4.39

5

Jun 17, 2016

I teach Aqua Yoga and water fitness to 'mostly' the old fart generation. ( 'mostly' for fun as it provides a service which I can offer). Aqua Yoga is growing in popularity. It's a wonderful exercise choice for 'seniors'.....and those recovering from injuries.
While raising my own daughters, I taught Physical Education in a private school.....(Phys. Ed. Director for middle school kids). All the kids were taller than me... Not necessarily faster...but all taller.
I grew up as a gymnastic ....a I teach Aqua Yoga and water fitness to 'mostly' the old fart generation. ( 'mostly' for fun as it provides a service which I can offer). Aqua Yoga is growing in popularity. It's a wonderful exercise choice for 'seniors'.....and those recovering from injuries.
While raising my own daughters, I taught Physical Education in a private school.....(Phys. Ed. Director for middle school kids). All the kids were taller than me... Not necessarily faster...but all taller.
I grew up as a gymnastic ....a swimmer... a physical kid....who couldn't get enough of
'playing'.
I went to school to see my friends....
If I could have majored in 'fun' at UC Berkeley in 1970...I would have.....but since they didn't approve - Kinesiology was going to have to do.
Little did I know....I had to take organic chemistry and physics.

The only classes that were warming my 'heart' were my English classes. It was the first time in my life that I actually 'loved' the books we were reading.
Classroom discussions were exhilarating!
However, sure I had no business hanging out with readers & writers - ( I was falling in love in a foreign country that wasn't my home)....I remained committed to what I had more experience with: 'the human body'....studying how and why it moves.
Truth is, anyone who studies Kinesiology loves 'the human body' and MOVING!

I have a library of Heath -type book...am a certified nutritional consultant...but have been retired for many years.
I don't spend a lot of my time studying new advance methods of ways to increase the quality of physical health today....( I rather read a novel, hike, or swim)....
but one of 'the ladies' from my water class bought Paul and I this book.

Truthfully ....there is not much new in this book that I don't already know ( spine prevention has been a pet peeve of mine - and the exercises I do and show others are like breathing air to me - simple - easy - but important. ( especially when you consider one out of four adults have back problems). ....I have no back problem. Yet... a spine injury or chronic back pain can be debilitating..( stops life enjoyment). Spine prevention programs ought to be taught to children before they are allowed to participate in sports. I always taught my kids. ( so they took ownership in preventing themselves from getting hurt) ....the best the could of course.

I've read 'many' books of this subject ... and for home use, THIS IS A DECENT USEFUL BOOK!!!
Thankfully... these days... I'm pain free....but Paul still lives with pain from an accident he had almost 2 years ago. He started doing some of these exercises in this book last night... ( helped a little).

If you have pain in any part of your body....back, neck, elbows, ( like Paul), wrists, ( like Paul), hands, ( like Paul), ... fingers, hips, knees, feet, headaches, sports injuries, etc....
this is a useful book to own and follow suggestions insides. There are photos with clear descriptions.

I just checked Amazon - haven't Goodreads yet... to see how most people feel about this book...
Here are the stats: 1,059 people reviewed it.
77% 5 stars
12% 4 stars
6% 3 stars
3% 2 stars
2% 1 star

BOTTOM LINE.....we want to feel good...pain free...enjoy an active life no matter what our ages are. Having a book around the house like this - sometimes inspires!

Cheers to good Heath!

...more

4

Nov 09, 2012

I'm a mostly healthy guy, in my late-40s, and dealing with the sorts of mobility issues that creep up and become a big deal -- specifically Plantar Fasciitis. I skipped straight to the exercises at the end of the book, and found my fasciitis gradually improving. More significantly, I noticed while dressing that a shoulder "tweak" I'd learned to ignore over the years had disappeared.

Three things need to be said. First of all, I've yet to encounter a fitness/health book that isn't framed with an I'm a mostly healthy guy, in my late-40s, and dealing with the sorts of mobility issues that creep up and become a big deal -- specifically Plantar Fasciitis. I skipped straight to the exercises at the end of the book, and found my fasciitis gradually improving. More significantly, I noticed while dressing that a shoulder "tweak" I'd learned to ignore over the years had disappeared.

Three things need to be said. First of all, I've yet to encounter a fitness/health book that isn't framed with an evangelical my-way-or-the-highway language, and Pain Free is no exception. I find it off-putting. Our species has been around for a few million years, and we're still figuring things out. Discoveries should be celebrated of course, but we're still short one cure for Death. A little humility and a dash of humour to keep things in perspective goes a long way to making palatable prose.

