Second Position.—Swing the right leg outward and around back to about eighteen inches back of the left foot, as is shown in the second position. Then swing the right leg outward and around, back to the first position.
Reverse the position of the feet, and perform the same movements with the left leg. The weight of the body must always be thrown on the advanced leg, and perfect poise and balance should be maintained throughout the entire movement.
Leg exercises are useful for purposes of relieving the engorged veins of the fatigued leg, because the movements of such large masses of muscles as those of the legs and thighs demand large supplies of blood, and consequent quick action on the part of the heart to supply it, and this blood, pouring swiftly back to the lungs for purification, requires frequent and deeper inspirations on their part to effect the purification; leg exercises cause greater development of the chest than do arm exercises.
Squatting Exercises for Muscles of the Spine and Abdomen (Fig. [44]).—Stand erect, with the feet near together and the hands resting on the hips, rise upon the toes, then sink the body to the floor, bending the knees sharply, until the thighs and legs are doubled upon each other and the weight of the entire body is supported by the toes. The trunk must be maintained perfectly erect throughout the movement. Then return to the original position. Repeat ten times.
These exercises strengthen the muscles of the spine and abdomen, and aid in reducing superfluous abdominal fat. They also strengthen the ankles and increase the flexibility of the knee-joints.
Alternate Kneeling; Abdominal Exercise (Fig. [45]).—While these exercises also strengthen the muscles of the spine and legs, they are primarily abdominal exercises, and are given for the strengthening of the abdominal muscles and improving the circulation in the abdominal viscera.
First Position.—Kneel on the left knee, with the face directed forward, the right arm extended perpendicularly up at the side of the head, and the left hand resting on the hip. The head and entire trunk are then turned slowly to the left, the right arm all the while being held rigidly up at the side of the head, then returns slowly to the original position.
Second Position.—Kneel on the right knee, with the face looking directly forward, and the left hand extended above the head, and the right hand resting on the hip. The head and entire trunk are then turned slowly toward the right, and the position maintained for a moment, then return to the original position. Repeat five times for each leg.
These exercises strengthen the abdominal muscles, those at the side of the waist, and groins.
Balancing Exercises for Poise and Carriage (Fig. [46]).—These exercises, for maintaining the equilibrium of the body while it is poised upon the smallest possible base, are among the most difficult positions to maintain, requiring a high degree of coördination of movement. They are given to improve the poise and carriage of the body.