STOMACH LIFT

1. Stand erect with the feet about a foot-and-a-half apart.

2. Bend slightly at the knees and place the hands on the thighs, just above the knees. (The hands may either take hold over the knees or be placed on the inside of the thighs.)

3. Keep the elbows locked. Double exhale through the mouth to the sound of HUH, HUHH. Empty the lungs as much as possible.

4. Drop the chin to the chest to block the air passage, and while holding the breath out, lift the stomach up into the thoracic cavity.

5. Hold for a few seconds with the breath out. (With practice the abdomen may be drawn in and let out two or three times before inhaling.)

6. Let the stomach and abdomen back down, lifting the head and inhaling through the nose.

7. After a few breaths, raise up very slowly, exhaling.

COMMENTS: Women should not perform this exercise during their menstrual periods, nor should anyone with serious heart or abdominal troubles.

BENEFITS: The Stomach Lift exercises practically all of the abdominal muscles, helping to prevent a sagging waistline. It massages all of the abdominal organs and glands, and lifts sagging or slipped organs back into place. This exercise pushes the life force in the body upwards, massaging the spinal centers, heart, and organs in the thoracic cavity and stimulating the thyroid glands. It aids in maintaining self-control.