Any setting-up exercises should be preparatory--that is, they should
make men ready for the serious work of their day, and in no way exhaust
any portion of their vitality. This modern "shorthand" method of
setting-up leaves men in an exhilarated condition, and, instead of
taking anything out of them, it prepares the body for any kind of work
that may be required.
Each exercise starts from the position of "Attention," which is thus
described in the army manual:
Heels on the same line and as near each other as the conformation of the
man permits.
Feet turned out equally and forming with each other an angle of about
sixty degrees.
Knees straight without stiffness.
[Illustration: FIG. 1.--HANDS
The description of this exercise is the same as that given for the
military command of "Attention," and the following points should be
carefully noted:
It is not difficult to acquire a certain amount of accuracy in this
position, but one of the easiest ways of getting men to assume it
properly is to tell them to push their necks back. This seems more
effective than to speak of holding the chin in with the head erect, or
anything of that kind. If a man stands naturally and then forces the
back of his neck back against his collar, he comes into very nearly the
desired position of "Attention" so far as his head and neck are
concerned.
The shoulders should be rolled a little downward and back, for that is
the sensation which comes when one speaks of the shoulders being square.
The chest should be arched and the abdomen drawn in somewhat. The effect
is that of a man standing erect and feeling himself a little taller than
usual.]
Body erect on hips, inclined a little forward; shoulders square and
falling equally.
Arms and hands hanging naturally, backs of the hands outward; thumbs
along the seams of the trousers; elbows near the body.
Head erect and straight to the front, chin slightly drawn in without
constraint, eyes straight to the front. (See Fig. 1.)
Each movement, with the exception of the "Speed Test" (a catch exercise
with which any man may test his rapidity of action and co-ordination),
should be executed in a slow and measured manner. These exercises do not
depend upon snap for their effect, but upon the steady, deliberate, but
not extreme stretching of the muscles. Any tendency toward hurried,
careless execution should be avoided in favor of uniformity of movement.
GROUP I
Hands: This is the same position as "Attention." (See Fig. 1.)
[Illustration: FIG. 2.--HIPS
The position called "Hips" is that of "Attention" with the hands placed
on the hips, the fingers forward and the thumbs back, at the same time
keeping the shoulders and elbows well back.]
Especial care should be taken to see that whenever, throughout the
exercises, this position is taken--as at the completion of each
movement--full control is retained over the arms; the hands should not
be allowed to slap against the sides audibly.
It is not difficult to acquire a certain amount of accuracy in this
position, but one of the easiest ways of getting men to assume it
properly is to tell them to "push their necks back." This seems more
effective than to speak of holding the chin in with the head erect, or
anything of that kind. If a man stands naturally and then forces the
back of his neck back against his collar, he comes into very nearly the
desired position of "Attention," so far as his head and neck are
concerned.
The shoulders should be rolled a little downward and back, for that is
the sensation which comes when one speaks of the shoulders being square.
The chest should be arched and the abdomen drawn in somewhat. The effect
is that of a man standing erect and feeling himself a little taller than
usual.
Hips: The hands are placed on the hips, with shoulders, elbows and
thumbs well back. (See Fig. 2.) The position of "Hips" is that of
"Attention" with the hands placed on the hips, the fingers forward and
the thumbs back, at the same time keeping the shoulders and elbows well
back.
Head: The hands are placed behind the neck, index finger-tips just
touching and elbows forced back. (See Fig. 3.)
[Illustration: FIG. 3.--HEAD
In the position called "Head" the body is still in the position of
"Attention," the neck pushed well back, the fingers and the hands just
touching behind the neck, and the elbows not allowed to push forward but
kept as far back as the shoulders.]
In the position called "Head" the body is still in the position of
"Attention," the neck pushed well back, the fingers and the hands just
touching behind the neck, and the elbows not allowed to push forward but
kept as far back as the shoulders.
Speed Test: The above three exercises, "Hands, Hips, Head," should be
executed but a few times each, being preparatory to the "Speed Test."
For this the pupil should concentrate his thought on running through the
above set as rapidly as possible, at the same time making each position
correct.
HEALTH MAXIMS
Success comes from service.
Don't make excuses. Make good.
If you feel tired, remember so does the other man.
After a hearty meal, stand up straight for fifteen minutes.
Your squad is only as good as the poorer ones. Don't be one of those.
The success of the drill depends upon the concentration of each man of
the squad.
If you have a stake in life, it is worth playing the game for all there
is in it.
The man who gets things is the one who pulls up his belt a hole tighter
and goes out after them.
If you will save your smoke till after luncheon, you'll never have
smoker's heart.
A bath, cold if you please, hot if you must, with a good rub, starts the
day right.