Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 June 1909 — CORRECT WALKING POSITION. [ARTICLE]

CORRECT WALKING POSITION.

Keeping One Knee Stiff Prevents * ‘‘Wobbling” Wh«n in Motion. It Is quite true that correct walking is the exception, which isa pity. As an exercise it is one of the best that can be taken, and when done as it should be improves the figure, makes good poise, grace and ease. Every woman knows the heels together toes apart position that Is taught to children as soon as they begin to toddle, but few know precisely what standing erect is. Without this walking canribt be at its best, for the weight of the body must be properly poised; else the figure will be thrown out of drawing. Every one almost knows that the balls of the feet should support the Weight, and that the shoulders should be thrown back. Too often thinking they are attaining this and a “straight” figure, women hold themselves so that the abdomen is thrown forward instead of being held In, and an exceedingly awkward carriage Is developed. Correctly, the weight of the body is a little thrown forward to the balls of the feet, the heels, of course, being together and toes out, the abdomen is held in, the shoulders are thrown back and chest and chin are raised. This chest raising Is too little done, and when practiced will give a woman not only a good carriage, but a firm, rounded neck, which will have ho hollows or angles. It Is easily known when the chest Is being held correctly, for it will be literally brought up the shoulders are thrown back. If one can rise on the toes without swaying the body the position is correct. A line dropped from the nose would fall only a little in advance of the toes without touching any part of the body but the chest. Breathing must of course be deep.

A girl who wishes to walk properly, and at the same time improve her figure, cannot do better than to practice in her room, wearing only loose clothes with a short skirt. Leaving off corsets will train the muscles of the body to depend upon themselves, will force the shoulders into the proper line to avoid “sloppiness,” and a girl who holds herself well then will have a beautiful figure.

The first position for walking is merely that of a correctly held body, which instinctively sways forward for the moment as one foot goes forward for the step. The knee corresponding to the foot that goes forward, bends a little as the foot is raised. The last movement of the foot forward throws the weight on the ball, which holds it as the other foot gets ready to go through the same movements done by the flrst. The secret of good walking consists in keeping the weight properly poised, and the knee stiff when the foot corresponding is on the ground or at the back.