The Monticellonian., 1904-09-01
With sufficient time and a due amount

| of special exercise any woman can effect ! great changes in the size and contour of her hips. But in this article we are to ! consider how the housekeeper who has not time for hip exercises can better this l part of her figure while doing her daily work, writes Constance Sidney in Good Housekeeping.
 There are few natural ways of doing this, but with a little practice one can soon accustom ones self to using the feet instead of the hands in certain kinds of work. and this will of course affect the hips Take. for instance. the moving of a rug. which is naturally done by the hands. If ones object is to ob- tain finely developed hips. use the foot Instead. This may sound very absurd but if the reader will stand on the lief: foot, upon hard wood floor. and. bend ing the left knee slightly. advance the right foot to the side about 24 inches and attempt to move rug upon which stands some light object of furniture. she will become convinced after a dozen trials that the side muscles of the hips are used. This example only shows that the housekeeper, while mopping polished floors and turning over, strengthening or moving rugs. can do a good deal to- ward procuring the much Ito o-be-desired well-formed hips. Of course. one foot should not be used 10 the neglect of the other, since this would eventually re- suit in unequally developed hips
 The moving of light chair or ottoman by showing, pulling or pushing with the feet is fine exercise for the hips. though this IS somewhat more vigorous than the moving of rugs. and care should be taken gradually to accustom the muscles to the strain.
 It Is hardly necessary 10 remind the reader that walking is one of the best methods for developing the hips This does not mean short steps with practi- cally no swing from the hips When you walk about your house do not be afraid of looking ridiculous but swing your legs as much as you can and take long steps. Never mind if your feet do come up higher than you ever saw them before; it may not help your housework. but neither will it hinder it. And your steps cannot be too long if you are to develop the under thigh muscles as well as the hips For a woman is hampered in the natural ways Of developing her hips by her skirts. and the fact that she is not supposed to use her limbs for anything but walking. However, there are occasions when in the privacy of ones own house 1t will not matter if more than ones instep is displayed. and these are the opportunities to strengthen the hip muscles, and consequently perfec; their shape.
 In general. if the housekeeper will remember that any movement which swings her leg either forward. back ward or from side to side acts upon the hip muscles she will discover while about her daily duties. many ways by which to add grace and symmetry to her hips. The writer knows young woman who always makes it point to close the oven door and various drafts about the stove with her foot; have even seen this same person lifting coal hods. pails and fiat irons by this same unusual means. Possibly this going to an eX- treme. but her spirit and perseverance, are to be admired and followed.