EXERCISE FOR ANY GIVEN MUSCLES
and placing both feet under the other; and now dropping the body back until it is horizontal; then rising to vertical and repeating; is very hard work for these abdominal muscles; and should only be practised by those already strong here.
These muscles are brought into direct and vigorous play in rowing; to such an extent that no man who has them weak can be a fast oarsman over any ordinary racing distance. Indeed, this is the very region where young rowers, otherwise strong, and seemingly fit for hard, fast work, give out first.
Every time the foot is raised in running, these muscles are called to active duty far more than in walking; and the high, strong, sharp step works them severely; so that no man weak here could be a fast runner with good action. And if you would condense their work more yet, run with very short steps, say of not two feet each. You will not do it long. Jumping; vaulting; leaping; all bring them into sudden, spasmodic, almost violent action. Let a man mow a while, when unused to it; and see how soon it tells across this region; the muscles aching next day from the twisting motion.
COUNTERWORK FOR THE ABDOMINAL MUSCLES
But nearly all the exercises just named for the abdominal muscles, while they make them strong and handsome, tend to contract rather than lengthen them; and for men of sedentary life, inclined to stoop a little forward while sitting, some work is needed which shall stretch these muscles, and aid in restoring them to their natural length.
Stand erect. Now gradually draw the head backward until as far past the vertical as possible. Return slowly
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