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Chapter XXV: Some Yogi Physical Exercises.1925
lungs, without straining yourself too much), and then draw the abdomen in
and up as far as you can, then hold for a moment and let it resume its natural
position. Repeat a number of times and then take a breath or two, and rest a
moment. Repeat several times, moving it in and out. It is surprising how much
control one may gain over these stubborn muscles with a little practice. This
exercise will not only reduce the fatty layers over the abdomen, but will also
greatly strengthen the stomach muscles. (2) Give the abdomen a good (but
not rough) kneading and rubbing.
A “Setting-Up” Exercise.
This exercise is intended to give one a graceful and natural manner of
standing and walking, and to cure him of the habit of “slouching,” and
shambling along. If faithfully practiced it will cause you to manifest an erect,
graceful carriage. It enables you to so carry yourself that every organ has
plenty of “elbow-room,” and every part of the frame is properly poised and
counter-poised. This, or a similar plan, is followed by the military authorities
of many countries, in order to give their young officers the proper carriage,
but its good effect in these cases is somewhat marred by other military
practices which cause a stiffness which does not come to those who practice
this exercise apart from the drill. The exercise is as follows—follow it carefully:
(1) Stand erect, with heels together, toes slightly pointed outward. (2) Raise
the arms up by the sides (with a circular movement) until the hands meet
over the head, thumbs touching each other; (3) Keeping knees stiff; the body
rigid; the elbows unbent; (and shoulders bent well back as the movement
is made); bring down the hands, slowly, with a sideway circular motion,
until they reach the sides of the legs the little finger and the inner-edge
(the “chopping-edge”) of the hand alone touching the leg, and the palms of
the hands facing straight to the front. The soldier gets the right position by
touching the little finger of each hand to the seam of his trousers. (4) Repeat
several times, slowly remember. With the hands in the last position, having
been placed there by the motion stated, it is very difficult for the shoulders