In learning to lift weights, athletes start with a very light load, and
by steadily increasing it a little at a time, they are eventually able
to develop tremendous strength.
You remember that old story about the farmer’s boy who, just a few years
ago, made a practice of picking up a calf and carrying it across the
barn yard. Of course, as the calf grew and became heavier, the farmer
boy’s strength increased. It had to, otherwise he couldn’t have
continued to carry the calf around. And so it went, month after month,
year after year. And now, so they say, the farmer boy is able to throw
the bull.
It’s a terrible story, but we’ll overlook that fact if only it impresses
upon you one point I wish to make.
The new exercise in this week’s lesson is based on the same principle as
the weight-lifting methods. You will see that you apply auxiliary
pressure for the finger muscles to work against. By using greater and
greater pressure, you can develop almost any amount of finger strength
that you may desire. So you should stick to the careful use of this
exercise for many weeks to come.
Speaking of doing an exercise week after week, I sincerely trust that
you are not neglecting your review work. You are studying these lessons
for what you get out of them. If you really want to get your money’s
worth, you must keep going over the lessons time and again. And each
time, I can promise you, you will find new benefits and pleasures.
Devote your time this week to Exercises 3, 6, 27, and 28.