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

of a male instructor; and a man—with the possible exception of a trained medical psychologist—would be even less able to overcome these difficulties than a fellow woman. Of course, not any and every woman is psychologically adapted and endowed for this work. The gymnastic instructress must have an attitude which is entirely direct, wholesome and dignified. She must be free from inhibitions, either the inhibitions of erotic repression—or substitute gratification ! She must see clearly and with balance, and be free from superstitions in the erotic sphere, though she need not be a sexual radical. Herewith there follow : Some Hints on How to Learn Pelvic Exercises Beginners should take care not to attempt too much in the first flush of enthusiasm. It is best to study not more than three separate pelvic exercises at one and the same time, but great thoroughness and exactitude in detail is necessary. Between each of the tonic exercises should be interspersed breathing and relaxation exercises. I recommend especially the breathing exercises i to 4, in the section dealing with gymnastics during pregnancy, as well as the special relaxa- tion and " loosening " movements 6 and 7 in the same section. Further, I recommend the relaxation exercises 21 and 22 (pelvic exercises). Respiration is particularly important. If breathing exercises are regularly and correctly performed between each of the separate pelvic movements, the whole sequence becomes a source of physical and mental refreshment, even—strangely enough—when they must be postponed till the end of a busy day. The breathing exer- cises are also of great benefit aesthetically ; they widen the chest and arch the torso, improve the carriage, quicken circulation and eliminative processes. It is a mistake to restrict these exercises in respiration to the months of pregnancy alone. Certainly they are very appropriate to those critical times, being extremely gentle and yet affecting thorax and abdomen profoundly. But they should be part