Regular exercises in the open air and getting the abdominal muscles and organs in first rate condition is the first step in securing longevity of life and renewed vitality. This will increase the appetite and strengthen the voluntary muscles of defecation. Vigorous exercise diverts the thoughts from business and household cares and relieves an important factor in constipation. Hill climbing, walking, running, horseback riding, and all forms of games are the best forms of exercise for the cure of constipation. It so happens in many cases that the individual is not physically fit for such activities, and then the following exercises cannot be used to advantage until the patient is able to participate in recreative exercises and games. In the following exercises that of raising both legs to a right angle from the lying position is purposely omitted because of the severe action on the abdomen and the paralyzing effect on the sensitive nervous systems of that region. Often an exaggerated condition of constipation comes from this type of exercise. In the following exercises it must be remembered that good posture is necessary for the proper effect on the vital organs. EXERCISES FOR THE PREVENTION AND CORRECTION OF CONSTIPATION EXERCISE 1 _Position_: Lying on back on floor, hands on sides, legs straight. _Action_: Arch the body upward, forming a bridge with the weight resting on the heels and shoulders. _Remarks_: This is an excellent exercise before retiring. It can be done ten to twenty times without fatigue. EXERCISE 2 _Position_: Feet apart, arms side shoulder level. _Action_: Twist the body to the right side, bend slightly forward, keeping the knees straight and touch the right foot with the left hand, the right arm being stretched straight up over the body toward the ceiling. Exhale and draw abdomen well in. Repeat exercise twisting the body to the left side and touching left foot with right hand. EXERCISE 3 _Position_: Lying on back on floor, hands by sides, legs straight with the weight of from two to four pounds on the abdomen. _Action_: Breathe slowly and deeply. The abdomen should rise and fall rhythmically as you breathe. EXERCISE 4 _Position_: Body erect and on toes. _Action_: Full knee bend, extend arms forward. Exhale and draw abdomen in. Rise to normal position, keeping abdomen in. Raise the chest and then inhale. EXERCISE 5 _Position_: Feet apart, arms side shoulder level. Twist the body to the right side, lean slightly over the right knee; inhale. Return to normal position, then repeat to the left side. _Remarks_: All twisting is done above the hips. EXERCISE 6 _Position_: Stand erect with chest up, chin in. _Action_: Bend or sway from side to side, moving from the hips only. _Remarks_: The arms should wave loosely like the branches of a tree. EXERCISE 7 _Position_: Lying on back on floor, hands by sides, legs straight.