Secondly: good Lord, these exercises are tedious! Nothing a person does can change that: they are designed to do exactly what they are meant to do, and they do it very well. But don't expect any excitement (I'm bench-pressing 200! I got my brown belt! I ran my fastest mile!) to enter into it, ever.

Lastly, a minor kvetch: I'd love to see a version of this book that illustrates the exercises using everyday objects like chairs and phone books, etc. Specially constructed blocks and props are great for the Egoscue studios (which I understand are doing a brisk business). And it's not that difficult for a person of modest intelligence to supply home based substitutes for what she sees in the book. But, corresponding to my first observation, any nudge away from the Fitness Guru penchant for exclusivity would be welcome. ...more

5

Aug 24, 2014

Rather remarkable for severe, disabling Myofascial Pain, Chronic Fatigue, and Sleep Disorders. If you've got Fibromyalgia or related chronic pain conditions, try this method!

It just occurred to me as I was rating another title about chronic pain that I'd never reviewed 'Pain Free,' one of my very favorite titles on the subject. You haven't read enough about anatomical structure and how it relates to your pain until you've read this book! It's been a while since I read it, honestly, and am due
Rather remarkable for severe, disabling Myofascial Pain, Chronic Fatigue, and Sleep Disorders. If you've got Fibromyalgia or related chronic pain conditions, try this method!

It just occurred to me as I was rating another title about chronic pain that I'd never reviewed 'Pain Free,' one of my very favorite titles on the subject. You haven't read enough about anatomical structure and how it relates to your pain until you've read this book! It's been a while since I read it, honestly, and am due for a re-read, but I will say that the 'Pain Free' book, and especially the two Pain Free DVDs are the one thing I tell any of my friends suffering with chronic pain that they cannot live without. Never before have a total of $30 spent on books and DVDs changed my life. Do I still have pain? You betcha. I'm not as diligent as I should be in applying Egoscue's methods, and I have a very severe disabling pain condition. But I will say that Pete Egoscue got me moving, again, and the noticeable drop in my pain levels has almost literally been a lifesaver. The difference between an 8 and a 5 on the pain scale might not seem substantive to a person not intimately familiar with chronic pain, but let me tell you... it is HUGE when you're living with daily pain that affects even your basic standards and activities of life. This is ESSENTIAL reading for any pain management patient or physician.... physical therapists, mental health practitioners dealing with chronic pain with their patients... all of them should read it, as well. This book, and the related dvds, are not to be missed. I've tried everything from yoga to tai chi to very very mild aquatic therapy. I simply don't tolerate it well, as my pain and fatigue levels are just too high, daily. I give it my all, but before long am left with limbs trembling and literally ready to fall down and curl up in a ball. Egoscue may look similar on paper to some other mild exercise regimes, but is DIFFERENT. I don't know how it's different, but rather than that utter exhaustion of limbs, and rising pain levels, I end up a bit energized and certainly in less pain after a go at the exercises. If you suffer with pain... please... try Pete Egoscue's method!!!! The book and the DVDs made such a difference for me, and they just might for you as well. Just trust me.... if you've still got partial function in your limbs, there's no such thing as 'too old' or 'too hurt' to try this method. Obviously, check with your doctor, first... heck, take him/her a copy of the book, because I've been astounded how many exemplary pain management docs have never heard of this one. It is so worthwhile. I've read a good 100 titles on chronic pain/disability/wellness over my nine year struggle with severe myofascial pain and fatigue... 'Pain Free' is the best of them, truly.

Here is my review on the Pain Free DVDs and a link to grab them at Amazon. IMO, you really need those to get the full benefit of Egoscue's method. http://www.amazon.com/review/R2YW3RTD... ...more

3

Jun 12, 2008

My massage therapist lent me this book to give me exercises for my knees so I can start running again. It is a great philosophy that everything in our bodies work together. So my weak ankles from improper foot placement and shoulder slouching to compensate for my height are hurting my knees.

Pain is a body's warning sign and one should not seek to mask pain but the heal it's source. When our bodies are in pain, we naturally put less strain on that area and let the surrounding parts pick up the My massage therapist lent me this book to give me exercises for my knees so I can start running again. It is a great philosophy that everything in our bodies work together. So my weak ankles from improper foot placement and shoulder slouching to compensate for my height are hurting my knees.

Pain is a body's warning sign and one should not seek to mask pain but the heal it's source. When our bodies are in pain, we naturally put less strain on that area and let the surrounding parts pick up the slack. Over time the strain on the rest of your body takes it toll. Where you feel pain is rarely the source of the problem.

