About the Book
Falling Is Not an Option: A Way to Lifelong Balance is a groundbreaking examination of the widely misunderstood subject of human balance. The book looks at the physics and biomechanics of balance and details the importance of the postural muscles, which automatically and involuntarily control balance and stability. Learn how athletes in sports such as surfing, skating, and skiing remain stable and upright standing on one bent leg, and the implications for creating balance exercises. The section that discusses what balance is not will surprise the reader. The discussion of what balance is explains why and how balance is lost or gained, and what kinds of activities best enhance balance.
The book also introduces Postural Retraining™, a unique series of balance and stability exercises inspired by T’ai Chi. Postural Retraining™ is a practical and effective method for anyone who wants to develop better balance: seniors with insecure balance and hesitant walking, mid-lifers to prevent age-related imbalance, and elite athletes to improve upon excellent balance.
With practice, the fifteen postures and exercises improve balance and stability in a safe and incremental way. They emphasize simple but challenging weight-bearing positions, small movements, and increased duration. The exercises can be done at home. They do not require equipment and do not have to be memorized.
Because of its focus on developing and maintaining automatic balance skills, Falling Is Not an Option: A Way to Lifelong Balance is a resource both for health professionals and for their patients.
The softcover edition is 8.5”x8.5” with 122 photos. The e-book is best viewed on a computer screen of that size or larger.
“The author, George Locker, a long-time student of martial arts and teacher of T’ai Chi, adapted the lessons of these ancient arts into an approach he has trademarked as “Postural Retraining". The goal is stability by increasing one’s downward force, and the example Mr. Locker gave of surfers, skaters and skiers made perfect sense to me.”
Jane Brody, Personal Health Columnist for NY Times
”Excellent depiction of biomechanics for senior mechanical improvement…well-reasoned plan for balance improvement…easy read…makes sense…great pre-rehab guide to resolve common problem.”
Stephen B. Berrien, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon
“Balance issues are a major concern among my patients-almost everyone has or knows someone who has broken a hip or an arm. I plan to keep your book in my office to show them and tell them they can and should buy it.”
Suzanne E. Salamon, MD, Author: Better Balance, Harvard Medical School