Saving Strength 



1317 



Fig. 7 



Fig. 8 



the upper part of the trunk (the chest and bust) is in advance of the 

 lower part (the abdomen) . 



In both the bad standing 

 positions illustrated, a line ex- 

 tending from the toe-tips ver- 

 tically upward would touch 

 the abdomen and be several 

 inches from the chest (Fig. 9). 

 In the good standing positions 

 the line would clear the abdo- 

 men and touch the chest (Fig. 

 10). This line test is one of 

 the best simple tests of a good 

 poise of the body. 



In order to change from 

 Fig. 9 to Fig. 10, one should 

 stand as alertly erect as pos- 

 sible and by a motion at the 

 hip joints sway the trunk for- 

 ward until the chest is in line 

 with the toe-tips. The swaying 



motion should be done easily, without strain or tension. One who is accus- 

 tomed to a bad poise of the body may feel at first, in assuming this normal 



poise, as though she were about to fall forward. 

 Standing tall, "erect under the stars," and 

 keeping the head well up will soon overcome 

 such a sensation. Note the points in favor of 

 the position: (1) The waist and abdominal mus- 

 cles are firm instead of being weakly relaxed. 

 (2) The vital organs are well supported. (3) 

 Every part of the body is unrestricted, there 

 being no cramping, crowding, nor sagging of 

 any of the parts. (4) The center of gravity is 

 over the balls of the feet, which is essential 

 for light, easy walking. (5) The chest is high and 

 active instead of being narrow and depressed. 

 (6) The shoulders are flattened instead of 

 being "round." (7) Each part of the body is 

 in balanced relation to all other parts, so that 

 ' v all the muscles are free from strain or tension. 



These are the conditions for health, lightness of movement, physical 

 endurance, work with the least fatigue, and uplift and joyousness of spirit. 

 93 



