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. Often-*times 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.
