Furthermore, well-adapted, systematic physical exercises tend to correct dislocations of spinal vertebrae and other bony structures.  They relax and soften contracted and hardened muscles and ligaments and tone up those tissues which are weakened and abnormally relaxed.  Regular physical exercise means increased blood supply, improved nutrition and better drainage for all the vital organs of the body.

By means of systematic exercise, combined with deep breathing, the liberation and distribution of electromagnetic energies in the system are also greatly promoted.

Most persons who have to work hard physically are under the impression that they need not take special exercises.  This, however, is a mistake.  In nearly all kinds of physical labor only certain parts of the body are called into action and only certain sets of muscles exercised, while others remain inactive.  This favors unequal development, which is injurious to the organism as a whole.  It is most necessary that the ill effects of such one-sided activity be counteracted by exercises and movements that bring into active play all the different parts of the body, especially those that are neglected during the hours of work.

Systematic physical exercise is an absolute necessity for brain workers and those following sedentary occupations.  They not only need breathing gymnastics and corrective movements mornings and evenings, but should take regular daily walks, no matter what the condition of the weather.  Unless they do this faithfully, their circulation will become sluggish and their organs of elimination inactive.  The cells and tissues of their bodies will gradually become clogged with morbid encumbrances, and this will inevitably lead to physical and mental deterioration.

General Rules

Weak persons and those suffering from malignant diseases, such as cancer, tuberculosis, heart trouble, asthma, or from displacements and ruptures, or who are liable to apoplectic seizures, etc., should not take these or any other vigorous exercises except under the supervision of a competent physician.  At least twice a day all parts of the respiratory apparatus should be thoroughly exercised (see Chapter Twenty-Eight on Breathing Exercises).  Deep breathing should accompany every corrective movement, whether it be a special breathing exercise or not.  Begin your exercises each day with light movements and change gradually to more vigorous ones, then reverse the process, ending with light, relaxing movements.  When beginning to take systematic exercise, do not make the separate movements too vigorous or continue them too long.  If any of them cause pain or considerable strain, omit them until the body becomes stronger and more flexible.  The muscular soreness often resulting from exercise at the beginning is, as a rule, of little consequence and disappears before long.  The different movements should be practiced in spite of it, because