Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-06
SITTING POSTURE.
Easy Chairs Only for Invalids and
Aged Persons.
BY MARGARET MIXTEF

Probably not one woman in ten even IN
these days of universal physical culture.
fully realizes the Importance of correct
posture in sitting, the general tendency
being TO secure the most luxurious possible
pose in the most comfortable chair in the
room.
Except for invalids and elderly persons
arm chairs are a mistake, and young wo-
men and growing girls who have pref
erence for this form of ease are unwit-
tingly doing their figures great deal OF
harm; an ordinary straightforward chair
is more suitable for resting purposes, Its
simplicity of outline aHording natural
mold for correct pose.
A proper sitting position requires that
the spine shall be kept straight without
effort and in ordey that the upper part,
with the weight it supports, shal be
adequately carried, the sitter should oc
cupy a position in her chair which en-
ables the lower part OF the spine to be
braced against the back of the seat.
The chair back being straight, the
shoulders may rest lightly against it, al
though il is better If the body is main
tanned In this position without support at
the shoulder blades The pose throws no
strain upon the ligaments of the spine, and
at the same time allows proper position
OF the shoulders. as well of the lungs,
stomach and sirlilar important organs
which should never be cramped or dis
placed even slightly.
While correctly shaped corsets are a
wonderful aid to the figure they are by no
means the be-all-and-end-all of this i'm
portant question, and the woman who
values her carriage and appearance should
never allow her body to lapse into sloven-
ly ungraceful attitudes. The careless one
sinks into a chair with an air of complete
realization, and occupies it as gracefully
would a sack of potatoes, every muscle
loose, and her shoulders and head droop-
ing forward to the detriment of throat
and bust, to say nothing of more vital
organs.
Or else she sits anyhow, one arm thrown
ever the back of chair. with the result
that the opposite shoulder is depressed
In most ugly manner. while her body
Is perched awkwardly upon the seat, with
one knee supporting the under limb; a
habit. by the way. sometimes productive Of
appendicitis and similar troubles.
Nor should the arms be folde0-a habit
very common among school teachers. That
position not only strains the spinal column
but fiattens the bust, throws unnecessary
strain and weight upon the stomach and
diaphragm. and retards the processes Of
digestion and respiration.
In warm weather the body often feels
that the effort of maintaining an upright
posture is almost impossible. Placing the
arms well behind the back occasionally
while seated, thoroughly expanding the
chest, has a wonderfully rejuvenating eff
feet.
The use of one of the many ''exercisers'
so largely advertised at the present time
is much to be advocated for in this way
muscles are gently and firmly but not un-
duly developed superfiuous flesh is stead
lily kept down, and the throat, neck and
chest benefit in a most surprising manner
20 the great advantage of the general car
riage Even in repose the figure should be
studied. because il is when the body is
lax that ugly poses are formed which In
sidiously become permanent unless the
mind Is unconsciously continually check
ing them
Generally speaking, it is while a girl is
growing that her figure is determined, and
mothers should be on the lookout at this
period to eradicate at the first signs any
tendency to ugliness or carelessness OF
pose and carriage appearing in theil
daughters.