Each exercise starts from the position of "Attention," which is thus described in the army manual:
Heels on the same line and as near each other as the conformation of the man permits.
Feet turned out equally and forming with each other an angle of about sixty degrees.
Knees straight without stiffness.
FIG. 1.—HANDS
The description of this exercise is the same as that given for the military command of "Attention," and the following points should be carefully noted:
It is not difficult to acquire a certain amount of accuracy in this position, but one of the easiest ways of getting men to assume it properly is to tell them to push their necks back. This seems more effective than to speak of holding the chin in with the head erect, or anything of that kind. If a man stands naturally and then forces the back of his neck back against his collar, he comes into very nearly the desired position of "Attention" so far as his head and neck are concerned.
The shoulders should be rolled a little downward and back, for that is the sensation which comes when one speaks of the shoulders being square. The chest should be arched and the abdomen drawn in somewhat. The effect is that of a man standing erect and feeling himself a little taller than usual.
Body erect on hips, inclined a little forward; shoulders square and falling equally.
Arms and hands hanging naturally, backs of the hands outward; thumbs along the seams of the trousers; elbows near the body.