Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/127

 Rh of weight. The cultivation of phlegmatic tendencies through all of the twenty-four hours of the day brings with it increase of weight.

There is no need of changes in exercise when added weight is sought, except that gymnastics should not be too strenuously followed. Walking is required by the Japanese instructors to be kept up as usual, with the exception that the gait be strolling instead of brisk. When seeking increase of weight the student must bear in mind that every exertion, however necessary, must conform to the requirements of repose—healthful laziness!

Deep breathing and bathing do not interfere in any way with the accumulation of flesh; neither does the external nor the internal use of water. Beer, ale, and wine will increase weight, but not with beneficial results. The Japanese have exploded the old fallacy that the free use of water increases weight through bloating.

Nuts and oils are much used by the samurai of to-day who wish to gain a few pounds in weight. Nuts are rich in oil, while any form of oil that is not too laxative in its properties may be used with the same fattening value.