Suggested Reading List

[circular]

Post any books, videos or other resources you think valuable to beginners hoping to get started, novices hoping to go father, and even for the expert to go deeper. Please give a short description and review, and provide a direct link for ordering, if possible.

[Randell Waddell]

This is an unusual book that claims it has utilized muscle testing to accurately test and calibrate the influence/power that concepts such as Shame through to Enlightenment possess.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1561709336/qid=1083970636/sr=8-3/ref=pd_ka_3/104-1411602-0799912?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I found the sections on Addictions Pgs 81,90, 103-109, 265, 289, particularly interesting. They endorse the 12 Step self help type process but looking at the experiences as something the body can attain naturally, encourages, I believe, the user to consider natural ways (such as through training) to attain these "higher" states of awareness.

Cheers
Randell :D

[amilcarkabral]

I just started a thread concerning flow and its philosophy. I then noticed this thread about relevant books, so this post contains books that are relevant to “Flow” in all of its aspects, not just body-flow.

I give you a little explanation of each book. I’d also recommend you go to amazon and read an ‘objective’ description and a few of the comments about the book to see what other people think. I’ll try to keep the blurbs short but no promises. . .

Tapping into other Kinds of Flow
Flow: the Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihalyi Csikmihalyi –the famed psychologist researched people’s enjoyment of “Flow States” for nearly 20 years. This book outlines the parameters and requirements of flow as experienced by people across many cultures, in many contexts and in many sensory systems (painters, musicians, linguists, etc). It’s not a ‘how-to’ of flow but does give you the appropriate understanding to create flow in many parts of your life.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirisig –this is a story about a man’s trip across the country that relates abstract philosophy to how you live your life in the moment. It explains the old saying “work is your own self-portrait”. It’s not very factual on Zen, Art or motorcycles, but its insightful about your personal approach to life and living.

Craft of the Warrior by Robert Spencer –though this book is likely out of print and hard to find, I think it’s one of the best books on flow because it is more than just a ‘what it is’, it is also a ‘how-to’ with exercises gleaned from Indian philosophy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Carlos Castaneda and Dan Millman, It has much to say about increased sensory awareness.

Sensory Awareness
Art & Physics by Leonard Shlain –this book was written by a neurosurgeon trying to make a coherent attempt to explain painting to his child. He noted that revolutionary advancements in the Arts paralleled advances in physics. His book, though historical, gives many insights on the development of the Western art & aesthetics as well as the development of the hard sciences.

Using Your Brain For A Change by Richard Bandler –a popular Neuro-Linguistic Programming book who’s main axe to grind is the heightening the use of your imagination. The significant part of this book is altering your internal imagery, jukebox and dialogue to create a richer internal experience for yourself, including motivation, accelerated learning and so on. The book is phenomenal for visualization and just as good for appreciating life around you.

The Inner Structure of Tai Chi by Mantak Chia this is about the only book that i've read that make sense about how to do tai-chi. Most books have good pictures, but talk little about the skeletal alignment and/or the microcosmic orbit (main chi channel) when both at rest, sitting and doing the forms.

Amilcar

[JasonE]

So many to choose from, and only a few hours to type them all... :twisted: I will restrict myself to subject-relevant titles.

If you are hunting for a particular book, check out these sites:
www.addall.com
www.abebooks.com
www.bibliophile.com

You can get price comparisons and even find cheaper used copies of almost anything. I've saved a lot of money with those sites.

Topic Groups:

Flexibility, Joint Mobility, and Relieving Back Pain:

Bodyflow by Scott Sonnon - An articulate exposition of the concepts underlying tension release through body movement. Suitable for all levels, this work lays out the fundamental concepts underlying Circular Strength Training and Biomechanical Exercise. A must read for all CST practitioners and pretty much anyone else interested in the improvement of human performance. Scott's unique approach to using movement to release tension and increase range of motion is worth rereading many times. I strongly recommend getting the Bodyflow tapes to better understand the movements and transitions in the latter section of the book.

