INHALING A FULL BREATH
Test your lungs by inhaling a full breath--inflate them to their full
capacity--if it makes you dizzy you are in danger and should proceed at
once to strengthen them. The following simple exercises will speedily
result in improvement and are easy to practice:
HOW TO EXERCISE THE LUNGS.
1. When in the open air, walk erect, head up, chin drawn in, shoulders
thrown back, thoroughly inflate the lungs and retain the air for a
second or two, then expel it gently. Practice this several times a
day, and if your employment keeps you in, make time and go out.
2. The first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, when
you have nothing on but your underclothing, stand with your back
against the wall and fill the lungs to their utmost capacity, then,
retaining the breath gently tap the chest all over with the open
hands.
Do this regularly every morning and night, gently at first, but
gradually increasing the length of time for holding
the breath and the force of the blows as the lungs grow stronger.
3. Stand upright, heels touching, toes turned out. Place the hands on
the hips, the fingers resting on the diaphragm, the thumbs in the soft
part of the back. Now, inflate the lungs and force the air down into
the lower back part of the lungs, forcing out the thumbs.
Do this half a dozen times at first, gradually increasing the number. Women seldom
use this part of the lungs--tight dresses and corsets prevent them.
4. While in the same position, fill the upper part of the lungs full,
then force the air down into the lower part of the lungs and back
again by alternately contracting the upper and lower muscles of the
chest. Do this repeatedly, for, besides being a good lung developer,
it is an excellent exercise for the liver.
5. Stand erect, the arms hanging close by the sides, then slowly raise
the arms until they are in the same position, at the same time gradually taking in a full breath
until the lungs are completely filled, then, after holding the breath
for a few seconds, gradually lower the arms, at the same time
gradually expelling the breath. After doing this a few times while the
lungs are full raise and lower the arms several times quickly.
6. Hold the arms straight out, then slowly throw them back behind you
as far as possible, at the same time taking a full breath, then bring
them slowly back to the front, as at first, expelling the breath while doing so.
Do this several times, then fully inflate
the lungs, and while holding the breath move the arms backward and
forward, in the same way, but quickly. It is important to inflate and
empty the lungs fully and completely during this exercise.
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