ON TRAINING.
The art of training for athletic exercises, consists in purifying the
body and strengthening its powers, by certain processes, which thus
qualify a person for the accomplishment of laborious exertions. It was
known to the ancients, who paid much attention to the means of augmenting
corporeal vigour and activity; and accordingly, among the Greeks and
Romans, certain rules of regimen and exercise were prescribed to the
candidates for gymnastic celebrity.
We are not, however, in possession of any detailed account of the
particular kind of DIET in use among the Greeks previously to the solemn
contest at the public games; but we are assured, that the strictest
temperance, sobriety, and regularity in living, were indispensably
requisite. The candidates, at the same time, were subjected to daily
exercise in the GYMNASIUM for ten months, which, with the prescribed
regimen, constituted the preparatory course of training adopted by the
ATHLETÆ of ancient Greece.
Among the Romans, the exercises of the PALÆSTRA degenerated from the rank
of a liberal art, and became a profession, which was embraced only by
the lowest of mankind. The exhibitions of the GLADIATORS were bloody and
ferocious spectacles, which evinced the barbarous taste of the people.
The combatants, however, were regularly trained by proper exercise, and
a strict observance of regimen. In the more early stages, their diet
consisted of dried figs, new cheese, and boiled grain. But afterwards,
animal food was introduced as a part of the athletic regimen, and PORK
was preferred to any other. GALEN asserts, that “pork contains more real
nutriment than the flesh of any other animal which is used as food by
man: this fact,” he adds, “is decidedly proved by the example of the
athletæ, who, if they lived but for one day on any other kind of food,
found their vigour manifestly impaired the next[22].”
The preference given to pork by the ancients, does not correspond with
the practice of modern trainers, who entirely reject it in their regimen:
But in the manner of preparing the food they exactly agree--ROASTING or
BROILING being preferred to BOILING, by both; and bread unfermented, to
that prepared by leaven. A very small quantity of fluid was allowed, and
this was principally water. When the daily exercises of the Athletæ were
finished, they were refreshed by immersion in a tepid bath, “where the
perspiration and sordes were carefully removed from the surface of the
body by the use of the STRYGIL. The skin was then diligently rubbed dry,
and again anointed with oil. If thirsty, they were permitted to drink
a small quantity of warm water. They then took their principal repast,
after which they never used any exercise. They occasionally also went
into the cold bath in the morning. They were permitted to sleep as many
hours as they chose; and great increase of vigour, as well as of bulk,
was supposed to be derived from long-continued and sound repose[23].”
Previously to entering on this regimen, the Athletæ were subjected to
the evacuating process by means of emetics, which they preferred to
purgatives. The sexual intercourse was strictly prohibited. “To exercise
their patience, and accustom them to bear pain without flinching, they
were occasionally flogged on the back with the branches of a kind of
_rhododendron_, till the blood flowed pretty plentifully. By diminishing
the quantity of the circulating fluid, this rough kind of cupping was
also considered as salutary, in obviating the tendency to plethora, to
which they were peculiarly liable[24].”
Pure and salubrious air was deemed a chief requisite; and accordingly
the principal schools of the Roman Athletæ were established at CAPUA and
RAVENNA, the most healthy places in all Italy. They exercised in the open
air, and, by habit, became familiarized to every change of the weather,
the vicissitudes of which soon ceased to affect them.
The manner of training among the ancients bears some resemblance to
that now practised by the moderns. But as their mode of living and
general habits were somewhat different from those of the present age, a
difference of treatment is now required to produce the same effects.
The great object of training, for running, or boxing matches, is, to
increase the muscular strength, and to improve the free action of the
lungs, or WIND, of the person subjected to the process, which is done by
medicines, regimen, and exercise. That this object can be accomplished,
is evident from the nature of the human system. It is well known, (for it
has been demonstrated by experiments,) that every part of the firmest
bones is successively absorbed and deposited. “The bones and their
ligaments, the muscles and their tendons, all the finer, and all the more
flexible parts of the body, are as continually renewed, and as properly a
secretion, as the saliva that flows from the mouth, or the moisture that
bedews the surface. The health of all the parts, and their soundness of
structure, depend on this perpetual absorption and perpetual renovation;
and exercise, by promoting at once absorption and secretion, promotes
life without hurrying it, renovates all the parts, and preserves them apt
and fit for every office[25].”
