HOW TO GET STRONG
Thus it will be seen that there are various methods of body-building; yet all with good results. But instead of confining the education of the body to developing the muscles chiefly, and paying little attention to the vital organs; or to developing great vital power and giving the muscles little or no serious play; combining both methods will make a stronger person than the use of either one alone. Not often has any one had large experience in both. But the dropping of his old very heavy-lifting and weight work, and devoting himself for years to a great variety of exercises which tell directly in both fields, peculiarly fit Roberts for this work of building up the bodies of children and youth, indeed also those of persons of almost every age.
Physical education ought to he made compulsory in every school in this land. Have it directly under the eye and guidance of the teacher; and have that teacher know that, at the quarterly or semi-annual examinations, reasonable progress will be expected in this department, just as certainly as in any other; and if he is not up to his work, that some one who is will be put in his place. Then that progress will surely come. It has come already, where the means have been understood and used; as witness Maclaren and others abroad, and a hundred here; and it brings such a benefit to the pupil that no pains should be spared to insure it.
Is it not as important to have good health and strength as to figure or write correctly; to read the Æneids or Homer; to pick up a smattering of French or German? Who is the more likely, if his life be in-doors and sedentary, not to live half his days—he who has never learned to build and strengthen his body; and keep it regulated and healthy; and to know the value of that health; or he who has learned these things and has done them?
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