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

tremulous jerks. This must not be : movement should be even and continuous. The instructress can also suggest active perineal exertion when necessary. The same is true and even more urgent as regards No. 27. This rather exacting exercise should be very sparely and cautiously employed by the expectant mother. We will add a recommendation of No. 16 of the last group (" Trunk Lifting and Lowering "). It combines well with perineal tension in the first phase, and relaxation in the second. Finally, there is an exercise which must be carried out by the woman without further assistance : the " Opening and Closing of the Legs stretched at full length while seated on the Floor," and " Thigh Movements while standing upright." Sieber describes the latter as follows : The left thigh is raised till it is horizontal, then the knee is grasped in the hand and pulled so far as possible sideways and then back again and the knee lowered. Repeat with the right thigh. Inhale during the sideways movement, exhale while returning to the original posture. This exercise necessitates a reliable support for the free hand. Neither of these two exercises is strictly perineal, but can be happily and effectively combined with deliberate tension and relaxation of the pelvic floor. The exercises inherently most suitable in combination with movements of the pelvic floor are those of the pelvic zone, listed in Chapter IV. under Nos. 9, 9 (a), 10, 20 and 21. But they should be avoided during pregnancy as they are much too jerky and spasmodic. For directions as to how to perform direct exercises of the pelvic floor I would refer readers to the final portion of Chapter VI., to which there is nothing further to add on this topic. As to the frequency and intensity of movement, a certain moderation is advisable during pregnancy ; for instance, twice or thrice a day, and three or four times in succession on each occasion. And the voluntary and conscious muscular relaxation is more important than the contractile force.