When the human frame is thus capable of being altered and renovated, it
is not surprising that the art of training should be carried to a degree
of perfection almost incredible; and that by certain processes, the
BREATH, strength, and courage of man, should be so greatly improved as to
enable him to perform the most laborious undertakings. That such effects
have been produced is unquestionable, being fully exemplified in the
astonishing exploits of our most celebrated pedestrians, which are the
infallible results of preparatory discipline.
The skilful trainer attends to the state of the bowels, the lungs, and
the skin; and he uses such means as will reduce the fat, and at the same
time, invigorate the muscular fibres. The patient is purged by drastic
medicines; he is sweated by walking under a load of clothes, and by lying
between feather-beds. His limbs are roughly rubbed. His diet is beef or
mutton; his drink, strong ale; and he is gradually inured to exercise by
repeated trials in walking and running. “By extenuating the fat, emptying
the cellular substance, hardening the muscular fibre, and improving the
breath, a man of the ordinary frame may be made to fight for one hour,
with the utmost exertion of strength and courage[26],” or go over one
hundred miles in twenty-four hours.
The most effectual process for training is that practised by Capt.
Barclay; and the particular method which he has adopted, has not only
been SANCTIONED by professional men, but has met with the unqualified
approbation of amateurs. The following statement, therefore, contains the
most approved rules; and it is presented to the reader, as the result of
much experience, founded on the theoretic principles of the art.
The pedestrian who may be supposed in tolerable condition, enters upon
his training with a regular course of physic, which consists of three
dozes. Glauber Salts are generally preferred; and from one ounce and a
half to two ounces, are taken each time, with an interval of four days
between each doze[27]. After having gone through the course of physic,
he commences his regular exercise, which is gradually increased as he
proceeds in the training. When the object in view is the accomplishment
of a pedestrian match, his regular exercise may be from twenty to
twenty-four miles a day. He must rise at five in the morning, run half
a mile at the top of his speed up-hill, and then walk six miles at a
moderate pace, coming in about seven to breakfast, which should consist
of beef-steaks or mutton-chops under-done, with stale bread and old beer.
After breakfast, he must again walk six miles at a moderate pace, and at
twelve lie down in bed without his clothes for half an hour. On getting
up, he must walk four miles, and return by four to dinner, which should
also be beef-steaks or mutton-chops, with bread and beer as at breakfast.
Immediately after dinner, he must resume his exercise by running half a
mile at the top of his speed, and walking six miles at a moderate pace.
He takes no more exercise for that day, but retires to bed about eight,
and next morning proceeds in the same manner.
After having gone on in this regular course for three or four weeks, the
pedestrian must take a four-mile SWEAT, which is produced by running four
miles, in flannel, at the top of his speed. Immediately on returning, a
hot liquor is prescribed, in order to promote the perspiration, of which
he must drink one English pint. It is termed the SWEATING LIQUOR, and is
composed of the following ingredients, viz. one ounce of caraway-seed;
half an ounce of coriander-seed; one ounce of root liquorice; and half an
ounce of sugar-candy; mixed with two bottles of cyder, and boiled down
to one half. He is then put to bed in his flannels, and being covered
with six or eight pairs of blankets, and a feather-bed, must remain in
this state from twenty-five to thirty minutes, when he is taken out and
rubbed perfectly dry. Being then well wrapt in his great coat, he walks
out gently for two miles, and returns to breakfast, which, on such
occasions, should consist of a roasted fowl. He afterwards proceeds with
his usual exercise. These sweats are continued WEEKLY, till within a few
days of the performance of the match, or, in other words, he must undergo
three or four of these operations. If the stomach of the pedestrian be
foul, an emetic or two must be given, about a week before the conclusion
of the training, and he is now supposed to be in the highest condition.
Besides his usual or regular exercise, a person under training, ought to
employ himself in the intervals in every kind of exertion, which tends to
activity, such as cricket, bowls, throwing quoits, &c. that, during the
whole day, both body and mind may be constantly occupied.
From the above account of Capt. Barclay’s method of training, it will
be seen, that he commences with the evacuating process, and that
three purgative dozes are deemed sufficient to clear any man from the
impurities which it is requisite to throw off, preparatory to entering
on the course of regimen and exercise. And in this stage of the business,
the objects to be attained, are the purification of the animal system,
and the promotion of the digestive powers.
