Natural Method of Physical Training by Edwin Checkley, (11) Appendix, Notes

Post date: May 18, 2017 12:26:40 PM

Natural Method of Physical Training

APPENDIX

• • A Word About the Spine - Spine curvature is explained by the action of weight, of muscular action, and of careless carriage. The curve should be voluntarily modified, if the modification can be shown to be advantageous. When the spine is straight or deviates from it neutral curve as little as possible, it will appear that the general grace and force of the body is increased. The backward curve is enfeebling and forceless. The forward curve is dangerous as well as inelegant. The pelvis tips. In a careless or feeble position the pelvis is sometimes too far forward--sometimes too far back. Either position inhibits the health of the organs and are detriments to the strength and endurance of the system as a whole.

    • The weight of the abdomen draws the pelvis forward, increasing the forward curve of the lumbar region in the spine, one of the most dangerous effects of corpulency. A proper carriage of the pelvis is the first and paramount precaution against abdominal fat. The muscular action necessary to preserve a correct angle in the pelvis discourages fatty formation in this region. Carrying the pelvis correctly and sufficiently controlling the abdominal muscles prevents the acquisition of abdominal fat.

    • A pelvis set at the proper angle is at once a result of a straight spine and an assistance to a straight spine. Abdominal control carries on the work the pelvis begins and the neck muscles aid the spine itself in straightening the shoulder and neck region. With the face vertical and parallel and with the upright lines of the body we increase the force of the body’s position. This also benefits the expansion of the lungs.

  • More About Breathing - The system must have a basis in actual facts and natural reason. Education in which the reasoning faculties are developed by observation, comparison and deduction is the best factor in developing men and women to the highest point of both physical and mental perfection. Learn the forces of nature to develop physically and cultivate a long and healthy life. Do not reject knowledge.

    • The differences between costal and abdominal breathing need to be understood. Breathing sustains vitality. Breathing costally is educated breathing. It requires a conscientious effort and definite cooperation between the mind and the body.

    • The first step to acquiring this type of breathing is to learn how to hold the body erect. There is only one correct way to hold the body.

    • Next, flare out the nostrils like a horse and slowly, gently take in as much air as possible through the nostrils. At the same time slowly contract the abdominal muscles. Develop the ability to contract and release the abdominals while taking slow deep breaths. The arms, unless occupied, should hang at the sides. Their muscles need not be used.

    • To breath costally by a conscious effort of the nostrils and the muscles of the upper chest requires conscious restraint of the tendency to use the abdominal muscles. For the successful acquirement of this beneficial method of breathing, the abdominal movement must be specifically resisted. The result is the the strengthening of the lungs, chest and abdominals

    • Anything that helps hold up the body, that prevents the body from holding itself up, is an injury to the body. Anything that prevents or restricts free muscular action is working positive injuries into the system.