Mind-Body Fitness For Dummies [Paperback]

To reap the holistic benefits of any mind-body exercise, students must relax and stay focused throughout their class. That's tough to do when the instructor seems to be--or actually is--speaking a foreign language, or when the physical movements seem equally foreign to the body. In Mind-Body Fitness for Dummies, Therese Iknoian, president of the Total Fitness Network, successfully breaks through such "language barriers," providing beginners with the confidence to explore new classes. Iknoian draws from her impressive health, fitness, and journalistic background to offer the insider's skinny on 11 holistic exercise methods. She divides these into three basic groups: the centuries-old (yoga, tai chi chuan, and qigong), the "modern classics" (Pilates, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, inversion therapy, and Laban), and the "new kids" (NIA [neuromuscular integrative action], body rolling, chi ball). Then, with plenty of humor and empathy for her reader, she quite ably dissects each. Complete how-to information about each fitness method reads easily and leaves little mystery. The history, philosophy, principles, and postures of each style simply flow across the book's 300-plus pages; clearly, this project was no chore for its world record-breaking author (race walking, 1994 Indoor 3K) who also holds a master's degree in exercise physiology. Understandable illustrations, accompanied by Iknoian's lucid instructions, will help readers practice specific moves and stances before going public. Anyone who has heard about improved physical and mental health as a result of a mind-body exercise regime--but has hesitated to dabble--will be encouraged by this thoroughly enjoyable and educational primer. --Liane Thomas

Mind-Body Fitness For Dummies is the complete guide to the world of holistic fitness -- from Yoga and Tai Chi to Pilates and Qigong. Get started the smart way with expert advice on the essentials, such as breathing, posture, and choosing a program that best fits you and your fitness goals. Filled with instructional photos and illustrations, this book also features expert advice on warming up and cooling down, as well as taking your workout program beyond the basics with coverage of bodywork techniques including NIA and the Alexander technique. Mind-Body Fitness For Dummies will also help answer common questions about equipment and space needs, as well as other issues to consider before committing to a new fitness plan.

"This comprehensive guide offers the tools and information you need…"
—Ken Germano, American Council on Excercise (ACE)

Motivate your mind + excercise your body = Results!

Take your energy to a new level with a holistic fitness program If you're looking for a fitness program that targets your mind as well as your body, look no further. Illuminating the leading holistic traditions and techniques, this friendly guide shows you how to set up a personalized workout that can not only increase your strength and flexibility, but also help you relax, focus, and maintain balance.

Discover how to: Create a customized mind-body workout Gain flexibility and balance with Yoga Shape up with Chinese martial arts Tune your body with Pilates Explore the Alexander Technique, Body Rolling, and more

"…Mind-Body Fitness For Dummies is an important contribution in making these excercises more accessible to everyone."
—Kathie Davis, Executive Director of IDEA, The Health & Fitness Source

Get smart! www.dummies.com

Therese Iknoian is president of the Total Fitness Network, a contributor to Walking and Your Health magazines, and a competitive race walker.