Pelvic Power: Mind/Body Exercises for Strength, Flexibility, Posture, and Balance for Men and Women (Paperback)

by Eric Franklin (Author) "The pelvic floor needs dynamic training, the goals of which are to build up body-awareness, flexibility, and strength..." (more)
Key Phrases: left tuberosity, rectus series, perineal center (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"By far the most stimulating and visually articulate book on the subject. A must read for everyone." -- Marika Molnar; P.T. Director, Physical Therapy Services; member, New York City Ballet; director, West Side Dance Physical Therapy

"Eric Franklin has once again written a phenomenal book—useful for practitioners, and exercise specialists." -- Jenn Dunn, M.S. Board of Directors

"[D]irect, clear, and congenial. Pelvic power can be yours with this simply sound approach of sensing, visualizing, and moving!" -- Glenna Batson, M.A., P.T. Director, Wellness Partners in the Arts

Review

"Accurate and highly understandable sketches...useful for men and women, teachers and students alike."  —Journal of Dance Medicine and Science

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Book Company; 1 edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871272598
• ISBN-13: 978-0871272591
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,282 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

140 of 144 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A vital fitness book, January 9, 2004

By A Customer

Great stuff. I've been working on a lot of these principles for the past 3 years in Pilates and Feldenkrais classes. This is an excellent discussion of the bones and muscles in the pelvis, why they're important, and how to develop pelvic power!

Why should we care? Because the pelvis is a fundamental structure in the body. Having proper mobility in the pelvis is a keystone of sitting and walking. If we lack proper strength in our pelvis -- or proper flexibility -- we cannot really be happy with our bodies. Franklin has already addressed the shoulder area in his other book "Relax Your Neck, Liberate Your Shoulders". These two books together are a potent prescription to a fully functional and integrated body.

Typically, these concepts are difficult to understand -- even for massage therapists and other professionals in the bodywork industry. However, Franklin is gifted in his use of imagery to get his point across. There are many titles worthy for students to explore (Anatomy of Movement, Anatomy Trains, etc.) but this is one of the most accessible books for the lay person to read. Highly recommended.

The title of this book will put off some people; I appreciate the direcness of Franklin. It really is about having your pelvis be a powerful foundation for your body. There's no way to expand our understanding without talking about it! It is not a book about sex, but developing your pelvic strength and flexibilty will almost certainly have a positive impact in that area of your life. How could that possibly be a bad thing?

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superlative techniques, August 27, 2005

By	Kerry Obrien "BodiesinBalance.net" (Valley Glen, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a somatic practitioner using neuromuscular techniques, Pilates, Gyrotonic and Yoga, Eric's innovative work in dance medicine has always been solid and inspirational. Here he tackles the structures of the pelvis with sound functional anatomy, visualization and awareness exercises that are challenging for the professional and accessible to the lay person. Incorporating the information in this book into my teaching always brings positive comments from my students and sets me apart as an instructor.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by former physiology teaching fellow...., February 2, 2007

By	Patrick D. Goonan "www.meaningful-life.us" (Pleasanton, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In my earlier years, I was a teaching fellow in physiology and a research biochemist. I have a strong background in physiology, but later I went back to school for psychology and my studies included work in somatic psychology. I am also a meditation instructor and do a lot of public speaking on various topics related to the mind-body issue. I also use biofeedback in my practice, so these kinds of books are part of my meat and potatoes living.

In this volume, Mr. Franklin has done an EXCEPTIONAL job of describing the structure, function and importance of the pelvic area and how to strengthen and balance it. He takes a very integral approach to the connection between mind and body and the book although a bit of a difficult read for people without some background in biology is still very accessible. This accessibility is partly due to the detailed and easy to follow descriptions, organization of material and excellent diagrams that clearly illustrate key points.

This book also covers beliefs about the flow of energy through the pelvis and it's relationship to other body systems and the mind as understood by the various world's wisdom traditions. There are also good exercises to explore these concepts from the inside yourself.

I think this is a most own book for any massage therapist, athlete, dancer or yoga instructor who wants a deep understanding of the pelvis, how to strengthen it and how it contributes to the overall health of the body. This is truly a unique book and worthwhile read.