Manual of physical training.

Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Manual of physical training. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    36/296 (page 26)
    Moving “ free ” must not, however, be confused with the- “ Free standing exercises,” which is the term applied to all exercises which are performed without apparatus. Before leaving his place in the class to perform an exercise, etc., each man will spring to Attention. Position op Attention. 91. Heels together and in line. Feet turned out at an angle of'about 45 degrees. Knees straight. Trunk erect, and carried evenly over the thighs with the shoulders (which should be level, and square to the front) down and moderately back—this should bring the chest into its natural forward position, without any straining or stiffening. Arms hanging easily from the shoulders as straight as the natural bend of the arm when the muscles are relaxed will allow, but with the hands level with the centre of the thighs. Wrists straight. Palms of the hands turned towards the thighs, and the heel of the hand and the inside of the finger tips lightly touching them, fingers hanging naturally together. Neck erect. Head balanced evenly on the neck, and not poked forward, eyes looking their own height and straight to the front. The weight of the body should be balanced on both feet, and evenly distributed between the fore part of the feet and the heels. The breathing must not in any way be restricted, and no part of the body should be either drawn in or pushed out. The position is one of readiness, but there should be no stiffness or forced unnatural straining to maintam it. Common faults. i. Neck allowed to incline forward, ii. Shoulders forced back, iii. Shoulders raised, iv. Shoulders (from slackness) allowed to fall forward, v. Small of the back unduly hollowed, vi. Abdomen protruded. Vii. Abdomen drawn in. viii. Hips drawm back, ix. Elbows sticking out. x. Backs of the hands to the front, xi. Elbows held too far back. xii. Body and arms stiffened, xiii. Breathing restricted. N.B.—It should be noted that a correction of the carriage of the neck will usually have the effect of correcting the carriage of the whole body. It must also be noted that a Recruit who has had no previous training cannot be expected to obtain this or any other position correctly at once, and that attempts to correct his positions too suddenly are certain to have injurious rather than beneficial effects. The principle of gradual and not forced or hurried progression should therefore be most carefully kept in view, and the instructor must