The diet or regimen is the next point of consideration, and it is very
simple. As the intention of the trainer is to preserve the strength
of the pedestrian, he must take care to keep him in good condition by
nourishing food. Animal diet is alone prescribed, and beef and mutton are
preferred. The lean of fat beef cooked in steaks, with very little salt,
is the best, and it should be rather under-done than otherwise. Mutton
being reckoned easy of digestion, may be occasionally given, to vary the
diet, and gratify the taste. The legs of fowls are highly esteemed. It is
preferable to have the meat BROILED, as much of its nutritive qualities
is lost by roasting or boiling[28]. Biscuit and stale bread are the only
preparations of vegetable matter which are permitted to be given; and
every thing inducing flatulency must be carefully avoided. Veal and lamb
are never allowed, nor pork, which operates as a laxative on some people;
and all fat or greasy substances are prohibited, as they induce bile, and
consequently injure the stomach. But it has been proved by experience,
that the lean of meat contains more nourishment than the fat, and in
every case, the most substantial food is preferable to any other kind.
Vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, or potatoes, are never given, as
they are watery, and of difficult digestion. On the same principle, fish
must be avoided, and besides, they are not sufficiently nutritious.
Neither butter nor cheese is allowed; the one being very indigestible,
and the other apt to turn rancid on the stomach. Eggs are also forbidden,
excepting the yolk taken raw in the morning. And it must be remarked,
that salt, spiceries, and all kinds of seasonings, with the exception of
vinegar, are prohibited.
With respect to liquors, they must be always taken cold; and home-brewed
beer, old, but not bottled, is the best. A little red wine, however,
may be given to those who are not fond of malt liquor; but never more
than half a pint after dinner. Too much liquor swells the abdomen, and
of course injures the breath. The quantity of beer, therefore, should
not exceed three pints during the whole day, and it must be taken with
breakfast and dinner, no supper being allowed. Water is never given
alone, and ardent spirits are strictly prohibited, however diluted. It
is an established rule to avoid liquids as much as possible, and no more
liquor of any kind is allowed to be taken than what is merely requisite
to quench the thirst. Milk is never allowed, as it curdles on the
stomach. Soups are not used[29]; nor is any thing liquid taken warm, but
gruel or broth, to promote the operation of the physic; and the sweating
liquor mentioned above. The broth must be cooled in order to take off
the fat, when it may be again warmed; or beef tea may be used in the
same manner, with little or no salt. In the days between the purges, the
pedestrian must be fed as usual, strictly adhering to the nourishing diet
by which he is invigorated.
Profuse sweating is resorted to as an expedient for removing the
superfluities of flesh and fat. Three or four sweats are generally
requisite, and they may be considered the severest part of the process.
Emetics are only prescribed if the stomach be disordered, which may
sometimes happen, when due care is not taken to proportion the quantity
of food to the digestive powers. But in general, the quantity of aliment
is not limited by the trainer, but left entirely to the discretion of
the pedestrian, whose appetite should regulate him in this respect.
Although the chief parts of the training system depend upon SWEATING,
EXERCISE, and FEEDING, yet the object to be obtained by the pedestrian
would be defeated, if these were not adjusted, each to the other, and
to his constitution. The skilful trainer will, therefore, constantly
study the progress of his art, by observing the effect of the processes
separately, and in combination.
If a man retains his health and spirits during the process, improves
in WIND, and increases in strength, it is certain that the object
intended will be obtained. But if otherwise, it is to be apprehended
that some defect exists, through the unskilfulness or mismanagement of
the trainer, which ought instantly to be remedied by such alterations
as the circumstances of the case may demand. It is evident, therefore,
that, in many instances, the trainer must be guided by his judgment,
and that no fixed rules of management can, with absolute certainty, be
depended upon, for producing an invariable and determinate result. But,
in general, it may be calculated, that the known rules are adequate to
the purpose, if the pedestrian strictly adheres to them, and the trainer
bestows a moderate degree of attention to his state and condition during
the progress of the training.
It is farther necessary to remark, that the trainer, before he proceeds
to apply his theory, should make himself acquainted with the constitution
and habits of his patient, that he may be able to judge how far he can,
with safety, carry the different parts of the process. The nature of his
disposition should also be known, that every cause of irritation may be
avoided; for, as it requires great patience and perseverance to undergo
training, every expedient to soothe and encourage the mind should be
adopted.
It is impossible to fix a precise period for the completion of the
training process, as it depends upon the condition of the pedestrian; but
from two to three months, in most cases, will be sufficient, especially
if he be in tolerable condition at the commencement, and possessed
of sufficient perseverance and courage to submit cheerfully to the
privations and hardships to which he must unavoidably be subjected.