He gives simple exercise to retrain body parts that are not performing their primary function properly, or performing for muscles that aren't functioning. The exercises almost seem too simple to help. We'll see how I'm doing in a few months although I won't know if it's the exercises or the structural integration work.

Occasionally I was annoyed when the author would say that basically nothing helps but his exercises. I think it's an aspect of healing, but other things help in conjunction. I've been twirling my foot to strengthen my ankle, but that alone has not helped me to run. I concur that bodies need to be healed by training to function properly instead of jumping to invasive surgery as the answer. Sometimes the easiest solution is the best. ...more

5

Aug 20, 2009

This is a first-rate book that I've recommended or given to quite a few people. It has greatly helped me recover from disabling plantar fascitis, and I've also used it in coping with and lessening knee pain and lower back problems. The author is extremely knowledgeable and highly experienced in this field and has dealt with a wide number of intractable sports injuries.

I have not finished the book, nor do I expect to do so, as I have that it is most helpful as a reference book. It has to do with This is a first-rate book that I've recommended or given to quite a few people. It has greatly helped me recover from disabling plantar fascitis, and I've also used it in coping with and lessening knee pain and lower back problems. The author is extremely knowledgeable and highly experienced in this field and has dealt with a wide number of intractable sports injuries.

I have not finished the book, nor do I expect to do so, as I have that it is most helpful as a reference book. It has to do with injuries that I have never experienced, and those hold no interest for me. However, I find that I am returning to it again and again for problems that flare up from time to time. ...more

5

Jul 08, 2013

What can I say about this book? It made me pain free in few days that I was struggling to get rid of for long time. I read about this book in 4 Hour Body By Tim Ferris. Out of curiosity I visited Amazon and read the reviews. I decided to buy in India where I live. I suffer from Cervical Spondolosys and pain. Gets worst in the morning. Also found I am losing my balance when I climb down the stairs. Plus feel nausiated in moving AC car/Bus. I tried Physio exercises but did not help. Note that I am What can I say about this book? It made me pain free in few days that I was struggling to get rid of for long time. I read about this book in 4 Hour Body By Tim Ferris. Out of curiosity I visited Amazon and read the reviews. I decided to buy in India where I live. I suffer from Cervical Spondolosys and pain. Gets worst in the morning. Also found I am losing my balance when I climb down the stairs. Plus feel nausiated in moving AC car/Bus. I tried Physio exercises but did not help. Note that I am not typical sedentary cubicle junkie. I do regirous exercises- Interval running, long distance running, weights etc. But postural imbalances has caused lot of damage and pain. Egosque method is based on Yoga- ancient wisdom of mind and body union. I found the 5 exercises given for Neck pain immediately useful. I think the key is in sequence and duration of holding poses (unlike normal Yoga taught today). Because I have tried Yoga on my own reading books and that did not help me the way these poses helped.
I definitely recomend this method to people suffering from cronic pain, postural imbalance etc and urge them to at least give it a try and see if it helps. ...more

5

Oct 15, 2016

Let me first say, this is a very optimistic take on body pain. Doing my best to not give a spoiler, but instead provoke you to pick up this book: The author believes that our bodies are built to last forever, but we don't use them the right way which leads to pain. Essentially, today's luxuries keep us from any modicum of natural physical exertion, and this not how evolution has built us. We experience pain because we are not using the "primary" muscles that are there for us to use, but instead Let me first say, this is a very optimistic take on body pain. Doing my best to not give a spoiler, but instead provoke you to pick up this book: The author believes that our bodies are built to last forever, but we don't use them the right way which leads to pain. Essentially, today's luxuries keep us from any modicum of natural physical exertion, and this not how evolution has built us. We experience pain because we are not using the "primary" muscles that are there for us to use, but instead using compensating muscles which effect bones and nerves. It's all connected. So this book gets 5 stars, because of the readability of it, the amount of times I pulled myself away and said, "Wow," and the fact that it is simple and makes so much sense. There are really only 15 or 20 diff exercises in this book, so it isn't daunting. Also the same exercises are used for multiple pain locations which is just fascinating, but again makes sense! I'm seriously going to try these exercises and recommend this book to everyone I know experiencing bodily pain. Excellent read and might save me thousands in hospital bills. ...more

