30 June 2005

Figure Eight Exercise


This diagram shows the sweeping actions the child goes through in practising the exercise. Standing with the feet twenty or more inches apart and the head and trunk slightly inclined, the hands are clasped and extended forward, and then by a long side to side sweeping movement they are made to describe the figure 8. The entire upper portion of the trunk is moved in conjunction with the hands, the weight alternately shifting from one foot to the other, and the work of bending, straightening, and twisting the trunk accomplished as nearly as possible by the muscles surrounding the abdomen. In practising this exercise one should avoid strain. Ten sweeping motions is sufficient exercise if practised regularly every day.

From Nutrition and Health, The Borden Company, 1924, page 46.

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