THE MUSCLES 



45 



visible, as the trembling of the muscle. Figure 47 shows 

 an easy standing posture. 



What causes Fatigue. — Fatigue or exhaustion is due to 

 the using up of the living material in the nerve cells and 

 muscle cells by oxidation. Rest is necessary to give cells 

 opportunity to repair themselves. Why is it less fatiguing 

 to walk for an hour than to stand perfectly still for ten 

 minutes ? 



Fig. 46.— Improper Position; 

 causes spine to curve to side; 

 raises one hip and shoulder 

 above the other. 



Fig. 47. — Best Position; 

 chest is free to expand, 

 and weight is easily shifted 

 from one foot to other. 



Degeneration of Muscles begins with habitual disuse. 

 We dare not furnish a substitute for the work of a muscle, 

 if we wish the muscle to remain sound. A belt or a stay 

 at the waist will cause the muscles of the trunk to become 

 flabby and the abdomen to relax and protrude. 



How Muscular Activity helps the Health. — Life is 

 change, stagnation is death. Muscular activity uses up the 



