Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1894 — A FOUR HUNDRED [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A FOUR HUNDRED

OF LADIES WHO ARE DEVOTED TO PHYSICAL CULTURE. A Glimpse at the Well-Appointed Club-rooms, at the Girls Who are Training and at the Distinguished People Who Look On and Approve of the New “ Fad.” The well-built man, woman, boy or girl is acknowledged by every intelligent person of to-day as on the increase. Why ? Simply because the development of the body is now

recognized as one of the most important branches of education. The aim of every school is to have a department of physical training where the students can secure for themselves the best health, strength and endurance possible, and the importance of such physical development is thoroughly appreciated now as an essential part of complete school discipline. The Berkeley Ladies’ Athletic Club, of 23 West 44th street, New York City, is a striking illustration of the

advancement thkt the study of physical culture and Uthletja-nports have made upon the ygjjrfg ladhw of this city. It is a new departure in the physical training of women, and the completeness of the appointments of the building and the great variety and perfection in its apparatus present an establishment equal to that of the best athletic club building for men. The parlor, decorated in old gold and blue, is on the ground floor. Here also are the offices of the director and secretary. Three bowling alleys are in the front basement; these measure the regulation width and length. A plunge bath is in the rear. This is lined with white and blue tiles, the walls and ceilings being decorated in the same manner. A series of dressing rooms, needle baths and a large swimming bath complete the floor. Private bathrooms, with separate dressing alcoves, lockers and needle tub baths, occupy two floors; then comes the gymnasium, the favorite hall in the club building. It is 100 by 50 feet, provided with a noiseless running track, with a gallery nine feet above the floor. Up a short flight of stairs, opening adjacent to the running track, is a smaller gymnasium used for individual work. The appliances used for instruction consist principally in sets of light chest-weights, rowing weights,lndian clubs, dumbbells and French barbells. The apparatus is attached to the walls or suspended from trusses, leaving space clear for classwork and marching exercises. The beauty of the apparatus is in its nickel platings and noiseless workings. In the use of foils our ladies are becoming experts, and only by attending some of the private parties that rent the bowling alleys for evening games can one thoroughly appreciate the skill with which the dia-mond-ringed fingers of our city belles play the game. Classes began Oct. 1, and as the ladies return from the country they make their appearance at the club. The membership is limited to 400 (but not to “ the ” Four Hundred), and a candidate for admission must be at least 16 years old, the admission fee being sls and the annual dues S4O. The management of the club is intrusted to a board of ten governors. On the second and last Friday of every month friends are admitted by card, and from a balcony built purposely for their accommodation they can watch the exercises in the gymnasium. ‘‘Do I notice any improvement?” said one of the members in repeating a question put to her, “I should think I do! It is simply wonderful. I have an appetite that is greatly alarming my mother, it is so ravenous. I feel so cheerful after a day spent here that grandmother calls me giddy. I sleep like a top and awake so refreshed every morning. My lungs are strong—listen!” and she halloed at the top of her voice for example, “Look at my arm—and just wait six months—l’ll have it twice as hard. lam straight, too, and don’t feel half so awkward as I did a year ago, when I first came.” ‘ ‘However exaggerated these effects may appear to those who pay no attention to the subject of athletic sports and physical culture,” said a ’onker-nn who was an able doctor.

‘‘one cannot help thinking or being convinced that if the same plane which are now pursued with the view of fitting individuals for the demoralizing exhibition of brute force were more generally adopted as a means oi improving the health and vigor of the constitution, the people would be in a great measure emancipated from physical suffering, and the full possession of active powers would be prolonged far beyond what is now esteemed the bounds of human life.”

THE BERKELEY INSTITUTE.

IN THE WOMAN’S GYMNASIUM.