THE FLESHY, THE THIN, THE OLD
stayed at his task. In six weeks he reported that he had taken off thirty pounds; and that the relief, mentally and bodily, was marvellous and delightful.
Brisk walking, and being on the feet much of the day—as Americans, for instance, find it necessary to do when they try to see the Parisian galleries and many other of Europe's attractions all in a very few weeks—will tell decidedly on the weight of fleshy people, and dispose them to move more quickly. When you can do it, this is perhaps not such a bad way to reduce yourself.
Now, if so many have found that vigorous muscular exercise, taken daily and assiduously, accomplished the desired end for them; does it not look as if a similar course, combined with a little strength of purpose, would bring similar benefit to others? In any case, such a course has this advantage: begun easily, and followed up with gradually increasing vigor; it will be sure to tone up and strengthen one; and add to the spring and quickness of movement, whether it reduces one's flesh or not. But it is a sort of work where free perspiration must be encouraged; not hindered.
In all these cases of healthy and satisfactory reduction of weight it will be seen that copious perspiration from daily vigorous muscular and breathing exercise is plainly the chief element in effecting the desired purpose.
But, while many of us know instances where fat people have, by exercise, been reduced to a normal weight, is it possible for a thin person to become stouter? A thin person may have a large frame or a slender one. Is there any work which will increase the weight of each, and bring desirable roundness and plumpness of trunk and limb?
Take, first, the slim man. Follow him for a day, or
151
