LESSON 16.
In learning to lift weights, athletes start with a very light load, and by steadily increasing it a little at a time, they are eventually able to develop tremendous strength.
You remember that old story about the farmer’s boy who, just a few years ago, made a practice of picking up a calf and carrying it across the barn yard. Of course, as the calf grew and became heavier, the farmer boy’s strength increased. It had to, otherwise he couldn’t have continued to carry the calf around. And so it went, month after month, year after year. And now, so they say, the farmer boy is able to throw the bull.
It’s a terrible story, but we’ll overlook that fact if only it impresses upon you one point I wish to make.
The new exercise in this week’s lesson is based on the same principle as the weight-lifting methods. You will see that you apply auxiliary pressure for the finger muscles to work against. By using greater and greater pressure, you can develop almost any amount of finger strength that you may desire. So you should stick to the careful use of this exercise for many weeks to come.
Speaking of doing an exercise week after week, I sincerely trust that you are not neglecting your review work. You are studying these lessons for what you get out of them. If you really want to get your money’s worth, you must keep going over the lessons time and again. And each time, I can promise you, you will find new benefits and pleasures.
Devote your time this week to Exercises 3, 6, 27, and 28.