every step. How often do we see this walk, especially in girls?
The expression of such women is that of aggressiveness, self-assertion, or self-satisfaction. The opposite extreme to this rigid position is the stooped one where the back is bowed, the chest sunken, the head and hip joints thrust forward. This results in the abdomen becoming prominent and the waist is shortened in front and lengthened behind. In such a case the stomach is often pushed downward from one to three inches. Such a woman is literally hung upon her ligaments and many of the muscles are useless.
For such poises as these, any change of bodily position is an effort, attended by a lengthy and complicated rearrangement of the muscles; this is because most of them are asleep and have to be given a special stimulus to secure their attention instead of being ready and on the alert for action when the telegram comes from the brain. The expression of such positions is failure, weakness and despondency. [See figure one.]
The third bad adjustment of the body is one in which there is an over-correction of the bad poise previously described. This results in the upper part of the body being thrown forward beyond its correct position, the hips thrown back unnaturally, and a deep back curve produced. This is sometimes caused by incorrect corseting, and over-lifting the abdominal flesh to obtain a "straight-front" effect. [See figure two.]
The normal poise is that in which the body is delicately adjusted around its center of gravity so as to move easily in any direction, with the least expenditure of nerve and muscular force and in its perfection is expressive of a balanced, self-controlled mental and physical make-up. It is neither self-assertive, nor cringing, but expressive of general alertness, readiness for whatever may happen, good will to all, and interest in living. [See figure three.]
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