A PERMANENT GYMNASIUM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 147, 27 August 1941, Page 4

A PERMANENT GYMNASIUM

Sir,—l read with some amazement a correspondent signing himself B. Tuff actually discrediting the need and apparently the use of a gym.-' nasium. Presumably a farmer, he i& naturally in a position to exercise, but what of the many others con--fined to offices and workshops etc. t

As one who has done considerable gym., work I can say that even ar* hour per week spent doing correct physical training, not contortions as described by your would do more to physical fitness than the whole' weekend spent walking.

Further, has B. Tuff any explanation as to why our troops do physical training instead of route marches every day.

Yours etc.,

F. M. ABBOTT.

Sir, —In your Monday issue I read with disgust a letter published over the nom-de-plume of "B. Tuff." For a level headed person to take such a selfish, narrow minded view of a department of National importance is beyond my comprehension. With the experience of 7 or 8 years as leader of a gym team 1 can assure your correspondent that a gymnasium has an abundance of uses other than the contortions he singles out —in fact the contortions are a minor but very necessary part of a well thought out programme.

He also mentions walking! Yes that is taught in the gym too Jtnd while passing I might say it is surprising how poor the carriage in that art is to-dny. Breathing is another of the subjects—the doctors will no doubt confirm the. fact that they were a little astounded to find so many chest weaknesses in the bovs examined for Overseas.

From the tone of your correspon-

dent's letter it would appear he is a farmei*—lie is very fortunate m that his wOrk keeps him in the open air. Let me remind him however that there are many trades and professions making un this community the majority of which keep workers

in confined spaces

I take this opportunity of reminding parents the duty they owe their children to provide facilities, under a suitable instructor to stimulate a physical standard equal to withstand all forms of disease which always find weakest spots. I could explain many good reasons for compulsory physical training for both sexes from the age of 6 to 30$ 18 years. Finally I would like to point out tljat physical training as provided* in the gymnasium makes no claim to the turning out of a tough (or Tuff) specimen but favours well balanced physique.

Yours etc., PHYSICAL FITNESS.