The elbows should not be allowed to come forward, but should be kept back and the chest should be arched.  This gives extra work for the muscles of the neck, as well as for those of the arms and shoulders.  In the “Daily Dozen” this is called simply, “Head.” (See Fig. 6.)

[Illustration:  Fig. 6—­Incorrect position of shoulders in neck firm]

Arms Reach (Ready-Reach!)

While maintaining an erect position, the arms are stretched out forward parallel to each other, the shoulders being kept back and the chest not cramped.  If the shoulders are allowed to come forward the exercise is valueless. (See Fig. 7.)

[Illustration:  Fig. 7.—­Arms reach]

Arms Bend (Ready-Bend!)

In this position the arms are bent at the elbows, with the hands partially clenched, and brought up about to the point of the shoulders.  The shoulders are held back firmly and the neck is pressed against the collar, while the chest is arched (Fig. 8).  From this position the following movements are made with the hands clenched:  Arms Cross (Ready-Cross)![1]

[Illustration:  Fig. 8.—­Arms bend]

A good exercise in rhythmic time may be developed by going through the following round of movements:  “Arms Bend, Arms Cross, Arms Bend, Arms Stretch, Arms Bend, Arms Reach, Arms Bend, Arms Down.”

Body Prone (Ready-Bend!)

Assuming the position of “Neck Firm,” press the hands against the back of the neck and bend body at the waist forward, at the same time keeping the head in line with the spinal column and the eyes up; then back again to the erect position. (See Fig. 6a, Chapter XI.)

This gives excellent exercise for the muscles of the neck, and, if performed slowly, some exercise for the back.

Assuming the same position of “Neck Firm,” bend the body slightly at the waist.  This exercise should not be carried to an extreme, especially in the case of men who have reached middle age.  In the “Daily Dozen” this is called “Grasp.”

Balancing (Ready-Balance!)

Assume the position of “Attention,” then, standing on the right foot and keeping the knees straight, advance the left foot forward about two feet from the ground.  Hold this position while balancing on the right foot, then back to “Attention” again. (See Fig. 9.)

[Illustration:  Fig. 9.—­Balancing]

Make the same motion, standing on the left foot.  Now standing on the right foot, advance the left foot and, instead of bringing it to the ground, swing it back and extend it at the same height to the rear, still balancing on the other foot.  Hold this position for a moment.  After some practice this movement can be executed by standing on one foot and putting the other leg first forward and then back for several times.