The Thinking Body

I chanced into this book when researching dance kinesthethia. The book, published in the 1930s, stresses the importance of body awareness, posture, balance, breathing and so on. However, as a nonmedical reader, I found the scientific explanations overwhelming but still plodded through. There is no doubt that a book written for the lay reader that maintains its science basis would be immensely invaluable. I would nonetheless recommend readers to flip through the book because the scientific basis is incredibly compelling. You will not look at posture the same way again. I do believe that any individual focused on body movements either through yoga or serious dance will benefit.

I first heard of this book from a Marilyn Monroe Documentary . This book is a perfect compliment to Structural Integration Bodywork(Rolfing) and truly understanding the body in regards to structure,posture and movement.

Excellent book on movement and the structure and function of the body. I took a summer intensive with the dance company Jump Rhythm Jazz Project and we were given portions of this book to read. There is truly nothing new under the sun. Portions of this text were originally part of a class syllabus for the author to her students back in 1929. There is much to learn here about how to truly get your body in a relaxed state while living and striding in the 21st Century.

Just started this book and it seems to be a good read. I like the way it's going so far. Marilyn Monroe used this to practice posture for her acting. That is not to say it's a reason to buy it, but my point is that I think it could be useful especially for those who are studying a physical craft. Helps you have a perspective on your posture.

Excellent read. Lots of good solid ideas and exercises. At times a little to deep in the science department for me but easy to pass over if not interested. For me, the best foundation for understanding the body.

Nice intro to using imagery to reprogram movement. It works.it is a nice complement to feldenkrais and yoga. A little heady

Some of the verbiage is a bit dated, but the information is timeless. An architectural look at the body and how weight is distributed and managed. This book is a classic reference manual for anyone wanting to understand how a human body moves.

Interesting read. Marilyn Monroe read this book and followed it.

I love this book, for its no-nonsense, practical explanations of how the human body works. I can't believe she was writing this a hundred years ago, as it reflects the best thoughts in serious yoga teaching today (even though she doesn't refer to yoga itself at all) But then I am a trainee yoga teacher with a degree in English Lit, so I'm used to reading older books which other people might find a little hard going. It's great for educating non-yoga practitioners to the the scientific / engineering basis to yoga and also for re-inforcing the basic principles of yoga to students who might be tempted to just 'achieve' a shape, without any consideration of the processes happening within their body. (- As always it's the journey and the understanding which count, not 'arriving'.) I haven't finished it yet - I also find it hard-going in places - but I come back to it time and time again, just to absorb snippets and admire her understanding!

A timeles classic: as relevant today, maybe more so, than it ever was. Worth a read for students of anatomy and movement therapy, as a contrast to the reductionism of so much modern writing.

Highly recommended

I really love this product as it was in perfect condition and everything was how i wanted it to be. The book itself is great and has really helped to expanf my knowledge in this area. I have been reading this book for about a week now and i am thoroughly enjoying it. This book as met my expectations and very happy with overall product.

Great quality and rather useful book!