hen it harmoniously.

It can hardly be emphasized too often that the central muscles should be
stronger than the surface muscles. Whenever we find, for example, a weak
diaphragm, we should use a greater number of exercises for it and be
careful not to give too much attention to the arm muscles.

It is not mere strength to lift a heavy weight that measures the degree
of vitality or indicates length of life, but rather the harmony of all
parts working together. The muscles connected with breathing should be
stronger in proportion than the superficial muscles of the arms or lower
limbs.

People who perform one particular movement a great deal, such as a
blacksmith in hammering, should study and use exercises for the parts
that are habitually neglected.

A little thought can correct every abnormal condition, even stiff joints
and headache. By practicing patiently such tendencies may be practically
eliminated.

13. Practice progressively.

Exercises are often taken intemperately. The student begins with
enthusiasm, feels uncomfortable results from the extravagance, and then
gives up the exercises.

Begin carefully. Patiently practice the movement at first ten or twenty
times, counting four with each step and accentuating the stretches, each
day increasing a little, and after a week or two the results will be
surprising. Let there be regularity even in the increasing of the
exercises.

We must take steps slowly, and gradually add others until we have the
number which the normal condition of our system demands.

Study your own strength and the effects of the exercises upon you.

There are many ways by which an exercise may be made progressive. First,
by gradually increasing the vigor of the movement. For example, lifting
the feet from the bed, one foot may be lifted at a time, which is
easier, or both may be lifted only a few inches at first. Second, the
exercise may be performed more slowly and more vigorously. Third, by
repeating the exercise a greater number of times. Fourth, by the
addition of a greater number and variety of exercises.

Sometimes a person is lame from practice. This is usually due to the
breaking of small, delicate fibres. These fibres may have grown together
by monotony of movement and by extending them suddenly or violently they
may have been wrenched apart too suddenly. Muscular fibres should move
freely. They will do so if we practice gradually, but violent practice
may strain unused musc