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

58 S?EDEl2 tMAKlRM. cleansingof the pores of the skin, and of course a proportionate share of vigour given to the frame. In tlie present systemoftraining, the pedes­ trian pntsonLis sweatersand doestlie workset liimby liis trainer, and th<"i, whenlie is in a state of perfectperspiiatiou, lie throws off Ms wet and reekingflannels,and takes Msshower vith the greatest unconcern, knowing that the frictionwhich is afterwards appliedwill restore the properheat of the body after the sudden shockof the shower has closedthe poresof the skin for the time and relieved him of all his previous fatigue. The rubbing restores the circulationofthe smallblood-vessels of the skin, and so strong and fresh do the pedestriansfeel after this treatment, that whendressed they all declarethey feel no remains of their previous fatigue. Whatever our ancestors,or evensome of the old school who are at present living, wouldhave said to this treatment remains un­ known; but at present nothing but good has accrued from the treatment, and those who have undergone a trial of the sweatand shower swear by the method. The Turkish bath is only fit to reduce an infirm and obeseman to something like weight to begin work, and can only be looked ujwn as a luxury, and not an adjunct to training; besides being, in the author's opinion,far fromhealthy. The hot bath is of coarse required when 9 man is stiff and tired all over from cold o v over fatigue, when they will modifythe symp­ BATTTS. •pTO. toms, but as they are so simple and so easily obtainable, they require no further comment. A vapour bath is of considerable use in assiKting a healthy and fat man to reduce his weight; but after sweating he must be rubbed with a wet clntf>, cr have a chower; he should then put on a set or twoofflannels, and do at least an hour of severe work, during which time the reducing process will be going on in perfection. On arriving home the wet towel should be applied, or a sponging with cold water; after a good rub, and fresh clothing beingdonned, it will be foundthere has been a goodmorning's work accomplished. The vapour bath can be made in a very home-spun and simple manner, but equally efncaciouswith those attachedto baths oflargo name,etc. A washing, or any other flat tub, a third filledwith very hot water, in which is placeda stool,will do for the ground-work of the vapour. Take your seat on the stool, the feet of course outside the tub, and be well covered with blankets round the neck, and roundthe tub, leaving an opening whichcan be closed at leisure. Having heated two or three large bricks to a red heat, put oneinto the water, and when cooled, another, until the bath has been prolongeda sufficientime. This is a primitive, but a veryuseful bath to put into use to relievea bad cold, or for any other servicerequired at a short notice