Author: Calais-Germain, Blandine

Anatomy of Movement: Exercises is the companion volume to the widely acclaimed Anatomy of Movement. Here the authors describe and illustrate, through hundreds of drawings and photographs, a comprehensive series of exercises involving the most common movements of the body."The exercises - useful in all physical disciplines and therapies - were chosen on the basis of their effectiveness and harmlessness. Some are designed as a workout for the entire body, while others focus on strengthening a particular region or muscle group."Each of the exercises prepares the body to respond well to the demands of specified movements. Variations are provided so that the teacher or practitioner can select the one that is most appropriate to the requirements of a particular student, patient or discipline. They also serve as a basis for the more specialized or complex exercises associated with various physical disciplines or therapies."Presentation of the exercises follows the sequencing in Anatomy of Movement: trunk and neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm, wrist and hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot. For each body region the authors describe characteristic movements; potential sources of stiffness or laxity and how to detect, prevent and overcome them; strengthening of specific muscles and muscle groups; and how to coordinate movements. This is followed by "practice pages" which include specific exercises for assessing the health and strength of the muscles, as well as basic and more specialized exercises that can be performed in the studio or gymnasium, clinic or home.