Exercise Second and Third

Exercise Second

is for gaining agility, suppleness, quickness of eye, hand, and foot. Standing as far from the wall as possible, take a common rubber hand-ball and toss it against the wall, catching it as it rebounds, and again toss it against the wall. Vary this by allowing the ball to strike the floor, catching it on the rebound; then try keeping the ball in constant motion by first using one hand and then the other as a bat for returning the ball to the wall. This exercise can also be changed by striking the ball against the floor, and on its return bound again striking it,thus keeping it in motion. You will find that activity is necessary, and the work so quick that it will keep you on the jump all through the exercises.

Exercise Third

is with a broom-handle. Saw or cut off the broom and smooth down the sharp ends of the handle, and it will be ready for use. Stand erect, heels together, toes out, chin well back and straight, so as to throw out and expand the chest. Now grasp firmly each end of the broom stick and bring it up over the head;repeat this motion six or seven times; then change by carrying the broomstick over back of the head down across the back of the shoulders; then up above the head again, repeating this, and all other motions in your calisthenics, half a dozen times. Another exercise is holding the stick down in front of you with both hands and bringing it up over the head and down back of the shoulders without stopping.

The side motion is made by grasping the broomstick at each end, holding it down in front of you, and swinging it sideways thus bringing the right hand up when the left hand is down, and vice versa. Another way is to hold the stick by both ends above your head and swing it from one side to the other, which will cause the right arm to come in contact with the right side of the head, while the left arm is extended horizontally to the left. Next carry the stick back of and against the shoulders; then swing it from right to left, which gives another side movement. Vary all the movements in as many different ways as you can think of.

Fly with Christ!

Rachel  : )