CHAPTER II.--INDIAN CLUBS, AND HOW TO USE THEM.
It is our object in this chapter to present to our readers full instructions for the use of the Indian clubs--instructions that, for completeness and thoroughness of illustration, have not before been approached in any work with which we are acquainted.
The origin of their introduction into Europe is not known with certainty, but it is said that we are indebted for them to a military officer who had seen them in use by the Persians. The movements that can be performed with the clubs are almost unlimited in their variety, and are amongst the most useful and beneficial of any gymnastic exercises, having the effect of increasing the muscular power of the shoulders and arms, strengthening the hands and wrists, opening the chest, and also possessing the advantage of rendering the user ambidextrous, or two-handed--that is, of making the left arm, shoulder, etc., as vigorous and able as the right, and developing equally both sides of the body.
If practised properly, the exercises are exceedingly pretty and graceful, and cause the performer to acquire a good carriage and deportment. Although in almost every gymnasium Indian clubs are now to be found, it is surprising how seldom they are used, the pupils generally preferring to acquire proficiency in the more showy feats that other instruments--such as the horizontal and parallel bars--permit of their practising. But we would impress upon our readers that if they will only exercise a little patience and perseverance in acquiring the use of the clubs, they will find that no other gymnastic exercises can surpass them in grace and utility, and give such pleasure both to the performer and his audience.
The advantages of the clubs are many; amongst others--(1) they are inexpensive; (2) there is no danger attached to their use; (3) being portable, there is no fixing required--they can be used either in the open air or in a room; (4) their weight can be adapted to the age and strength of the user.
With regard to the price, they can be obtained of any wood-turner at about 4_d._ per pound (unpolished). We should certainly recommend the learner to purchase _un_polished clubs, for in the course of practice he is sure to bruise them by knocking them together, and the damage shows more plainly upon a polished than an unpolished surface. But when he has become accustomed to the manipulation of the clubs, then he may obtain the more showy article, the cost of which is about 6_d._ per lb.