Stretching & Flexibility by Kit Laughlin - An excellent explanation of PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching, with many photos. Detailed instructions for proper technique are presented, but there isn't a specific, logical progression. Fortunately, the author does cross-reference related movements, and he presents suggested stretches for various activities. This book has been used as a textbook, and may be a bit heavy for beginners. For those familiar with bodywork, physical culture, and sports science, it's an excellent reference. It's a bit harder to find, but well worth any effort 10 times over, as this has a wider variety of PNF stretches and variations and tips for developing your own stretches than any other book I've ever heard of.

Overcoming Neck & Back Pain by Kit Laughlin - A focused approach to PNF stretching suitable for beginners but better recommended to you advanced readers. This book does a lovely job focusing on how to use PNF stretching to reduce or eliminate chronic neck and back pain. The author gives methods of identifying chains of tension and specific sources of tension, with attention to physical development, activity, and injury as the cause of the problem. Armed with this information, the reader is given specific movements and variations to guide their efforts and prevent injury. This is the way to go if you have neck and/or back pain!

Scientific Stretching (4th edition) by Thomas Kurz - One of the more authoritative works available. Trained in Poland, Kurz's methods mesh perfectly with Bodyflow, CST, and Warrior Wellness. The author presents clear explanations with plenty of citations to support his methods. Kurz explains the hows, whys, and whens of using a variety of stretching methods to achieve your goals. This book may be a bit over the head of the average man in the same way Sonnon's books are. I think this is best suited for those familiar with bodywork, physical culture, sports science, and anyone who really wants great flexibility without hurting themselves.

Super Joints by Pavel Tsatsouline - This little book is an easy read that almost anyone can understand. Oversimplified in some ways, it still presents many nuggets of wisdom. I would like to have seen a more structured approach, and some type of progression to the movements. It did help me get started on the road to recovery, and for that I have to give it a positive rating. This is particularly suited for beginners or for those who want a quick, easy read without too much explanation.

Beyond Stretching by Pavel Tsatsouline - Pavel's first book, it takes a radical approach to achieving extreme flexibility. Starting with a quick review of basic PNF principles, Pavel quickly moves on to more extreme (and more painful) methods. While it has many interesting ideas, it has no real progression, and the careless or inexperienced user could hurt themselves quite badly. I don't recommend it unless you are already quite flexible and knowledgeable.

Relax Into Stretch by Pavel Tsatsouline - This is Pavel's replacement of Beyond Stretching. He does a better job explaining the whys and hows and gives more cautions about what not to do. He gives a bit more progression and the beginning of a basic structure. However, he doesn't do enough to make this more than a good introduction to advanced stretching methods. It's much better for beginners than Beyond Stretching, and has more useful information for advanced stretchers. For sheer information, it doesn't hold a candle to Kurz's book, but it is a much lighter read.

[Scott Sonnon]

Potatos not Prozac by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons
If you're serious about performance and health, you NEED this book on effective biochemical stability through nutrition!!!

[Scott Sonnon]

Healing Trauma: Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine

[Ryan Murdock]

How to Read a Book - Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren. The 1972 edition, it was revised and expanded.

One of those books I wish I'd read before university. Who'd a thunk there'd be so much to it? Like Coach Sonnon's work, shows you how to become your own teacher, to tackle difficult material with your own bean, without recourse to 'experts'.

[Jarlo Ilano]

Embodied Wisdom by Joy Colangelo

I came across this book from the www.noigroup.com forum awhile ago. Though I expected it to be new agey and foofy, it suprised and delighted me from the first few pages.

Organized by chakra regions, it offers a roadmap to each body region and how that region can store (and release) emotional states. She then offers specific suggestions on how to best free yourself from the tensions and restrictions we often place ourselves in. Particularly informative is her advice on various yoga asanas that can help particular "bound" areas. It is interesting because I knew next to nothing about chakras and yoga, but her approach made it easy to follow.

I am afraid my brief description does not give the book enough justice. It really is a fine work in the best somatic tradition much like Coach Sonnon's work.

(this amazon link would provide a better description)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0595295517

Regards

[Jay76]

Low Back disorders
Ultimate Back fitness and Performance Both by Dr. Stuart McGill

http://www.ahs.uwaterloo.ca/kin/people/faculty/mcgill.htm


One needs at least one of these books for taking care of thier backs for life. !!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Iron Minds, Iron Bodies by By Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D.

