Author Paul Massey
ISBN 978-1-905367-13-9
£14.99
Lotus Publishing
www.lotuspublishing.co.uk
Ever wondered, or as an instructor ever wanted to demonstrate, which muscles and joints are involved in the various Pilates movements?
The author, a leading private physiotherapist and Pilates instructor, takes the reader through what’s happening under the skin using plain language and clear coloured illustrations. He also includes checkpoints, faults to look out for, and shows which muscle groups benefit from the different exercise positions. There are only four chapters but there seems to be no skimping on detail. The page edges are coloured for quick reference, too.
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Pilates Method. This covers the principles of the Pilates method, concepts and elements used in the Pilates method, and breathing.
Chapter 2: Posture and Movement Assessment. Here posture and posture types are covered as well as postural assessment, movement assessment, and body alignment during exercise.
Chapter 3: Application of the Pilates Method. This chapter looks at muscle balance and imbalance, motor learning, motor control skills (stabilisation and co-ordination), flexibility, strengthening, and the Pilates programme. It includes several tables, including one showing a selection of exercises based on the level of ability.
Chapter 4 Classical Pilates Exercises – this is by far the longest chapter and covers classical Pilates exercises – forty of them. Each exercise has two pages devoted to it – one of anatomical line drawings showing how it is performed, with a full explanation on the opposite page.
Particularly useful are the quick-reference sections at the back of the book:
Glossary of Terms
Anatomical Directions
Muscle Groups
Main Muscles Involved in Movement
Resources
Index of Pilates Exercises
All in all a comprehensive book. I would say this is a ‘must’ for tutor and serious student alike.
Showing posts with label O books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label O books. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Book Review - Traditional Herbal Medicines: A Guide to Their Safer Use
Authors Karalliedde and Gawarammana
Hammersmith Press
£19.99
ISBN 978-1-905140-04-6
Most alternative health practitioners, as well as those of us who use herbs on a regular basis know that herbal remedies can have contraindications. Some, for example, shouldn’t be used when pregnant or breastfeeding, or when taking various conventional med’s. Others can trigger an allergic reaction. Often, though, we have to trawl thro’ different books to discover which goes with what, or more importantly – doesn’t. Usually it’s buried at the back, somewhere, or just given a line or two.
This book has it all in one place and it’s so easy to access. Written by experts at the Medical Toxicology Unit (MTU) of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital in London - Dr Lakshman Karalliedde spent 10 years there and is now a toxicologist with the Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division of the Health Protection Agency, Debbie Shaw heads the MTU’s Chinese Medicine Advisory Service; and Indika Gawarammana was a former registrar there.
The book covers traditional herbal remedies from around the world including Chinese, Afro-Caribbean, Unani and Ayurvedic traditional medicines. It describes their sources, known effects and side effects, dosages, interactions and – most importantly – precautions.
A ‘must’ for every herbalist’s bookshelf.
Hammersmith Press
£19.99
ISBN 978-1-905140-04-6
Most alternative health practitioners, as well as those of us who use herbs on a regular basis know that herbal remedies can have contraindications. Some, for example, shouldn’t be used when pregnant or breastfeeding, or when taking various conventional med’s. Others can trigger an allergic reaction. Often, though, we have to trawl thro’ different books to discover which goes with what, or more importantly – doesn’t. Usually it’s buried at the back, somewhere, or just given a line or two.
This book has it all in one place and it’s so easy to access. Written by experts at the Medical Toxicology Unit (MTU) of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital in London - Dr Lakshman Karalliedde spent 10 years there and is now a toxicologist with the Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division of the Health Protection Agency, Debbie Shaw heads the MTU’s Chinese Medicine Advisory Service; and Indika Gawarammana was a former registrar there.
The book covers traditional herbal remedies from around the world including Chinese, Afro-Caribbean, Unani and Ayurvedic traditional medicines. It describes their sources, known effects and side effects, dosages, interactions and – most importantly – precautions.