4

Nov 28, 2010

The premise of the book is that the human body is amazingly designed to maintain itself apart from drugs and surgery and that musculoskeletal pain should be aberrant rather than chronic. Written by an exercise therapist, the book was recommended to me by friends who have had success with the author’s methods, after I began having pain in my ankles during training runs of 7 miles or longer. I agree with what the author has to say about the importance of motion in freeing the body from pain, about The premise of the book is that the human body is amazingly designed to maintain itself apart from drugs and surgery and that musculoskeletal pain should be aberrant rather than chronic. Written by an exercise therapist, the book was recommended to me by friends who have had success with the author’s methods, after I began having pain in my ankles during training runs of 7 miles or longer. I agree with what the author has to say about the importance of motion in freeing the body from pain, about how a lack of motion leads to more pain and eventually death, and how proper design motion can lead to increased strength and the ability of the body to function without pain. It just makes sense! I would recommend this book to anyone whose life has been limited (even in small ways, which can lead to big ways) by musculoskeletal pain. ...more

5

Apr 09, 2015

Wow. I've suffered from severe pain in my right hip for the past 3 years - since being thrown from an overly-excited and galloping horse. I've tried yoga, massage, kinesiology and so much more to relieve the pain. Nothing stopped it completely. Until I tried the E-cises in Pain Free. And I mean, I felt noticeable changes the same day. Serious relief. I must admit that I was skeptical, but I am a believer in the methods described in this book. If you are suffering from pain, YOU NEED THIS BOOK! I Wow. I've suffered from severe pain in my right hip for the past 3 years - since being thrown from an overly-excited and galloping horse. I've tried yoga, massage, kinesiology and so much more to relieve the pain. Nothing stopped it completely. Until I tried the E-cises in Pain Free. And I mean, I felt noticeable changes the same day. Serious relief. I must admit that I was skeptical, but I am a believer in the methods described in this book. If you are suffering from pain, YOU NEED THIS BOOK! I will admit that you must dedicate a fair amount of time, initially, in order to train your body to heal itself. Every minute is worth it. Don't let the time discourage you. You are worth every minute of each E-cise. :) ...more

5

May 11, 2015

I stumbled onto this book after doing some research to try and improve what had become chronic neck, shoulder and back issues. I wasn't aware of how two foot operations changed my balance and gate (which caused problems elsewhere). The exercises presented appear quite simple, but are actually very challenging. I am now keenly aware of how much body misalignment, and lack of motion affect everything from sleep to vision. I highly recommend people of all fitness levels and ages read this book.

0

Dec 28, 2011

I recommend this book to anyone with any physical pain. it makes sense to me.

5

August 8, 2015

This is the best. Fully recommend the whole egoscue 'Pain Free' series. Videos are indespensible, though production value isnt great. Fully disabled, practically confined to bed for 10 years.... & now I just completed first 90 days of a full-time job (work from home, but still amazing! ). These move...Full Review

5

Sep 24, 2014

Although I've not exactly finished reading it completely, I have followed the exercises (e-sices) in this book for the past 4+ months and it's helped me tremendously with my pain issues. If you have any pain or chronic pain anywhere--or just want to improve posture and strengthen muscles to avoid injury and pain--I would highly recommend this book. I'm so grateful I found it.

4

Jan 25, 2015

I'm struggling on whether or not I should add this to my account because I definitely did not read all of it; only the information that was relevant to me. I've been following the back pain program for a few days now and I've noticed a huge improvement.

I'll update later as to whether or not it pays off in the long term.

I really liked the Jack Nicklaus story, by the way.

3

Sep 15, 2007

For me, it was an "ah-ha" moment explaining how the body and muscles work and how chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists try to address aches and pain. There are specific sections on what exercises to do to address pains in particular areas. The exercises themselves are rather mundane, but are a good start.

5

Oct 02, 2016

Excellent book that provides simple exercises that realign and balance your body. As an older and regular yoga student, I found that certain areas (lower back and hips) would get sore. One of my yoga instructors recommended this book as an alternative to medication. The author's theory is that most folks suffer from a misalignment of the spine that puts pressure on the compensating joints and muscles. Pure and simple, the exercises work. If these exercises can keep me from taking medication or Excellent book that provides simple exercises that realign and balance your body. As an older and regular yoga student, I found that certain areas (lower back and hips) would get sore. One of my yoga instructors recommended this book as an alternative to medication. The author's theory is that most folks suffer from a misalignment of the spine that puts pressure on the compensating joints and muscles. Pure and simple, the exercises work. If these exercises can keep me from taking medication or requiring a hip replacement, I'm all for it. The photos in the book could use some updating but other than that, an excellent book that I will keep nearby. ...more

1

Jul 01, 2018

Decent postural exercises hyped-up by a ridiculous paleo-ideology.

4

May 12, 2012

Egoscue's understanding and knowledge is like music to my ears! I've certainly experienced pain and restricted movement - as everyone has at some point, and have lived with someone with chronic disabling pain and increasing immobility (spinal fusion) over my lifetime. It is not easy (which is an total understatement) but Egoscue seems to provide hope.