[David_11]

I would reccomend ready anything by Jiddu Krishnamurti, but as Im reading this right now this book has impacted me more in 10 pages than anybook ive read this year


Total Freedom by Jiddu Krishnamurti

this book is a valuable insight to one of the great thinkers of our time covering such subjects as meditation, love and the mysteries of life and death

[Cilian McHugh]

'Renegade Training For Football' by Coach Davies

'Xtreme Sports Training Renegade Style' by Coach Davies

Well written, clearly laid out and some of the most hardcore training methods you're ever likely to see.

[Danger Mouse]

In addition to the books that everyone else has said I think Maslow's books "Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences" and "The Farther Reaches Of Human Nature" have helped my training simply by helping me understand myself better.

Plus "Angry White Pyjamas" by Robert Twigger. Funny book and interesting insight into training motivation

[budhawarfare]

Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Nature's Vitamins and Minerals by John Heinerman- This book was one of a few that changed the way I looked at diet.

Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridans for Manual and Movement Therapist by Thomas W. Myers- I bet a lot of people would be interested in his philosophy. Here's his web-page http://www.anatomytrains.net/flash/index.html. Surf around it has some really cool anatomy drawings.

Biomechanics: Problem Solving For Functional Activity by Susan L. Roberts, and Sharon A. Falken burg- I thought the list needed a book on biomechanics, this is just a basic book that is easy to understand. If anybody knows of a good one please list.

K-Sys: An American Understanding of the Basics of the Kadochnikov Style of Hand-to-Hand Combat Fighting by Matthew Powell- I thought it had some interesting ideas, I particulary liked the part on bioenergetics and physics.

I have that book Art & Physics it's a cool book I cited it in a paper I did on biomechanics. It gave me ideas on the use of perseptive in viewing the world.

[Randell Waddell]

Ya -hoo !!!! Someone else who has read:

Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridans for Manual and Movement Therapist by Thomas W. Myers- Here's his web-page http://www.anatomytrains.net/flash/index.html. Surf around it has some really cool anatomy drawings.

I love the Tensegrity concepts - he introduces them well in this text.

CST seems to utilize a lot of similar concepts as the Anatomic Trains, though Scott calls them by other names.

Cheers
Randell
:D

[Jarlo Ilano]

Anatomy Trains is a great book. It really is a part of the new way of thinking of biomechanics. Rather than looking at individual "joints", people are begining to think in chains or "slings". It's very exciting. And very related to Coach Sonnon's findings of diagonal patterns (right leg, left shoulder...)

I second, or I guess third :wink: , this recommendation.

[Scott Sonnon]

Okay, three recommendations from people I respect, so I'm ordering it.

[Randell Waddell]

Fear Less - Gavin De Becker

[ Some of you may find the concepts interesting from the exploration of Fear Reactivity in general.]

This book never hit Australia's bookshelves - I noticed it the other night whilst I was researching another topic and had it sent across from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0316085960/qid=1089452717/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-0610611-9840915

I have always found De Becker's books to be useful. He has been accused of trying to cash in on September 11 ( and this may appear so from those who have processed his other books and material ), but I believe that if the material contained within helped to reset some peoples' balance, then it was worthwhile investment.

From the inside cover:

"You can be safer and feel safer. I don't mean a fraudulent feeling made possible by denial, or paid for with precautions that try to trick your defense system while doing nothing about actual danger. I mean a true, informed feeling of safety that comes from understanding violence, risk, intuition, fear, and security."

I believe he has achieved this.

For any people who wish to explore De Becker's work, "The Gift of Fear"

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0440226198/ref=pd_sim_books_1/102-0610611-9840915?v=glance&s=books

is probably still your best entry point.

Cheers
Randell :D

[Vbrown]

The Complete Keys to Progress by John McCallum

Supertraining by Mel Siff

The Might Atom by Ed Speilman

The Cable/Bar Manual by JV Askem (mainly because it goes to the Paul Anderson youth home in memory of JV...who was a really great guy.)

