For each set of muscles being exercised, there is a concentration of thought, or determination of willpower, and the speedy and very remarkable muscular development is due as much to the will force concentrated upon the muscles placed in action as by the exercises. An average reader may not find the statement agreeable. But, then, there have already been cases that could prove that will power is possible thus making this theory not illogical.

I quote at random from a number of medical authorities:

“By force of will, the beating of the heart may become slower or quicker or may even cease under the stress of emotions, such as anger or fear."

“A very great fright may even cause death or syncope."

“Concentrated attention, that is, attention concentrated on any portion of our body, produces visible changes there; thus, redness or paleness may be induced in the face or swellings on different parts of the body."

"Certain monks are known to have induced the red marks of flagellation or the signs of Christ's sufferings upon their bodies. And it is an established fact that by fixing the attention upon any part of the body positive pains may be produced."

“Rage affects the salivary glands."

“Fear disturbs the functions of the heart and anxiety the digestive organs."

Given these examples of cases in our lives where determination has a great role in achieving what we want or doing what we want to do, it is a vital attitude we should apply in achieving muscular development. The will also has a law in common with the muscular system, that is, it grows in strength when exercised.

Mentality has much to do with our health and the duration of our lives. A fixed determination to live will prolong life just as certainly as the feeling that we are growing old lessens our courage and hastens the end. If we lose faith in our strength, it leaves us. If we believe that age is beginning to weigh heavily upon us, we take to sedentary habits and little by little we lapse into lethargic lives. Our mood is vitiated by idleness, and then our feebly renewed tissues and lowered vitality invite diseases. These are the signs of aging. We lose courage and faith in ourselves and then truly become old.

It is a worn but truthful adage that “every one is as old as he thinks himself to be." If you think yourself aging, surely you will hasten that condition and then marks of physical decay will appear which your years may not warrant. Moral: Don’t admit to yourself, or to any other person, that you are growing old. If you resolutely deny the approach of indications of age you will retard their appearance.

Remember this: When you think young and act young people will think you are a good deal younger than you are and finally you will come to believe it yourself. When you have reached that stage you will have the courage of your convictions and the battle is half won. You will have pride in your physical improvement and, fearing physical deterioration, you will keep trying to prevent it and success will surely come to you.