Centered, Second Edition: Organizing the Body through Kinesiology, Movement Theory and Pilates Techniques

"I've read many books while studying the human body, anatomy and biomechanics. This tops the list. Get it." - 5-star Amazon review The second edition of Centered offers movement practitioners an interdisciplinary approach to physical training that combines the newest advances in science, adaptative biotensegrity principles, and the synthesis of Pilates, yoga, Gyrotonic® and fitness disciplines integral to the Madeline Black Method™. It clearly explains the complex system of human movement patterns based on gait, weaving together movement science, embodiment practices, movement re-education, and manual skills techniques. The text is generously illustrated with 476 color photos and 25 new color illustrations that together provide movement practitioners with the knowledge and practical exercises to advance their work through the most effective structural and functional movement practices for their clients. Centered 2e is also applicable for the client who wishes to experience their body and develop self-help movement and mindful strategies. Centered 2e provides: easy to follow practical how to' exercises and advanced techniques 46 video links for in-depth study and practice of the techniques in action corrective movement sequences both with and without Pilates apparatus an understanding of movement patterning from clear descriptions and examples practice assessment techniques to easily observe movement strategies how to discover and address the assessment findings and change strategies embodiment opportunities to explore the methodology accessible home program sequences for your clients ways to practice session sequences after each section Centered 2e is the manual for any teacher of movement (Pilates, yoga, dance, martial arts, Gyrotonic®), physical trainers, physical therapists, movement practitioners and bodyworkers. Chiropractors, osteopaths, and orthopedic doctors will also gain insights from this book.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Sole to spine Our base Motion of the leg Lower chain Part 2 Central region Pelvis and spine in motion Trunk continuum Breath of life: the diaphragms Part 3 Resilient shoulders to head Upper Limb Periphery: hands to trunk Movement of the head and neck Part 4 The whole body conclusion Perception and felt self APPENDIX A Home exercises for intrinsic foot mobility and strength APPENDIX B Home exercises for foot and lower leg mobility and strength APPENDIX C Movement releases for the shoulder complex APPENDIX D Home exercises for head and neck

About the Author :
Madeline Black's life pursuit is the discovery of how the human body moves. This encompasses the creation of movement techniques based on Pilates, Yoga and Gyrotonic; the integration of manual work into the movement experience; and through her training of other teachers, helping others to sustain movement capacity throughout their lives. Her extensive study and widely respected accomplishments in the field of movement and fitness have fueled her rise as an international leader in training and certification of Pilates instructors. Worldwide, her name is synonymous with the highest level of professional pursuit in the teaching and practice of Pilates. She has authored certification training manuals and many articles for industry magazines and online. Madeline Black's first extensive book covering the range of her work will focus on biomechanics combined with personal stories and solutions through movement. Her book will be a source for all movement teachers and non-teachers, who will find its use invaluable in understanding their own body and for improving personal practice.

Review :
This new edition of Centered not only describes the methods and techniques of Pilates but acts as a guide to appreciating the interconnectedness of the human body, where both functional anatomy and the therapeutic application of this knowledge are beautifully illustrated and emphasize the balanced stability inherent within living motion. It should become a standard text. I've used Madeline Black's work in my own Pilates practice since taking my first workshop more than ten years ago and she has profoundly influenced how I view the body. It is a must-have reference book for any movement practitioner who wants to understand movement assessment and techniques to take them beyond the traditional Pilates repertoire and really effect change in the body. An outstanding text for Pilates instructors. The organization, clarity of writing, the thoroughness and the preciseness of instruction with multiple figures, pictures and diagrams that are large and colorful create an instructional manual rich with information that is immediately applicable. This book is a game changer for teachers and students of movement looking not only to increase their repertoire of exercises but to add useful assessment tools to guide a deeper understanding of human kinematics and integrate prescriptive movement to optimise function. This book is an incredible resource for learning about applied motor control and load sharing because it includes exercises and protocols that teachers can use to help their students be more skilful movers. This book is a gift and a very important guide to those of us who want to carry on this thoughtful, courageous, and life changing way of teaching movement. The level of detail on every page of the book and how it is layered for learning specifically for the movement practitioner is unprecedented. Centered will become the movement bible to those of us that practice this profession as a calling and strive day in and out to create change in our clients both physically and emotionally. Madeline's 2nd edition of Centered improves upon her already impressive original publication, interweaving concepts of biotensegrity and updated theories of movement. Centered is an invaluable resource for movement professionals and essential for anyone seeking a modern understanding of the body and how it functions.