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the one who chooses Fig. 7 as his commencing position, will place his feet in the position Fig. 9; while the second, having chosen Fig. 2 as his commencing position, will be in the position of Fig. 4.

The Word of Command.

We have mentioned the word of command; this is the order given by the teacher, or person directing the movements, according to which all must move simultaneously. The word of command, or the order, consists of two parts—the first is the announcing, the second the execution order. The announcing order describes generally the limb which is to be moved, and the direction of the movement; the execution order describes shortly the mode of movement or action. In the command "feet apart in two distances — place!” the first five words are the announcing order, at which every individual prepares himself for action, but does not move till the word "place," the

Fig. 11.

execution order, is given, when the pupils instantly make the movement. In the order "right knee upward—bend!” the first three words are the announcing order, the word

"bend," the execution. We advise our readers to place themselves in the various positions described, to keep the head and body upright, the arms either stretched downward, or placed on the hips, when "hips hold!" is the command.

By changing the feet at the order "foot forward — place!" you have twenty positions, which, if well executed, will increase the strength of the legs, and of some parts of the

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spine; and this contributes to the better deportment of the body.

Having now a clear idea of the fundamental or rectangular position, (Fig. 2,) and the close position, (Fig. 7,) if you wish to change the rectangular into a close one, the command is "feet— close!" and the movement is done at first slowly, and in three motions, thus: The feet being placed heel to heel, with the toes at a rightangle, the toes are a little lifted from the ground, (first motion;) and then brought slowly inward, till the inner edges of the feet touch each other, (second motion;) and

finally, the toes again touch the ground, (third motion.) After some practice, these three motions are done so quickly as to form only one. At the order "feet-open," the same motions are done in the reverse order-viz., 1st, you raise the toes; 2d, the toes are brought outward to form the rightangle; and 3d, they again touch the ground.

The two movements are practiced as often as the order "feet — close!” or “feet — open!" is given. The position in which the body is when about to execute a certain movement, is the "commencing position;" and there is an infinite variety of such positions. When the feet are placed apart sideways, so that there is at least one distance between the feet, the position is called strido position, (Fig. 12.)

The walk position (Fig. 13,) is assumed by setting one foot forward, as if going to take a step—the dotted line in the figure shows the position of the leg when stretched.

Half standing position, (Fig. 14.) For this position, one foot is placed with the sole on the ground, while the other leg, perfectly stretched at the knee, is slightly

raised, and thrown a little forward, in such a way that it does not touch the floor.

Courtesy standing position, (Fig. 15.) The legs are kept together at the heels, the knees a little bent, and directed outward as far as possible, the legs forming, consequently, a regular rhombus.

Stretch standing position (Fig. 16,) has the arms parallel to each other, stretched vertically upward, with the palms directed toward each other. Compound commencing positions are formed of two, or several simple ones; as for instance: stretch stride position, in which the arms are in the stretched, (Fig. 16,) and the feet in the stride position, (Fig. 12.)

Fig. 16.

There are hundreds of commencing positions; but those we have quoted are sufficient as instances. Those of our readers who are interested in this matter, we refer to Dr. Roth's works on the subject, where they will find full descriptions and illustrations of a great variety of positions.

The following movements belong to the first class of free exercises — viz., to those done without the assistance of an

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Head forward-bend-stretch! (Fig. 17.) The head is held straight, without any twisting of the neck, and must be bent forward until the chin slightly touches the chest, (Fig. 17.) The upper part of the body, and especially the shoulders, must be kept firm. At the order "stretch," the head is raised into the fundamental position. Both the movements are done steadily, and not by jerks.

Fig. 19.

the previous position. in the bent position.

Head backward · bend stretch, (Fig. 18.) The head is slowly bent backward, but without twisting; and at the command "stretch," is raised into The head must not remain too long

Head right, sideways — bend — stretch!

Fig. 20.

Head left, sideways bend stretch! (Fig. 19.) The head is ex actly bent to the designated side; no twisting of face or shoulders, and no raising of the opposite shoulder, or sinking down of the shoulder on the same side, is permitted.

Head right, turn-forward — turn. (Fig. 20.)

Head left, turn—forward— turn. The head is turned horizontally to the

side designated, without the least flexion, if possible, so far that the chin shall be over the shoulder. The shoulders must be kept square in the front line.

Use of Calisthenics*

Dumb-bells

CALISTHENICS.

Cautions-Necessary Apparatus

·Backboards Clubs Wands - The Triangle-The Elastic Cord-Dumb-bell Practice.

These exercises are carefully accommodated to the delicate organization of the female sex; but in order that our readers may not have any fear with respect to their effect upon the gentler sex, we may remark, that this series of papers have been written under the guidance and supervision of a medical man familiar with such matters, and that the exercises themselves have been conducted by an able and experienced teacher of calisthenics.

It is an admitted physiological fact, that the imperfections in the female form originate, for the most part, in defective *CALISTHENICS is derived from two Greek words, signifying beauty and strength.

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