[Illustration: Fig. 1.—Attention]
The movement calls for prompt control of the muscles;
in fact, the expression is often used of “snapping
into attention,” meaning that the man comes
into this position quickly and easily and with a distinct
click of the heels. In the “Daily Dozen”
referred to later in this book, this position is called
“Hands.”
This movement is taken from the position of “Attention”
by raising the arms from the sides and turning the
palms down; it may be varied by turning the palms
up. Holding the arms in this position, at the
same time turning the hands and keeping the neck straight
and the chest arched, will develop all the muscles
over the shoulder. (See Fig. 2.)
[Illustration: Fig. 2.—Arms
cross
On the “Cross” position the arms should
be straight out horizontally from the body, with the
elbows locked. At the same time, resistance should
be placed against the head and neck coming forward
at all. These should be held in exactly the same
position as at “Attention.” The tendency
is either to let the arms bend a little or to let them
drop below the horizontal, or even to hold them slightly
above the level.]
From this position “shoulder-grinding”
may be practised. This is executed by keeping
the arms extended, turning the whole arm in a circle
in the shoulder socket, and forcing the shoulder-blades
back and together as the arms go back. The circle
made by the hands should be about twelve inches in
diameter.
In this exercise the arms are raised to a position
straight up above the head, with the hands extended.
The palms may be together or facing front. (See Fig.
3.)
[Illustration: Fig. 3.—Arms
Stretch]
Hips Firm!
(This order is given, “Hips-Firm!”)
The hands are placed on the hips, with thumbs back
and fingers forward. The chest should be arched,
the shoulders and elbows kept well back, and the neck
pushed hard against the collar. (See Fig. 4.)
Also the hips should be kept well back and the abdomen
in. This gives the same poise as the “Attention”
position, but it puts more work on the shoulder muscles
and so gives greater opportunity for arching the chest.
In the “Daily Dozen” this position is called
simply, “Hips.”
[Illustration: Fig. 4.—Hips
firm]
Neck Firm!
(This order is given, “Neck-Firm!”)
Maintaining the same position as in “Hips Firm,”
the hands are quickly raised and put against the back
of the head (the finger-tips slightly interlaced)
just where it joins the neck, exerting some pressure;
at the same time the head and neck are forced well
back. (See Fig. 5.)
[Illustration: Fig. 5.—Neck
firm]
