About the Book:

Improve the way you carry out your workouts by using the principles of internationally acclaimed Alexander Technique, a method for improving posture, balance and coordination.

Although people are exercising more these days, the way people actually exercise in the gym is rarely correct and poor technique frequently causes postural problems, pulled muscles, joint stiffness and pain. A gym workout should be pleasurable and fulfilling (and hard work!) but often ends up being frustrating, can cause injury, or simply becomes boring. By applying the Alexander Technique to your exercise regime you can can fix that, by reeducating and rejuvenating both the body and mind, and releasing unnecessary physical tension.

Master the Art of Working Out teaches you how to approach our gym workout in a new and refreshing way. You are encouraged to look at working out as an art rather than just a means to an end. The authors have developed a way of improving a gym workout using the principles of the Alexander Technique. Using this simple method, you will quickly improve coordination, balance, posture, the importance of the relationship between the head neck and back, body awareness and efficient body use which all result in greater flexibility, strength and stamina. The book teaches that if you focus on what you are doing and all these things are done properly, then the workout will achieve the desired effect.

A wide range of workouts receive close attention here, including resistance training, gym machines, and fitness classes such as aerobics, step, Pilates, yoga, and Tai Chi. Full-color photographs throughout show the right and wrong techniques, making this instructive guide the perfect solution for every frustrated (and aching!) gym-goer!

What people say:

"What Alexander Technique brings to resistance training is subtle awareness, an attention to detail that can both enliven the process and help to prevent the bad habits that lead to injury. The focus is not on the end of lifting more, but the means of getting there." — Ed Bouchard, Chicago Center for Alexander Technique

About the Author:

Malcolm Balk is an Alexander Technique teacher, cellist, and Level 4 running coach from Montreal, Quebec. He has taught the Alexander Technique since 1984 and specializes in working with musicians and athletes. He is also the author of two books, Master the Art of Running and Master the Art of Working Out, and teaches his Art of Running workshops all over the world.

Andrew Shields is a sport, health and fitness writer and editor. A former nationally ranked triple jumper, he is a qualified coach in several sports, including athletics, and recipient of a Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Coaching from the London Active Partnership.