Anatomy in Action The Dynamic Muscular Systems that Create and Sustain the Moving Body

An illustrated guide to the core design principles of the body’s musculoskeletal system—for kinesiologists, movement therapists, yoga teachers, dancers, and bodyworkers of all kinds

What does knowledge of anatomical structure have to do with preventing everyday muscular aches, pains, and injuries? According to Dr. Theodore Dimon, everything!

Our bodies are designed to work holistically, supported by an intelligently organized system of muscles, bones, and connective tissue. So when we target problem spots by stretching, relaxing, or strengthening individual muscles, we bypass the dynamic, interconnected network that enables healthy functioning and injury prevention. Understanding how this system works in action is the key.

In this groundbreaking guide, Dr. Dimon describes the basic principles that govern our bodies’ musculoskeletal architecture and provides practical exercises to activate specific muscle groups and demonstrate our bodies’ efficient holistic function. Readers will learn about dynamic design and the body in action, including:
 

How the musculoskeletal system works as a whole

The relationship between proprioception and muscle length

About maximizing spinal, shoulder, hip, arm, and leg stability and health

The important role of breath and breathing

About posture and musculoskeletal support

 
With more than 300 illustrations, this is an ideal resource for students and practitioners of kinesiology, bodywork, movement, sport kinesiology, dance, and all readers searching for a dynamic guide to the human body.

Dr. Theodore (Ted) Dimon, founder and director of the Dimon Institute in New York City, is an educator, author, and leading expert in the Alexander Technique. Dimon earned his Master's and Doctorate degrees from Harvard University in 1987, making a detailed study of human evolution, comparative anatomy, and educational theory. Through this research, in combination with his practical hands-on experience, he discovered new principles of how the human being is designed to work and function. Since then, Dimon has helped thousands of people overcome chronic musculoskeletal problems and achieve higher levels of consciousness. Dimon's other books include The Undivided Self; The Elements of Skill; The Body in Motion; Neurodynamics: The Art of Mindfulness in Action; and Anatomy of the Voice.

G. DAVID BROWN is a medical illustrator with over 40 years of experience and Professor Emeritus of Illustration at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he taught for fifteen years and ran the BFA illustration program. He co-founded Synapse Media Productions, Inc., producing medical illustration work for print and video productions. Brown earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his masters degree in medical illustration from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas, where he served for four years on the graduate faculty of the Department of Biomedical Communications.