Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

APPENDIX they are on a line with the shoulders (fig. 1o5). This move– ment is done alternately with either leg. It will be observed in the photograph how well this exercise develops the haunch muscle. SPLITTING AND RISING The athlete . assumes the position shown in fig. 107, with the left leg (or the leg which he is in the habit of first throwing over the hurdle) stretched straight out from the body with toes pointed. The right leg (or the leg which last passes over the hurdle) should be almost at right angles to the body, the heel drawn up behind the thigh, and the whole of the inner surface of the leg resting upon the ground. The body is inclined slightly forwards. The athlete forces his body up so that only the heel of the straightened-out leg and the inner side of that part of the other leg between the heel and knee rest upon the ground (fig. xo8). Finally he lets the seat of the body sink back on to the ground. TABLE STRETCHING The athlete stands with the body upright and the right foot resting fiat upon the floor; the left leg is stretched straight out upon a table 3ft. 6 in. high. He rises upon the toes of the right foot, flings out the arms, and presses the body down until the left cheek is resting against the inner side of the left knee. He then straightens the body, lets the arms fall to the side, and sinks upon the heel of the right foot (fig. 106). The exercise is done with each leg ·alternately. · LEG PRESSING UP FROM TABLE This exercise is designed to strengthen the· " pushing off" muscles of the leg and also to teach the athlete to acquire balance. The athlete stands beside an ordinary table, upon which he places one foot, the other being upon the floor. The whole weight of the body is now raised by the athlete pressing down upon the foot which rests upon the table; after the leg has been fully extended the body is lowered again, slowly. Exercise to be done with right and left leg alternately. Prtntea by Ha.ell, Watson <So Viney, La., Lontlcn and Aylesbury,