Training is indispensably necessary to those who are to engage in
corporeal exertions beyond their ordinary powers. Pedestrians, therefore,
who are matched either against others or against time; and pugilists, who
engage to fight; must undergo the training process before they contend,
as the issue of the contest, if their powers be nearly equal, will, in a
great measure, depend upon their relative condition. But the advantages
of the training system are not confined to pedestrians and pugilists
alone. They extend to every man; and were training generally introduced,
instead of medicines, as an expedient for the prevention and cure of
diseases, its beneficial consequences would promote his happiness, and
prolong his life.
It is well known to physiologists, that both the solids and fluids which
compose the human frame are successively absorbed and deposited. Hence
a perpetual renovation of the parts ensues, regulated, as they are, by
the nature of our food and general habits[30]. It, therefore, follows,
that our health, vigour, and activity, must depend upon regimen and
exercise, or, in other words, upon the observance of those rules which
constitute the theory of the training process. The effect has accordingly
corresponded with the cause in all instances where training has been
adopted; and, although not commonly resorted to as the means of restoring
invalids to health, yet there is every reason to believe, that it would
prove effectual in curing many obstinate diseases, such as the gout,
rheumatism, bilious complaints, &c. &c.
“Training (says Mr. Jackson,) always appears to improve the state of
the lungs. One of the most striking effects is to improve the wind;
that is, it enables a man to draw a larger inspiration, and to hold his
breath longer.” He farther observes,--“By training, the mental faculties
are also improved. The attention is more ready, and the perception
more acute, probably owing to the clearness of the stomach, and better
digestion[31].”
It has been made a question whether training produces a _lasting_,
or only a _temporary_ effect on the constitution. It is undeniable,
that if a man be brought to a better condition; if corpulency, and the
impurities of his body, disappear; and if his _wind_ and strength be
improved by any process whatever, his good state of health will continue,
until some derangement of his frame shall take place from accidental or
natural causes. If he shall relapse into intemperance, or neglect the
means of preserving his health, either by omitting to take the necessary
exercise, or by indulging in debilitating propensities, he must expect
such encroachments to be made on his constitution, as must soon unhinge
his system. But if he shall observe a different plan, the beneficial
effects of the training process will remain until the gradual decay of
his natural functions shall, in mature old age, intimate the approach of
his dissolution.
The ancients entertained this opinion.--“They were,” says Dr. Buchan,
“by no means unacquainted with, or inattentive to, these instruments
of medicine, although modern practitioners appear to have no idea of
removing disease, or restoring health, but by pouring drugs into the
stomach. HERODICUS is said to have been the first who applied the
exercises and regimen of the gymnasium to the removal of disease, or the
maintenance of health. Among the Romans, ASCLEPIADES carried this so far,
that he is said by CELSUS almost to have banished the use of internal
remedies from his practice. He was the inventor of pensile beds, which
were used to induce sleep, and of various other modes of exercise and
gestation, and rose to great eminence as a physician in Rome. In his own
person he afforded an excellent example of the wisdom of his rules, and
the propriety of his regimen. PLINY tells us that, in early life, he
made a public profession that he would agree to forfeit all pretensions
to the name of a physician, should he ever suffer from sickness, or
die but of old age; and, what is more extraordinary, he fulfilled his
promise, for he lived upwards of a century, and at last was killed by a
fall down stairs[32].”
It may therefore be admitted, that the beneficial consequences, both to
the body and the mind, arising from training, are not merely temporary,
but may be made permanent by proper care and attention. The simplicity
of the rules is a great recommendation to those who may be desirous of
trying the experiment, and the whole process may be resolved into the
following principles: 1st, The _evacuating_, which cleanses the stomach
and intestines.--2d, The _sweating_, which takes off the superfluities of
flesh and fat.--3d, The _daily course of exercise_, which improves the
_wind_, and strengthens the muscles;--and, lastly, The _regimen_, which
nourishes and invigorates the body.
The criterion by which it may be known whether a man be in good
condition, or, what is the same thing, has been properly trained,
is the state of the skin, which becomes _smooth_, _elastic_, and
_well-coloured_, or _transparent_.--The flesh is also _firm_, and the
person trained, feels himself light, and full of spirits. But in the
progress of the training, his condition may be ascertained by the effect
of the _sweats_, which cease to reduce his weight; and by the manner in
which he performs one mile at the top of his speed. It is as difficult
to run a mile at the top of one’s speed, as to walk a hundred, and
therefore, if he performs this short distance well, it may be concluded,
that his condition is perfect, or that he has derived all the advantages
which can possibly result from the training process.
