DAILY EXERCISES.

Shannon News, 7 October 1927, Page 3

DAILY EXERCISES.

hints on how to KEEP FIT. The idea'to stretch for health may seem very strange and complex, states a writer in Sporting Life in an article on the value of exercise, but if you wish to keep a perfect figure and a good supple body and limbs you would have a hard job to find a better exei--01 When we are very young our muscles and sinews are, of course, very soft and pliable. As time goes on, hbwever, we are apt to neglect them to a shocking degree; with the result that we get very stiff and hard in all our joints. Now all this is very foolish, and it would be a good thing if a little more of limb suppleness were taught m our schools. Young people should be instructed as to the value of body and joint development. The muscles were made to use. Use them! For Beautiful Figures. If you wish to gain a beautiful figure" and a splendid lithe body generally, you will find the following rules admirable for this branch of your physical training- . Stand erect, with your arms stretched up alongside your head. Try to stand on tip-toe and stretch upwards as high as you can. Do not assume a twisted attitude whilst doing this, but endeavour to preserve a good erect You will find that your toe joints will begin to wobble and ache, but it von practise this exercise regularly you ivill soon he able to stand on tiptoe for a considerable period. Artists’ models have to learn the art of correct posture, and are called upon to stand in all conceivable positions. You are born with a body as normal as the other fellow. Try to realise that you are just as capable of assuming any attitude. Make all your movements easy and graceful. Try This One! Stand erect, with your legs about two feet apart; raise your arms above your head and-, bend your body backwards. Try to touch the ground behind you. You will, of course, be compelled to bend your knees, but don’t do this until you are absolutely forced. Now swing forwards and touch the ground in front with the tips of youi fingers. Swing back again and try for the ground behind again. Now forward; now backward, and so on. Do this exercise many times. You cannot really do this too much, provided you do not strain, of course. Always try to stretch upwards, backward and forward as much as you can. This exercise is splendid for your hip joints, besides strengthening your abdominal muscles. When you have repeated this exercise many times, relax your body and take a short rest. Then repeat the experiment. Now place your finger tips on your shoulders and‘bend at the knees, bend as low as possible, and shoot your anus above your head as you bend. This exercise strengthens and at the same time loosens your knee joints, as'well as shows you, by your arm the value of independent, limb movement. . Do this exercise repeatedly and ab ways try to give a little spring with your upward thrust.. Be alert, and fully conscious of all your action. Allow-, your mind to dwell on the matter on hand, and endeavour to breathe and think clearly; sincerely.. People with a good physical poise always possess a greater degree of mental poise than those without the physical element. Be sure and reliant in your motion and preserve your stamina for further effort by observing that you do not overstrain. Hard at First. Lie flat on your back with, your arms stretched out at right angles to your body. Swing your arms round as far hack towards your head as possible. Now open vour legs wide and swing these also round to as near right angles as you can. Work this exercise with arms and legs alternately, then try it with arms and legs simultaneously. Always stretch from your hips and shoulders. Sit on a moderately high stool, and lock your instep round the legs. Nowbend back as far as the balance of the stool will allow. Do not sit on the seat whilst doing this, but prise off your instep. Yo w-ill find it hard at first, but after a few attempts you will be able to bend back to a considerable degree. Jump high into the air, and throwyour legs in all directions, taking care you stretch to the utmost. Do not strain; you gain nothing by so doing. Just, behave naturally and easily. Long Strides.

Fling your arms around with abandon, stretching the while. Run long distances taking very long strides. You will find that you will be able to do almost anything with your limbs. The muscles are therej they only need developing. These rules are invaluable for those who wish to gain a good symmetrical and supple figure. Try the exercises and see for yourself.