EXERCISE 



163 



perhaps weak or sickly, the advice to " straighten up" 

 would certainly be given more heed. 



Granted now that we have succeeded in forming the 

 best position and breathing habits, what is the next 

 step in making 

 our respiratory 

 organs furnish us 

 the largest pos- 

 sible supply of 

 air ? In the first 

 place, we must 

 not be satisfied 

 until we are 

 conscious that 

 rhythmic move- 

 ment of the ab- 

 dominal organs 



, . , An incorrect position for riding a bicycle. 



as we breathe is 



our established habit. Many give much attention 

 to expansion of the chest. If the crowding downward 

 of the abdominal organs is secured while breathing, 

 the best enlargement of the chest is sure to follow. 

 Then practising such exercises as will best develop the 

 elasticity of the breathing muscles is the most impor- 

 tant thing. The diaphragm, the intercostal muscles, 

 the cartilage, the lung tissue, are all elastic and should 

 be given abundant opportunity to grow stronger 

 through use. The country boy helps in this develop- 

 ment by chopping wood, pitching hay, and other daily 