Vince

[Matt_OZ]

Anatomy Trains is very good. It's great to hear so many people on the forum are open to the concepts of fascial lines etc.

I remember that when I experienced my first couple of myofascial treatments I was not too impressed with it but I knew that it warranted further exploration. I discovered that the modality itself is awesome and it was just a matter of the therapist and myself not being suited to each other. For myo to work you really, really, really need the therapist to be extrememly shilled, patient and have a very good understanding of how different parts of our body are linked together but above all they have to be extremely sensitive and compassionate.

Some therapies can yield a certain level of results even if the practitioner doesn't have their heart in it, myo is not one of them. This is my just my take on it but I strongly believe that myo is a modality that requires the practitioner to have a nurturing kind of nature for it to succeed. Like anything there are different schools of thought in myo work. Some schools of thought get much more internal and esoteric than others. It's a fascinating field and the science behind it has helped me formulate answers for questions that I have had for many years. If anyone is curious about this stuff then I'll be glad to do my best to help share my experiences with myofascial work (both as a practitioner and a recipient). Who knows, maybe there will be spare time on the weekend of the Zeta CST Cert to have someone jump on the table and give it whirl.

By the way, for those of you who have read Anatomy Trains you may remember that the appendix mentions the book "The Endless Web" (I think it's by L Schultz & R Feitis). Mention is made of fascial meridiens or "body straps". These straps happen to correspond very closely to chakra and occur at the level of spinal junctions such as L5-S1 etc.

It's interesting to see that the one of the most common areas for back pain is L5-S1, the sacrolumbar junction. Those familiar with chakra's would know this region as the sacral chakra. It's corresponding colour is orange and it's associated with our sexual and reproductive capacity. It's belived that a blockage in this area manifests as emotional problems or sexual guilt. Scott Sonnon had a great article on Body Flow and the manner in which many cultures refuse to move their hip region for fear of being seen as "too sexual". Back pain (especially lower back) is very high amongst the western population of the world. Isn't in incredible how all these wonderful modalities (myofascial release therapy, chakra healing, yoga and Body-Flow) have so many strong relationships in their concepts.

Well, I've raved on enough.
Have a great day guys,
Matt.

[Randell Waddell]

Matt,

Thank you for your extended input with this book.

If you get any chance at all of a cheap flight, please do come on up.

Cheers
Randell :D

[Lumpy Gravy]

Supertraining by Mel Siff and Yuri Verhoshansky

The Science and Practice of Strength Training by Vladamir Zatsiorsky

Freedom from the Known by Krashnamurti (good primer on this great philisopher's thoughts)

Essentials of Strength Training by the NCSA

Weightlifter's Encyclopedia by (can't remember off the top of my head)

Siddartha by Herman Hess

Sports Mechanics for Sports Carr

Kenetic Anatomy by ???

I agree with whoever said Davies was hard core. I try to base my stuff around his work using principles I learned from books listed in my post and this thread.

[Jay76]

Cholesterol Myths, The
by Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD

Diet Cure, The
by Julia Ross, MA

Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills
by Russell Blaylock, MD

Keeping a Family Cow
by Joann S. Grohman

KNOW YOUR FATS: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils, and Cholesterol
by Mary Enig, PhD

Life Without Bread: How a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Can Save Your Life
by Wolfgang Lutz, MD, and Christian B. Allan, PhD

Maker's Diet, The
by Jordin Rubin, NMD, PhD

Milk Book, The
by William Campbell Douglass, MD

Milk, Money, and Madness
by Naomi Baumslag, MD, MPH
and Dia L. Michels

No-Grain Diet, The
by Dr. Joseph Mercola

Nourishing Traditions
by Sally Fallon with Mary G Enig, PhD

Nutrition and Physical Degeneration
by Weston A. Price, DDS

Nutrition in Biblical Times
by Ruth F. Rosevear

Our Stolen Future
by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, and John Peterson Myers

