Dumbbell

(Gymnastics.) An instrument used for calisthenic purposes, one for each hand, and employed for the purpose of opening the chest and developing the muscles of the superior extremities. It is formed of two globes of iron or wood, joined by a horizontal shank, of 4 or 6 inches in length, sufficient for the hand to grasp,the fingers being protected from injury by the extending ball at either end. The body being drawn up erect, with the muscles in a state of tension, the operator, grasping a D.-B. in either hand, extends his arms horizontally before him, at their utmost length, the bells being so held that the balls at their extremity point upwards and downwards, each instrument, at the same time, touching the other. The body be ing kept rigid, and firmly planted on the feet, the arms are to be swung slowly outwards, as far back as the operator can endure the strain, care be Fig . 884.-DUMB-BELL. ing taken to keep the arms in the same line, level with the top of the shoulder, during the operation. The hands are then to be brought rapidly forward till the bells strike in front, and again, with the recoil, carried outwards and backwards, repeating the same movements as long as the operator has endurance for the task. As the D. are made of different sizes and weights, it is advisable always to begin with the lightest weights first, such as the four - pound D .; and when the muscles have, after a week or two of practice, become accustomed to the strain, the seven or ten - pound bell may be used, and continued till the operator is enabled to make them meet behind his back with the same concu ion they encounter in front. For public singers, declaimers, and those who require a capacious chest and an uninterrupted play of lung, the use of the D. is of immense service. At the same time their steady employment materially improves the figure by giving an erect carriage and manly bearing to the body. Dumb'-cane, n. ( Bot.) See CALADIUM, and DIEFFEN IMG:content-0689.jpg:[blocks in formation]