Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].

half kneeling position. At the same time, turn the pelvis halfway, so that the right hip is towards the left leg, and keep the lumbar muscles well stretched ! Having executed this semicircular movement so far as possible, return slowly to the original position ; the knees stretch themselves and the right foot and leg advance. Then the left hip is turned slowly towards the right leg, so far as possible, and then brought back to its original position, as before ; then repeat, advancing the left foot and leg, and so on, alternately. This exercise, like the foregoing, demands a certain proficiency and muscular tone. (19) Walcher's Suspension—followed by extreme Flexion (Film 12, Figs. 12 and 13). A large solid steady table is necessary in order to perform this exercise. It must be high enough to allow the gymnastic pupil or patient to take the recumbent position shown in Fig. 12, with her feet quite clear of the floor. She lies on her back with her coccyx on the extreme edge, and her legs hanging loosely at full length and slightly apart. In order to prevent herself from slipping off the table, she must grasp the edges of the table sideways with each hand. In obstetrical cases—in which this position is sometimes necessary and beneficial—an assistant supports the patient's arms. But a woman of normal muscular development and agility can hold herself on to the table. Having assured herself that legs and pelvis are so far as possible over the edge of the table, she begins to close her legs and, at the same time, draw them upward and towards the body, but, if possible, without flexing the knees in the process. Having brought the legs up over the body into the attitude designated in phase 4 on Film 12, she may let go of the table, freeing her hands for the further stages of this important exercise. There are now two alternative possibilities. (a) The typical procedure, as represented in the film and on Fig. 13. Take hold of the legs, one in each hand and as high up as possible. Press them upwards and forwards, as near the trunk as possible ; remember to keep the knees straight. The legs will be somewhat apart. Having raised S.E. p