Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery

Eric Franklin’s classic reference is back in a new full-color edition, complete with new material and exercises for instructors to use with their dancers, other performing artists, athletes, and classes. In Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Third Edition, Franklin—an internationally renowned teacher, dancer, and choreographer who has been sharing his imagery techniques for more than 35 years—teaches the use of imagery to increase self-awareness, improve body image, and apply anatomical and biomechanical principles for more efficient movement. This expanded new edition includes more than 600 anatomical imagery exercises to improve posture and body alignment, release excess tension, and prevent injuries; over 500 full-color illustrations to help readers visualize the exercises and use them in various contexts; four audio files containing guided imagery exercises led by Franklin and set to music; and updated chapters throughout the book, including new material and exercises to address fasciae and connective tissue. “The pictures and the words in your mind influence the feelings in your body, which in turn feed your thoughts and mental pictures,” Franklin says. “To create powerful and dynamic alignment, you need to fertilize your mind and body with constructive information and weed out destructive thoughts.” This book will help readers do just that as they discover their natural flexibility and increase their power to move. Franklin expertly guides readers through foundational concepts of posture, dynamic alignment, and imagery; explores different types of imagery and guidelines for using them; and delves into biomechanical and anatomical principles, including the body’s center and gravity, the laws of motion and force systems, and joint and muscle function. He then provides exercises for anatomical imagery, covering every area of the body from head to toe. The book closes with two critical chapters on defining dynamic alignment and on integrating dynamic alignment exercises into workouts and programs. Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery, Third Edition, will help readers experience the biomechanical and anatomical principles that are crucial to athletes, dancers, other performing artists, and yoga and Pilates practitioners. The techniques and exercises presented in the book will guide readers in improving their posture—and will positively affect their thoughts and attitudes about themselves and others and help them feel better, both mentally and physically. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

Table of Contents:
Introduction. How I Came to Use Imagery Reinforcing What You Want Purpose and Will Using Imagery for Alignment Using the Audio Files Part I. Posture and Dynamic Alignment Chapter 1. Roots of Imagery for Alignment A Brief Look at Imagery Throughout History Alignment in History and Art Imagery and Ideas of Ideal Posture Somatic Disciplines Summary Chapter 2. Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment Postural Habits Dynamically Aligning Summary Chapter 3. Foundations of Mental Imagery Brain, Consciousness, and Imagery Nervous System The World in the Brain: Neuroplasticity and Imagery Developmental Patterns Developing Mind: The Role of Imagery Summary Chapter 4. The Art of Change Through Imagery Four Steps in the Art of Change A Closer Look at the Four Steps for Change Summary Chapter 5. Imagery’s Five Ws: What, Who, When, Where, and Why What? Who? When? Where? Why? Summary Chapter 6. General Guidelines for How to Use Imagery Factors That Influence Successful Imagery Modulating and Adapting Images and Metaphors Sequencing the Imagery Problems and Opportunities When Cuing Imagery Resting Positions for Imagery Practice Summary Part II. Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises Chapter 7. Befriending Gravity and Finding Your Center Gravity Forces Anatomical Terminology for Location and Direction Summary Chapter 8. Laws of Motion and Force Systems Newton’s Laws of Motion Force Systems Lever Systems Energy Conservation Ability of Materials to Resist Force Dynamic Stability Summary Chapter 9. Joint, Bone, Muscle, and Fascia Joint Types Bones Muscles Connective Tissue and Fascia Summary Part III. Exercises for Anatomical Imagery Chapter 10. Pelvis, Hip Joint, and Company Pelvic Arches Balancing the Pelvis Motion of the Pelvic Halves Counterrotation and Three-Dimensional Alignment Pelvic Powerhouse Hip Joint and Femur Iliopsoas and Piriformis The Fascia of the Thigh and Leg Summary Chapter 11. Knee, Lower Leg, and Foot Get to Know Your Knee Fascia of the Lower Limb Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle Foot Interaction of Fasciae, Muscles, and Ligaments of the Leg and Foot Summary Chapter 12. Spine and Body Wall Vertebrae Intervertebral Discs The Spine’s Curved Design Sacrum and Pelvis Spinal Ligaments Musculature of the Abdomen and Back Abdominal Wall Abdominal Muscles and the Concept of Core Stability Summary Chapter 13. Shoulders, Arms, and Hands Suspension of the Shoulder Girdle Glenohumeral Joint Humeroscapular Rhythm Elbow Wrist and Hand Summary Chapter 14. Head and Neck Atlas and Axis Fasciae of the Neck Skull Fasciae of the Head and Face Suboccipitals Mandible Hyoid and Tongue Eyes Nose and Mouth Summary Chapter 15. Rib Cage, Breath, and Organs Rib Cage Breath Support and Breathing for Abdominal Organs Heart Skin as an Organ Summary Part IV. Returning to Holistic Alignment Chapter 16. Definitions of Dynamic Alignment Plumb Line Median Alignment Defining Ideal Alignment Dynamic Versus Static Alignment Dynamic and Static Stability Pulling Up and Ideal Alignment Summary Chapter 17. Integrating Dynamic Alignment Exercises Alignment in Supine Positions Alignment in Sitting Positions Standing and Walking Alignment Releasing Excess Tension Continuing Imagery Exercises