The Body Builder, Robert J. Roberts, Being a Collection of Drills and Health Hints, and Appreciations, of the Man Who Blazed the Trail, for Physical Education in the Young Men's Christian Association #250960

The best thing ever said about exercise was said by Robert J. Roberts: All exercises must be safe, short, easy, beneficial, and pleasing. I am happy to write this introduction, for in so doing I can pay my proper tribute to him and at the same time can extend his idea. Roberts' platform-just ten words all exercises must be safe, short, easy, beneficial, and pleasing, grew out of his long teaching and great common sense in observation of men and the effects of different exercises upon them. He had taught so-called fancy gymnastics; he was thoroughly familiar with the heavy work of the weight lifters; he took into account not only the immediate effect of exercises, but, by means of watching men for a series Of years, he formed im portant conclusions with reference to the ultimate effects of exercises. Let us examine his platform. All exercises must be safe. Approximately one man out of ten is qualified by nature to take up the more difficult forms of gymnastics — those forms which by common repute are not safe. Roberts maintains that his work is for the masses; that he is not endeavoring to build up a system for the favored few — he wants everybody. He wants to be able to handle people in large numbers and quickly. This can be done only where the exercises are safe.