Anatomy of Movement: Exercises

Book Description
In this companion volume to Anatomy of Movement , the authors describe and illustrate, through hundreds of photographs and drawings, a comprehensive series of exercises involving the most common movements of the body. The exercises were chosen on the basis of their effectiveness and harmlessness. Some are designed to focus on strengthening a particular region or muscle group, others the entire body. Each exercise prepares the body to respond well to the demands of particular movements. Together they serve as a basis for the more specialized movements associated with various physical disciplines and therapies. Presentation follows the sequencing in Anatomy of Movement. For each body region the authors describe characteristic movements; potential sources of stiffness or laxity and how to detect, prevent and overcome them; how to strengthen specific muscles or muscle groups; and how to coordinate movements. This is followed by "practice pages" on which specific exercises are demonstrated.


Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French


About the Author
Blandine Calais-Germain's lifelong involvement with dance, both as performer and teacher, eventually led to an interest in other physical disciplines, and then to more formal study of the complex and integrated movements of the body. From 1977 to 1980 the author studied physiotherapy at the French School of Orthopedics and Massage in Paris. In physiotherapy, body movements are analyzed both in terms of their neurophysiological and mechanical aspects, which allows for a better understanding of the actual mechanisms of movement. From her work with dance and physiotherapy, the author developed an innovative method for teaching the physical structures of anatomy in relation to movement. This method, the subject of her companion volumes Anatomy of Movement and Anatomy of Movement: Exercises, has been enthusiastically received in workshops that she presented for many years in France. Her two books have been translated and published throughout the world in many languages. Andrée Lamotte is also a dancer, and has taught dance for more than thirty years. She currently heads the center for Danse-Creation (founded by Anne-Marie Debatte) in the French town of Lille. The center provides training in both dance and movement studies.


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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.


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