p. 10 | Exercise for Women by Frederick W. Stone

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 10, 1903

Exercise for Women

By Frederick W. Stone

To the business woman physical culture is a blessing indeed. Often when night comes, she is wearied to a point of exhaustion, and only those who have tried it can appreciate the wonderful value, in such a case, of ten minutes' vigorous exercise, followed by the refreshing bath. Not only are muscles made firm and full of strength again, but the nerves are steady, and the eyes bright. That headache has disappeared as if by magic, and the erstwhile tired woman is alert and ready for a social evening or one spent in study.

Those who sit a great deal, and this includes ninety-nine out of one hundred women, regardless of station in life, are heirs to a train of ills that result from the torpid condition induced thereby. The blood circulates but slowly, digestion and elimination are sluggish, and the lungs fail to expand as they should. The muscles become flabby, allowing organs to crowd and press. The eyes are dull, and the skin sallow, if not actually disfigured by eruptions. But this condition is easily prevented and overcome when proper activity is provided.

The habit of daily exercise will work a transformation that is pleasing to the eye, as well as a gratification to one's sense of well-being. A few minutes each day given to exercise will induce a pair of strong, healthy, well-filled lungs, and plenty of oxygen means pure blood, rosy cheeks, and bright eyes; it will also bring about steady nerves, firm and symmetrical muscles, a splendid feeling of conscious health and vigor, and a happy disposition to look on the bright side of all things. A torpid liver has been responsible for many a tragedy, and unstrung nerves have broken up happy homes.

Aside from the consideration of health and consequent happiness, is that of an erect, well-formed, well-poised figure. Exercise will also restore that shapeless mass of flesh to its old-time girlish beauty of outline. It will reduce the abdomen, and develop the chest, making a figure both shapely and graceful. Make for yourself a “corset” of firm muscles, interlacing to form a support that will far surpass any invention of man. The natural waist is round and slender. It may measure more in actual inches than the one for which tight lacing is responsible, but it will have the appearance of a more slender beauty because of its natural roundness, and there will be, in addition, an attractive suppleness that can not be gained in any other way. This is an argument in favor of exercise for the muscles of the waist, and they may be made firm and strong, adding to beauty as well as to health.

Make your exercise a habit. It will take only a few minutes each day, in the privacy of your own room, and in a short time the work will become a pleasure—as much a part of your routine as eating and sleeping. But do not make the mistake of overdoing in your enthusiasm. Exercise wisely and well, and you will be amply repaid by a rich store of health and strength, by an increased beauty and animation, by added years of useful living.—Frederick W. Stone.