Page:How to Get Strong (1899).pdf/235



Anything which causes one to frequently fill his lungs to their utmost capacity; and then hold them full as long as he can; tends directly to open his ribs apart; stretch the intercostal muscles; and so expand the chest. Many kinds of vigorous muscular exercise do this when done correctly; for they cause the full breathing; and at the same time directly aid in opening the ribs. It will be observed that frequently throughout these hints about exercising, endeavor has been made to impress on the reader that, when exercising, he should hold the head and neck rigidly erect; and the chest as high as he can. A moment's thought will show why. He, for instance, who "curls" a heavy dumb-bell, but does it with his head and shoulders bent over—as many do—while giving his pectorals active work, is actually tending to cramp his chest instead of expanding it; the very weight of the dumb-bell all pulling in the wrong