It is difficult to observe one’s own movement. My teacher (Bernie Falk), could observe every movement with great skill. Even during my years in pain, I never realized my back was not straight or that I walked heavily on one side. A teacher can see what we can’t see. Moreover, with Bernie’s guidance, I was able to obtain a set of exercises that was wonderful for me. These two ingredients, a teacher and a wise choice of exercises, were critical to my movement program.

I well recall, during my bout with pain, the hour’s swim I took almost every day. This is exercise, and it gave me some energy. In the first week of being introduced to the methods described here, however, the swimming was replaced by an hour of exercises tailored to my weaknesses. The difference was dramatic.

It is interesting to note on this topic that I now swim every day, usually 25 to 30 minutes without stopping. The exercise is wonderful for me. Swimming is an exercise for wonderful cardiovascular affect and also as a tune-up for many muscles in the body. Just like many other exercises, it has its own reward continuing benefit us in general health.

It is also difficult, very difficult, to see how weak we ourselves actually are.

Perhaps a small story will help.

It’s about a duck. The episode took place on a warm summer day about six months before I met Bernie Falk. I was swimming in a nearby pond for my hour’s therapy swim. As I glanced up to take a breath, I saw, to my surprise, a duck, airborne, apparently about to land on my head. I bolted out of the pond. When I got out, my lower back hurt much more than normal. The next tow days were awful, with considerable pain medication and an emergency chiropractic visit.

Now, years later, I can report that since meeting Bernie Falk I have been in a car accident with a hit and run driver, had some good spills skiing, and had some falls on ice. No pain.

The point is simple:

The right kind of exercise is really potent.

Selection of Exercises:

Disclaimer:

I am not a qualified physician. As with all exercise programs, when using these routines and examples shown, you need to use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you may want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing these exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Theoryofexercise.com will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of this information shared on this website.