THE EGOSCUE METHOD
The Egoscue Method has been gaining recognition for its effective and professional approach to therapeutic pain management. Health professionals as well as the individual will be interested in this work. The following is from egoscue.com:

The Egoscue Method works by returning the body to its original blueprint through a set of individualized gentle stretching exercises. All the body's systems function interactively -- their ability to function normally, however, depends to a large extent on postural alignment and the body's ability to move. Due to stresses in our daily life, our muscles have forgotten their basic training and are deviating from the body's original blueprint.

The "blueprint" we speak of is one that is familiar to all health professionals--the standing normal anatomical position. In the sagittal plane, the axis of the hip, knee and ankle joints are directly aligned. The head sits evenly between the shoulders and the hips are level. In the coronal plane, the mastoid process should sit directly over the shoulder joint; the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle joints should be vertically aligned. In the transverse plane, there should be no rotation of the torso on a fixed pelvis. There should be no rotation of the humerus, femurs or shank outside what is considered appropriate in the literature.

The mechanical changes eventually manifest themselves into a variety of pathologies and disorders if allowed to continue. These can include, but are not limited to, inflammatory responses to overstressed tendons and bursa, non-congruency of joints surfaces, unequal loading of the intervertebral discs, laxity of ligaments, muscle pain and ischemia.

We must then return to our "blueprint". The individual is visually evaluated with the aid of a plumb line and background grid. The therapist who is highly trained to recognize structural and mechanical deviations of the body as a whole and does so with the use of diagnostic machines or specific manual muscle tests. Based on the patient's self reported history and the therapist's observations, a series of functional demand exercises are developed. These exercises are designed to address the muscular imbalances and dysfunction leading to this individual's structural deviations

The exercises emphasize the deeper muscles of the axial skeleton and pelvis as well as the more superficial muscles. They require no special equipment and are designed to strengthen the body functionally. Our primary source of resistance is the person's body weight and the force of gravity. The Egoscue Method's therapists do not administer "hands on" therapy. The patient is instructed in a series of personalized exercises and then is expected to continue them on their own at home. Modifications are readily made whenever necessary. The home program prevents the patient from developing a dependency on someone else while pursuing their own well being. Instead, they assume responsibility for their own health. This is another major premise of The Egoscue Method.

PILATES
MICHAEL J. MILLER has taught Pilates more than 20 years calling upon an appreciation of evolution, physics, and the power of imagination to accelerate mastery of the method.

The physics of angular momentum, the natural emanation of spiral movement out into space found in galaxies, whirlpools, shells, wind and light, all inspire Michael's application of Pilates, causing his teaching to ignite in the student awareness of alignment that exists intrinsically within each of us.

Michael professes Pilates to be an idea "not a tradition governed by an entrenched aristocracy" but an idea open to anyone capable of understanding and embodying the idea.

Embodiment is the ultimate authority.

Michael Miller teaches internationally including: Switzerland, France, England, Brazil, Chile, and throughout the United States and Canada. He offers Pilates Continuing Education by way of online training which includes lists and photos of the exercises at hermit.com. Also available from his website are Pilates books, audio tapes and CD's, videos, Pilates equipment, posters and more.

Michael owns and operates the only digital video recording studio completely equipped with a full line of classical Pilates equipment where he produces personalized training videos, usually to other instructors for them to sell to their students. He also produces raw footage and rough cuts for practitioners interested in reviewing their form or capturing digital images and footage to be used in promotional efforts via television, video, or web.

The MICHAEL MILLER trademark is a symbol of ideal posture and perfect body alignment.

YOGA LEARNING CENTER
THE YOGA LEARNING CENTER is a completely new concept in yoga instruction and practice, featuring streaming yoga video and audio exercise material from some of the most experienced teachers in the yoga community. Members of the Yoga Learning Center can practice anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you are a complete beginner or have years of experience, The Yoga Learning Center's online yoga studio can be a vital tool for your yoga practice.

NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT ON THE INTERNET!

Online classes 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

TRY A WEEK FREE: yogalearningcenter.com

SWING DANCE
Dancing is a great way to have fun while exercising. And, if you're new to a dance form, the learning process engages and stimulates your entire system, from your feet to your grey cells!

Swing Dance is particularly fun because all ages can do some level of it, and the new craze makes it easy to find swing dance groups in your area A simple web search will put you in touch with sources of videotapes, dance groups, lessons and events. It's fun just to go to a dance venue and watch swing dancers of all ages. The music is always upbeat and exciting.

Master a few simple steps, and work up a good sweat!

ARE YOU BREATHING?

Yes, you guessed it, here's one more thing to think about!

Fortunately, healthy breathing is a most beautiful and wondrous thing to think about - something you might have discovered yourself if you've ever checked in now and then to see if you're breathing! You may have never realized how nourishing good breathing is for the body, or that breathing can be healthy or unhealthy. Because 75% of the body's waste products are eliminated through the lungs, unhealthy breathing can slow down and weaken the peristalsis, the lymph flow, and many other detoxifying functions. As Dennis Lewis points out, shallow breathing is a result of leaned technique to protect ourselves from threat and stress. The results: "By breathing less, we feel less."

These two teachers, Dennis Lewis and Michael Grant White, have different approaches, but share the same principles and good sense. Each is highly qualified and experienced, has a simple teaching style, simple practice techniques, and many applications.

Dennis' two-cassette audio program, "Natural Breathing, Teachings and Exercises on Complete and Natural Breathing," is a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of breathing, and an awe-inspiring look at another aspect of Nature's complex metabolism. The first cd paints an extraordinary picture of the intimate relationship between breathing and all the body's functions. The second cd is a progressive series of awareness and breathing exercises that will help you to:

• Learn how to follow your breath.
• Breathe in a healthier, more complete and natural way.
• Discover the psychological and spiritual dimensions of your breath.
• Learn about the possible unhealthy side-effects of popular breathing exercises, and how breathing exercises really work.
• Develop a safe, effective breathing program tailored to your own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.

This wonderful book offers a delightful and innovative path to the most profound truth, shared by the world's greatest healing traditions: the way through any trauma, stress, illness, or injury is to first put attention on the breath. The reader will not only understand, through Dennis' inspired writing, but will experience - through numerous and excellent, practical exercises - how conscious and authentic breathing is the gateway to enhanced health and vitality.

Meg Jordan, PhD, author of The Fitness Instinct, and founder and editor of American Fitness Magazine