Screw in two large, _strong_ hooks in the woodwork on each side of the doorway; place the hooks as far above your head as you can conveniently reach; slide the broomstick in so that it will extend across the doorway and be supported by the hooks; have the apparatus on that side of the doorway where it will not interfere with the opening and closing of the door, and be sure that it is perfectly secure before attempting to exercise; each time before commencing a new movement examine the stick, and be certain that it is not in any danger of slipping from the hooks. Unless you can be perfectly safe from liability to hurts or falls, do not include this in your list of exercises.
For the first movement grasp the bar firmly with both hands and swing the body forward and backward, standing first on the toes, then on the heels; next, still grasping the bar, raise up on your toes, then back again. Change the movements in as many ways as you like, but do not try anything that may strain or hurt you. Now screw in two more hooks, on either side of the woodwork, below the first ones, placing them about two feet and eight inches from the floor; take the stick from its elevated position and slide it across the doorway so it will rest securely on the two lower hooks. Standing in front of it, grasp the bar firmly with both hands and try to raise yourself up, feet and all, from the floor by bearing your weight down on the bar; then let yourself gently back again. When you have finished exercising, remove the stick and put it away.
In the top part of the framework of the doorway fasten a very strong hook by screwing it into the wood; then take a broomstick and, after shortening it so that when held in a horizontal position it will readily pass through the doorway, cut notches in each end and securely tie the two ends of a rope across the notches; suspend this swing by slipping the centre of the rope over the hook in the doorway (Fig. 255); have the apparatus strong and firm, capable of any amount of wear and tear. Stand facing the stick, which should be at the height of the chest, and take hold of it with both hands; now bend the knees until they are within a short distance of the floor, then rise and repeat the exercise. Next, with both hands on the stick, take a long step forward with the right foot, throwing the weight on that foot; return to your position and go through the same exercise with your left foot. Try different movements which suggest themselves, and select those you like best. When not in use the swing can be slipped off the hook and put out of the way.