His approach is that "a little motion goes a long way". I believe this, and he does a good job of providing examples of how pain results from Egoscue's understanding and knowledge is like music to my ears! I've certainly experienced pain and restricted movement - as everyone has at some point, and have lived with someone with chronic disabling pain and increasing immobility (spinal fusion) over my lifetime. It is not easy (which is an total understatement) but Egoscue seems to provide hope.

His approach is that "a little motion goes a long way". I believe this, and he does a good job of providing examples of how pain results from muscoskeletal immobility / lack of full motion of our body rather than structural dysfunction as most medical orientations would have us think. And how the simplest if movements can resolve difficulties. I've heard from others who have had spinal surgeries that using his exercises - E-crises - has helped them eliminate or manage their pain. For myself, I will be uitilizing some of these exercises to help balance and mobilize my body and reduce mounting stiffness at times.

This approach and understanding of the body resonates with me as he has an evolutionary understanding of our physical/structural development; understands the wisdom of pain as a cue to our misalignment and lack of motion, and the general mindfulness he encourages about our bodies communications and our everyday life I.e. how we use, or don't use our bodies. To me, beyond pain, such an attitude and approach to being embodied can have profound healing effects for an individual - to listen and be attuned to ourselves Is a great service.

I also found interesting the connections he details between our motion patterns and sleep, and things such as sinus problems. I'm sure many more 'common' ailments can be traced back to our ever decreasing limited motion in this day and age. ...more

5

Oct 18, 2016

I had kind of given up on my sciatica and back pain, but this book has given me some hope. A week into it I'm getting 2-3 hours of relief per day, which is supposed to increase.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the author's tone of "This is the only method that works and all other methods are not only ineffective, they're dangerous!" (paraphrased) is annoying.

A lot of the exercises say "Go back to chapter 2 for a description of this exercise, but don't use a pillow like in the photo, and do I had kind of given up on my sciatica and back pain, but this book has given me some hope. A week into it I'm getting 2-3 hours of relief per day, which is supposed to increase.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the author's tone of "This is the only method that works and all other methods are not only ineffective, they're dangerous!" (paraphrased) is annoying.

A lot of the exercises say "Go back to chapter 2 for a description of this exercise, but don't use a pillow like in the photo, and do it twice as long" (again, paraphrased) -- it would be less confusing to just have a clean description and photo each time a similar exercise comes up in a new chapter. I ended up typing them out so I had my own one-sheet summary. Get the Kindle version from your library so you can copy/paste.

Update: this method never really controlled my pain. Check out Dr. John Sarno - I'm cured. ...more

4

Jul 13, 2017

If you have chronic pain, this book will change your life. Simple, gradual exercises to help ease you out of chronic pain. It's almost too amazing to think it would work. My only gripe is that I'm broke in a lot of places, and it doesn't tell me how to attack multiple body parts at once. He's very strict about the order of the exercises, but various problems require the same exercises. So if I'm going after a couple problem areas, I'm unsure how to combine sets. Still, small price for waking up If you have chronic pain, this book will change your life. Simple, gradual exercises to help ease you out of chronic pain. It's almost too amazing to think it would work. My only gripe is that I'm broke in a lot of places, and it doesn't tell me how to attack multiple body parts at once. He's very strict about the order of the exercises, but various problems require the same exercises. So if I'm going after a couple problem areas, I'm unsure how to combine sets. Still, small price for waking up the first time in 4 months just this morning with no back pain. ...more

4

Dec 01, 2016

Mostly outdated now, but several oh his theories were in track with what we've come to understand in neurology and therapeutic techniques, though of course several were for wrong reasons, and some didn't pan out. But that's how scientific theories work-- build the best hypothesis with currently known knowledge. Was probably a pretty cutting edge ideas in his time.

5

Mar 25, 2016

5 stars is probably a little strong, but this book helped me stand up straight and take the curve (non-scoliosis) out of my back. It's helped with headaches also. Probably related to the curve in my back.

What this book is, is a bunch of yoga-like positions that you hold for 5 or 10 minutes to get muscles stretched and bones aligned. YMMV.

5

Mar 12, 2017

This book is my go-to for any kind of musculoskeletal issues. It has helped me tremendously many, many times, and I keep giving it away and buying it again.

3

Apr 04, 2016

It doesn't read easily, that's why I give it three stars. But the content deserves five stars.

5

May 03, 2016

A great resource. I don't think I'll ever be done with this book. It is one that you can periodically check back and review the methods and techniques in maintaining a healthy and well tuned body.