Schwarzbein Principle, The
by Diana Schwarzbein, MD and Nancy Deville

Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating
by Jeffrey Smith

Soil, Grass and Cancer
by Andre Voisin

Stolen Harvest
by Vandana Shiva

Traditional Foods Are Your Best Medicine
by Ron Schmid

Truth About Children's Health:
The Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Preventing and Reversing Disease, The
by Robert Bernardini

Untold Story of Milk: Green Pastures, Contented Cows and Raw Dairy Foods, The
by Ron Schmid, ND

Wild Fermentation
by Sandor Ellix Katz

[JasonE]

My web site, www.ClubbellTrainer.com, has many links to online articles about Circular Strength Training, Clubbells, and related topics. The selection and depth is continually growing, so check back for new additions.

[Connie Brown]

My web site, www.ClubbellTrainer.com
Great stuff Jason.

And for all of us working on web sites I recommend Jakob Nielsen's free "Alertbox" service. He is an ecommerce and usability guy whose niche is watching how real people use the web and reporting trends. www.useit.com

Today's Alertbox is about making sure "information articles" include a link to related products. Apparently there are ways that work and ways that don't.

Informational Articles Must Ask for the Order (http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20040823.html)

[Coach Gostnell]

Hi,
Just got on the Forum and read your post from a while back:

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirisig –this is a story about a man’s trip across the country that relates abstract philosophy to how you live your life in the moment. It explains the old saying “work is your own self-portrait”. It’s not very factual on Zen, Art or motorcycles, but its insightful about your personal approach to life and living.

I read this book for the first time many years ago - when I re-read it, it dawned on me how many of the ideas I had incorporated into my life and ways of thinking. I'm wondering if you've read Pirsig's sequel, "Lila"? He goes farther into "Dynamic Quality" - a great book and one that I've read also more than once.

Have a great day,
Jean

[Scott Sonnon]

Lila IMO surpassed ZAMM. Loved'em both. Dynamic Quality (and the card catalog manner of organizing theory) contributed in a major way to my development of CST and Softwork.

[kagejs]

Running with the Whole Body by Jack Heggie

This book completely changed the way I think about walking/movement. MAJOR improvements to my martial arts movement as well. You can get it at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1556432267/qid=1093370121/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/102-3218632-1381740?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

[lnelson]

Eric Franklin's book cover the body in intimate detail focusing on ideokinesis.

Pelvic Power is the only book I've ever seen of exclusively pelvic exercises
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0871272598/qid=1094022585/sr=8-3/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i3_xgl14/102-7898665-0007327?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

He also wrote
Dynamic Alignment through Imagery
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0873224752/qid=1094022670/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/102-7898665-0007327?v=glance&s=books

Relax your neck, liberate your shoulders
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0871272482/qid=1094022670/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-7898665-0007327?v=glance&s=books

and more: Conditioning for Dance focuses on using thera-bands and small balls to work deep core muscles. Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance is another good one.

[john browne]

"watch my back" Geoff Thompson.

The life and times of Englands most famous doorman. Funny , action packed and thought provoking you can from a page of bar room brawling to a reflection on how addictive this lifestyle became for him.

plus how many writers come across as a gentleman and a thug at the same time. interesting insight from someone who lived the reality of the "martial arts" fantasy.

[stickfighter]

"The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" By Jim Johnson

"Live Long, Die Fast; Playing The Aging Game To Win" By John H. Bland M.D.

Both available from Amazon.com and on the used book search engines.

[Cilian McHugh]

Tony Buzan "The Mind Map Book" a revolutionary approach to learning and creativity.

[Connie Brown]

Up from Slavery (http://www.alcyone.com/max/lit/slavery/) by Booker T. Washington.

A classic for self-determination and freedom. Out of copyright too so you can read it on the net.

Funny how many parallels there are between the former slaves in the South and people who have been living as fitness slaves (okay me), enslaved by aspects of modern life.

What DO you do when you find yourself...

- youth gone
- health gone
- earning (workout) years behind you, not in front
- flat broke and nothing to show for your work so far
- no handouts anywhere, from society (hostile) or friends & family (just as po as you)

turns out you can do a lot. Like make a world-class institution out of nothing - Tuskegee. Just by "dropping your bucket where you are"