HOW TO GET STRONG
to erect position. In the drawing back, these muscles were stretched to a greater length than usual; and in those who accustom themselves to drawing far back in this way, like the contortionists of the circus; these muscles grow wonderfully elastic; such men being able not only to touch their heads to their heels; but now and then to go farther yet; and drink water from a tumbler set between their feet.
But while there is no need of such extreme work; moderate performance in this way directly tends to stretch and lengthen muscles which, in the great majority of people, are somewhat cramped and shortened nearly every hour of the twenty-four by habitual standing, sitting, or lying, with the back either flat or almost curved outward, instead of slightly hollowed in, and with the consequent sinking of the chest. All work above the head, such as swinging clubs, or an axe or sledge; putting up dumb-bells, especially when both hands go up together; swinging by the hands from rope or bar; or pulling the body up till the chin touches the hands; standing with back to the exerciser or pulley-weights; and taking the handles in the hands, and, starting with them high over the head, then pushing the hands far out forward; standing two or more feet from the wall, facing it; and, placing the hands side by side against it, about as high up as your shoulders; then throwing the chest as far forward as possible; the hauling-down ropes by the sailor; the ceiling-work of the plasterer and the painter, and the like;—these all do excellent service in bringing to these important muscles the length and elasticity they ought to have; and so contributing materially to the erect carriage of the body. All kinds of pushing with the hands; such as one does in putting them against any heavy sub-
186
