Observe, too, the rhythm of the peristaltic action of the stomach.

An exercise must obey this universal law of nature.

Jerks should never be permitted; but all be easy and gradual. Even the
surrender of a movement should be gradual.

The eccentric action which results is more important in many cases than
the concentric. For example, in the diaphragm we make voice by an
eccentric action of the inspiratory muscles. We take breath by a
concentric action of the diaphragm, we give out breath in making voice
by eccentric contraction.

Rhythm, therefore, means primarily that there should be a rest after
each exercise. If we feel very weary we should especially emphasize this
rest. It is lack of this rest that causes strain and weariness and makes
a person nervous. The normal effect of the exercises when practiced
rhythmically, is to eliminate fatigue, correct nervousness and weakness.

Rhythmic movements accomplish ten times more than unrhythmic ones, even
if unrhythmic movements do not produce unhealthy and abnormal results.

Observe that nature always responds to rhythm. The body will respond to
rhythm. Let the exercise be taken vigorously and definitely. Let also
the reactions or rests be equally definite and decided. Vigor should
never lead to constrictions or to great labor.

If we lie on our back and stretch one side and then the other it is
easier and we accomplish better results as a rule than we do by
stretching both arms and feet simultaneously.

It is hard to explain the sympathetic union of co-ordination and rhythm.
I have never found any explanation or even reference to this. Even
Dalcroze, who has so many good ideas regarding rhythm, has not grasped
the principles of co-ordination of different parts of the body and
especially the relation of co-ordination to rhythm.

Awkward people lack both co-ordination and rhythm and the two are
vitally connected. By establishing co-ordinations we begin to establish
rhythm, and by establishing rhythm we help in the co-ordinations.

The principle of rhythm applies to all our human actions. We should walk
rhythmically, and we should stand allowing all the rhythmic curves of
the body to have their normal relationship. We shall always have the
right rhythmic curves if we have the right centrality and
co-ordinations.

One of the greatest effects of music is due to the rhythm. All
movements, however, have a rhythm of their own.

11. Use in every exercise, as far as