The manner of training _jockies_ is different from that which is
applicable to pedestrians and pugilists. In regard to jockies, it is
generally _wasting_, with the view to reduce their weight. This is
produced by purgatives, emetics, sweats, and starvation. Their bodily
strength is of no importance, as they have only to manage the reins of
the courser, whose fleetness depends upon the weight he carries; and the
muscular power of the rider is of no consequence to the race, provided it
be equal to the fatigue of a three or four-mile heat.
Training for pugilism is nearly the same as for pedestrianism, the object
in both being principally to obtain additional _wind_ and strength.--But
it will be best illustrated by a detail of the process observed by CRIB,
the champion of England, preparatory to his grand battle with Molineaux,
which took place on the 29th of September 1811.
The champion arrived at Ury on the 7th of July of that year. He
weighed sixteen stones; and from his mode of living in London, and the
confinement of a crowded city, he had become corpulent, big-bellied,
full of gross humours, and short-breathed; and it was with difficulty
he could walk ten miles. He first went through a course of physic,
which consisted of three dozes; but for two weeks he walked about as
he pleased, and generally traversed the woods and plantations with
a fowling-piece in his hand. The _reports_ of his musquet resounded
everywhere through the groves and the hollows of that delightful place,
to the great _terror_ of the magpies and wood-pigeons.
After amusing himself in this way for about a fortnight, he then
commenced his regular walking exercise, which at first was about ten or
twelve miles a day. It was soon after increased to eighteen or twenty;
and he ran regularly, morning and evening, a quarter of a mile at
the top of his speed. In consequence of his physic and exercise, his
weight was reduced, in the course of five weeks, from sixteen stones to
fourteen and nine pounds. At this period, he commenced his _sweats_,
and took three during the month he remained at Ury afterwards; and his
weight was gradually reduced to thirteen stones and five pounds, which
was ascertained to be his _pitch_ of condition, as he would not reduce
farther without weakening.
During the course of his training, the champion went twice to the
Highlands, and took strong exercise. He walked to MAR LODGE, which is
about sixty miles distant from Ury, where he arrived to dinner on the
second day, being now able to go thirty miles a day with ease, and
probably he could have walked twice as far if it had been necessary. He
remained in the Highlands about a week each time, and amused himself with
shooting. The principal advantage which he derived from these expeditions
was the severe exercise he was obliged to undergo in following Capt.
Barclay. He improved more in strength and wind by his journies to the
Highlands than by any other part of the training process.
His diet and drink were the same as used in the pedestrian regimen, and
in other respects, the rules previously laid down were generally applied
to him. That he was brought to his ultimate _pitch_ of condition, was
evident from the high state of health and strength in which he appeared
when he mounted the stage to contend with Molineaux, who has since
confessed, that when he saw his fine condition, he totally despaired of
gaining the battle.
Crib was altogether about eleven weeks under training, but he remained
only nine weeks at Ury. Besides his regular exercise, he was occasionally
employed in sparring at Stonehaven, where he gave lessons in the
pugilistic art. He was not allowed much rest, but was constantly occupied
in some active employment. He enjoyed good spirits, being all the time
fully convinced that he would beat his antagonist. He was managed,
however, with great address, and the result corresponded with the wishes
of his friends.
It would be perhaps improper, while speaking of Crib, to omit mentioning,
that, during his residence in the north of Scotland, he conducted himself
in all respects with much propriety. He shewed traits of a feeling,
humane, and charitable disposition, on various occasions.--While walking
along Union-street in Aberdeen, he was accosted by a woman apparently
in great distress. Her story affected him, and the emotions of his heart
became evident in the muscles of his face. He gave her all the silver he
had in his pocket.--“God bless your Honor,” she said, “_ye are surely
not an ordinary man!_”--This circumstance is mentioned with the more
pleasure, as it affords one instance at least, in opposition to the
mistaken opinion, that professional pugilists are ferocious, and totally
destitute of the better propensities of mankind. The illustrious Mr.
Windham entertained juster sentiments of the pugilistic art, as evinced
by the print he presented to Mr. Jackson as a mark of his esteem. In
one compartment, an _Italian_ darting his stiletto at his victim is
represented; and in the other, the combat of two _Englishmen_ in a ring.
For this celebrated genius was always of opinion, that nothing tended
more to preserve among the English peasantry those sentiments of good
faith and honour which have ever distinguished them from the natives of
Italy and Spain, than the frequent practice of fair and open BOXING.