Dr. Henry Ledgard holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT, with a specialty in computer science. He has previously published several books on computers, with Addison-Wesly, Vintage/Random House, Springer-Verlag, and SRA.

This website was developed from the monograph “Towards A Theory of Exercise” by HENRY LEDGARD based upon the work of BERNIE FALK.

Bernie Falk of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, prescribed exercise for hundreds of people, from babies to grandparents, from persons in serious pain to athletes. Mr. Falk had a profound theory of the central issues related to exercise, based on one’s everyday movement. His view was that beneficial movement is the centerpiece of any helpful exercise program. He passed away about twenty years ago.

This work is in its rudimentary stages. Hopefully it will be developed further. The goal is a work devoted exclusively to exercise– its rationale, examples, root issues, difficult questions, pain, and health.

Other Work:

Bernie Falk was obviously influenced by others, as he had a Master’s Degree in Physical Education many years ago. Moreover, his work has much in common with the Alexander Technique, the Feldenkrais Method, the philosophy of Twyla Tharp, and Yoga, as well as general well-known theories related to exercise and physical therapy.

Current Equipment:

At almost every gym and fitness center today there is a wonderful array of equipment. These tend to target specific areas of muscle development. Bernie Falk would have loved to have access to such equipment. They open up a wonderful variety of exercises, which indeed fit well with the ideas here.

Author’s Note:

Part of the motivation for this work was my recovery from a back and neck problem that was as severe as almost any I have seen. During my problems, I must have seen at least 20 health practitioners in this country, France, and England. I saw some of the best orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. I had hundreds of medical visits. The diagnosis: scar tissue from a meningocele operation at birth, thinning of the spine, misalignments, a double reverse curvature of the upper back, reverse curvature of the neck, and arthritis. For three years I lived a life of pain. Many times I almost passed out. I had to cut out almost everything, including my job, playing with the children, and most driving.

Now, years later, exercise based entirely on Falk’s theory has changed all of this.

The pains are gone.

I have a new life.