Massage and Exercises Combined: A Permanent Physical Culture Course for Men, Women and Children

The tendency of most instructors or athletes, when presenting exercises, is to lay stress upon the production of large muscles, capable of certain performances. Some even go so far as to relate specific feats, which they are able to accomplish by reason of their great muscular power, which, it may be observed, is not necessarily indicative of good health. Oftentimes they have obtained this muscular strength by other exercises than the ones described in their books, or they have been accustomed to hard work from early youth, or are naturally strong. But the impression is conveyed that any individual can acquire the same muscular strength by practicing their exercises.

It is interesting to note that Sandow in his “Magazine for Physical Culture,” criticizes the abdominal muscles of a Danish instructor in athletics by the name of Muller, as almost abnormally developed, and Muller in turn retorts that Sandow’s arms and legs are too thick for their length, and his figure is too clumsy. That Mr. Muller has a better figure than Mr. Sandow is true, as is likewise the fact that the latter has given too much attention to heavy-weight lifting. Sandow is not as tall as Muller, however, and quite naturally if a man of small stature has the same muscular development as a taller man, it is conclusive that the figure of the smaller must appear more clumsy.

It does not follow that two persons practicing the same exercises will develop similar figures, although some men and women, who teach or publish courses in physical culture, often give their pupils or readers this impression.


However, any good exercises will improve the figure. What is significant is the fact that Sandow and Muller are arguing so much about a matter of no vital importance. Both might be sound and healthy, even if what they say about each other is true.

In a book of exercises published by Mr. Muller, mention is made of some rubbing or skin exercises, as they are called. These are practically only skin deep, as far as the rubbing is concerned. Mr. Muller correctly admits this in an explanation that the rubbing provides for a kneading of the entire surface of the skin. The English translator of the book likewise explains, in his Introduction, that the rubbing exercises are an endeavor to restore to its due position, the proper care of the skin.

There is a great difference between scientific massage movements and rubbing, although this may not be evident to the layman. While scientific massage movements also benefit the skin, their influence upon the deeper lying vessels, organs, nerves and muscles is of far greater importance.