The various systems of gymnastics are designed for the surface-building
of the body. The exercises affect almost exclusively the outer muscular
structure. The scientific cultivation of the breath, on the contrary,
acts directly on the inner, vital organs. These are strengthened and
developed from the outset. Thus a sure foundation is laid on which to
build toward physical perfection, and the true beauty which is, or
should be, the heritage of every healthy man or woman. Any ordinary
method must of necessity prove itself as ineffective as it is illogical.
The majority of athletes exhibit exterior muscles of most impressive
bulk. It is a curious fact, however, that the bony structure, which
measures the chest cavity, shows only a trifling development when
deprived of its muscular support. It must always be borne in mind that
the strength of the body lies in its organic power--not in the surface
muscles. In fact, the larger the surface muscles are, the more strength
is taken from the organic vitality in order to support and feed them.
It is by reason of this drain upon the inner forces that athletes so
often die young. Abnormal development of the muscular system at the
expense of organic vitality is a folly always dangerous, often fatal.