The Long Waist.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XI, 14 March 1903, Page 763

The Long Waist.

Fifty years or so ago Dame Fashion decreed that waistbands must be placed beneath the armpits. To-day, the girl who would be truly smart winds her belt

above, and only just above her hips. Girls who do not boast long “figures” may regard the newest fashion-plates a little ruefully, but for once la mode has Nature on her side. The proper plhee for woman’s waist is not under her armpits. Hy-

gienically speaking, that part of the body belongs where the costumes of the moment put it. If, therefore, you want to Im» healthy ami want to be fashionable, make up your mind to develop your ribmuscles. Devote ten minutes every day to lengthening your waist. Perseverance and a not very complicated exercise will work marvels for your figure. But to practise physical exercises with any hope of success, every movement must be absolutely free and unimpeded. Bodices and corsets must come off before an attempt be made to start. This done, stand as straight and firm as you know how with the aims held close to the sides and the whole body well erect. Then slowly raise your arms, keeping the muscles taut the while, till thev form an arch above your head. Lock your thumbs together.and the exercise proper can begin. It consists of a graceful, swaying movement, starting fiom the waist. Incline your body to me side, shoulder towards hip. so that it distinctly curves, then draw it gently back into the straight again. This movement brings the neglected muscles round the ribs into play. You should feel all the time that it comes from the waist. Repeat the “swayings” five, or even six times, if you comfortably can. then give the other side of your figure a turn. Beginners will do well to take frequent rests, and it is not a bad plan to spread your exercising over a rather longer time at first; still better to divide it into two or three practices a day. The figure exercise is not by any means a tedious <n< to accomplish. It grows really inf cresting as the muscles harden and fill out. Every week then marks a change, and soon you note delightedly that your waist seems getting longer. Your waist-belt has come down.