A ‘must’ for every herbalist’s bookshelf.
Book Review - The Little Manual of Happiness - 7 Steps to a Joyful Life
O Books Vikas Malkani £6.99 ISBN 978-1-84694-227-3
This book came out with O Books at about the same time as the Little Manual of Success, and both have the free bonus of a one-to-one with the author. Wow! This is a man who manages to be spiritual and successful at the same time. He has observed the traits of happy people and now has summarised these in his book. It is, of course, all down to attitude. If you lose your job do you see it as the equivalent of being dumped on the scrap heap, or of being handed a fantastic opportunity to change career? How do we get out of a negative mindset? Many of us spend our lives in search of happiness, and never find it. Vikas helps us to see that it has been under our noses all along. Small enough to fit in a handbag or roomy pocket, this is great to read on the train – assuming you’re not too embarrassed… I’d recommend it.
This book came out with O Books at about the same time as the Little Manual of Success, and both have the free bonus of a one-to-one with the author. Wow! This is a man who manages to be spiritual and successful at the same time. He has observed the traits of happy people and now has summarised these in his book. It is, of course, all down to attitude. If you lose your job do you see it as the equivalent of being dumped on the scrap heap, or of being handed a fantastic opportunity to change career? How do we get out of a negative mindset? Many of us spend our lives in search of happiness, and never find it. Vikas helps us to see that it has been under our noses all along. Small enough to fit in a handbag or roomy pocket, this is great to read on the train – assuming you’re not too embarrassed… I’d recommend it.
Book Review - Reality Transurfing, A Rustle of Morning Stars
Reality Transurfing. 2. A Rustle of Morning Stars
Vadim Zeland
O Books
ISBN 978-1-84694-131-3
This bizarrely-titled book could, I’m sure, become a phenomenon, in the same way that cosmic ordering did.
It’s all about swinging the balance in your favour – but in a nice way. Finding your own true goals is the key, and chasing someone else’s dreams will get you nowhere.
The trick is to quiet your busy and interfering mind, and listen to your downtrodden soul.
It’s not the lightest of reading, and the fact that it has been translated into English does show a little, but it is written in a friendly narrative style, and the author does put his message across in a way that can be understood.
If your resolution this year is to move towards your life goal – something that will make your soul sing – then this may well be the first step.
Vadim Zeland
O Books
ISBN 978-1-84694-131-3
This bizarrely-titled book could, I’m sure, become a phenomenon, in the same way that cosmic ordering did.
It’s all about swinging the balance in your favour – but in a nice way. Finding your own true goals is the key, and chasing someone else’s dreams will get you nowhere.
The trick is to quiet your busy and interfering mind, and listen to your downtrodden soul.
It’s not the lightest of reading, and the fact that it has been translated into English does show a little, but it is written in a friendly narrative style, and the author does put his message across in a way that can be understood.
If your resolution this year is to move towards your life goal – something that will make your soul sing – then this may well be the first step.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Book Review - Baby Star Signs
Baby Star Signs
Chrissie Blaze
O Books ISBN 978-1-84694-124-5
Wow! Chrissie has come up with yet another brilliant paperback. If you’re the proud parent of a small human, then this is surely a book to consider. All babes are not the same, and a Libra child will be entirely different from an Aries one. Armed with this book, your approach to care can be tailored accordingly – understanding your little one’s nature makes it so much easier to nurture, doesn’t it?
The book details each star sign, giving an overall view of each, as well as a ‘survival guide’ taking you thro’ to toddlerhood, including eating, sleeping, motor skills, language, learning, and socialisation. There is even a lunar calendar covering the years 2000-2020, so you can work out your little ‘un’s Moon sign. Moon and mood go hand in hand so I would say this latter is a very important consideration.
Chrissie also includes references to other points in your child’s birth-chart, and talks about his or her destiny, as well as paying particular attention to Indigo children. All in all, a fantastic book. There aren’t enough astrology books around which are aimed at parents, and I love this one. This would make a lovely gift, too.
