, if possible, and cases will occur fromtune to time where no medicine ought to be givenwhatever. The man in one of these instances will be in a low state, and require feedingand training up. In another, the body will be in so openand relaxed a state that the prescribingand giving the usual dosewould be followed to a certainty by the patient training right off, and falling into a low and prostrate condition. In the generalstate ofhealth, how­ ever, which characterises the pugilist when matched to fight (with a full habit of body, flushedcountenance,and a pulse full and slow), the usual dose, salts, &c., may be introduced withadvantage; but the quantities and frequent use left to the usual habit ofthe man, or to the judgmentof the trainer. The physickingand preparation for the hard PUGILISM. 49 work should occupy the first week; and the number of sweats taken during the second week shouldbe regulatedby the state of inside and the loose flesh on the body. A. sharp run will soon showthe state of the inside by the state of " the bellows," whether the wind is short or not, and the manner in which the looseflesh shakes when sparring is a pretty fair criterion of there-beinga good quantity of outsidesuperfluity to get away. He ought to be rubbeddown after his runs and fast walks, and dry clothes put on in a warm, dry room. The loss of weight should be gradual. If, on the contrary, the loss be too rajnd, and con­ tinue daily, the reducing system must cease, and feeding uj) take the place of sweating for a few days until the system is restored. The meals, of course, must be taken regularly,and consist of the same kind of animal food as recommended previously, and the beverage most suited to the constitution of the man taken in small quantities,— the kind and quantity of course being left to the judgment of the trainer. Wine is principallygivenwhen the man has to be trained up, and then good old port wine will be found to be of the most service. The pugilists of the present day strengthen the arms, loins, and shoulders by hitting out at a sack stuffed with straw and hanging from a beam,diversified with the use of a skipping-rope, the swing, and finally, but by no means of minor importance, by con­ tinual sharp practicewith dumb-bellsof about 4-