Chrissie Blaze
O Books ISBN 978-1-84694-124-5
Wow! Chrissie has come up with yet another brilliant paperback. If you’re the proud parent of a small human, then this is surely a book to consider. All babes are not the same, and a Libra child will be entirely different from an Aries one. Armed with this book, your approach to care can be tailored accordingly – understanding your little one’s nature makes it so much easier to nurture, doesn’t it?
The book details each star sign, giving an overall view of each, as well as a ‘survival guide’ taking you thro’ to toddlerhood, including eating, sleeping, motor skills, language, learning, and socialisation. There is even a lunar calendar covering the years 2000-2020, so you can work out your little ‘un’s Moon sign. Moon and mood go hand in hand so I would say this latter is a very important consideration.
Chrissie also includes references to other points in your child’s birth-chart, and talks about his or her destiny, as well as paying particular attention to Indigo children. All in all, a fantastic book. There aren’t enough astrology books around which are aimed at parents, and I love this one. This would make a lovely gift, too.
Book Review The Little Book of Spirit Readings
The Little Book of Spirit Readings
Collette Star
O Books ISBN 978-1-84694-158-0 £9.99
www.collettestar.co.uk
According to the bumph on the back of the book, this was to be un-put-downable. Sceptic that I am (as far as PR is concerned), I started to flip through its pages. The first thing which struck me was that this lady seems to write as she speaks – and she speaks as many mediums do, which is almost like an open tap.
This I can quite understand. Once the spirit messages start to come through, you just have to deliver ‘em. Having said all that, I soon got used to Collette’s style – and I honestly couldn’t put it down. She offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of a medium. How frustrating that we only get a little peep into these peoples’ lives. It left me wanting more. When’s the next one out?
Collette Star
O Books ISBN 978-1-84694-158-0 £9.99
www.collettestar.co.uk
According to the bumph on the back of the book, this was to be un-put-downable. Sceptic that I am (as far as PR is concerned), I started to flip through its pages. The first thing which struck me was that this lady seems to write as she speaks – and she speaks as many mediums do, which is almost like an open tap.
This I can quite understand. Once the spirit messages start to come through, you just have to deliver ‘em. Having said all that, I soon got used to Collette’s style – and I honestly couldn’t put it down. She offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of a medium. How frustrating that we only get a little peep into these peoples’ lives. It left me wanting more. When’s the next one out?
Book Review - Healing Your Spine
Author - Stefan Rippel
O Books ISBN 978-1-84694-137-5
Many of us suffer from back pain, and it can be a vicious circle of being out of balance.
Is there help? Well, of course there is. Painkillers, investigations, posture changes, acupuncture, physiotherapy, special chairs and more – but what will work in the long run? Qualified massage therapist and hands-on healer Stefan Rippel goes into meticulous detail, taking the reader through the spine’s growth and anatomy at cellular level, but getting fairly quickly to physical causes, and then how emotions – and the brain itself - play a part.
For example, did you know that as emotions and thoughts pass directly from the brain to the spine – affecting posture as a result?
Different approaches are discussed, including visualisation, exercises, and much more, in this quite readable book.
This, surely is what whole-istic – holistic – healing is all about. Certainly worth a look.
O Books ISBN 978-1-84694-137-5
Many of us suffer from back pain, and it can be a vicious circle of being out of balance.
Is there help? Well, of course there is. Painkillers, investigations, posture changes, acupuncture, physiotherapy, special chairs and more – but what will work in the long run? Qualified massage therapist and hands-on healer Stefan Rippel goes into meticulous detail, taking the reader through the spine’s growth and anatomy at cellular level, but getting fairly quickly to physical causes, and then how emotions – and the brain itself - play a part.
For example, did you know that as emotions and thoughts pass directly from the brain to the spine – affecting posture as a result?
Different approaches are discussed, including visualisation, exercises, and much more, in this quite readable book.
This, surely is what whole-istic – holistic – healing is all about. Certainly worth a look.
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