Move Into Life: The Nine Essentials for Lifelong Vitality

I am excited that Anat is finally giving the world her knowledge. I call Anat's book a best kept secret because many people have not realized her knowledge or that she is a brilliant teacher. Anat mentions in her book that our brain thrives with new information, and she giving us exactly that in her book. Anat's book is an easy read. Anat reaches out and speaks to the listening many individuals. Her message is simple: whatever you do (i.e. athlete, businessman, yoga participant, pain sufferer) or whatever your interests, the 9 essentials can improve easily what you do and your interests. Her book is warm, empowering and non-threatening. She enhances learning like any gifted teacher would by summarizing each chapter with clever thought provoking quizzes. She leads you through movements supported with pictures that capture the flavor of what she describes. I found the story of the baboon as really funny because I like many of us can connect with the story. Anat's book today should impact our culture as much as Ken Cooper MD's book did 41 years ago popularizing exercise & aerobics. I say that because many of us know about exercise or eating right, but what about brain health or thinking health being just as important? Using the 9 essentials in our world could possibly create more productive, vibrant people living well past their 40's through the golden years. Additional perks of the 9 essentials could be taking less pain medication, not needing so many orthopedic surgeries, or maybe not living the later years of our lives with so many Alzheimer/dementia difficulties. Anat's book is pure preventative medicine and the fountain of youth all in one book. If you are into health and wellness you have to read this book.

As an engineer by training, I have never been one to follow the latest "new age" fads. This book really surprised me because it is well-written, beautifully illustrated, and the exercises and techniques in the book really worked for me. I am shocked how well these (seemingly) simple exercises / movements can have such dramatic effects. I work at a computer all day long and have had occasional problems with wrist pain, back pain and neck pain. Much to my surprise, I was able to do some of these exercises the first time and feel immediate relief to the "crick" in my neck. I also found the companion web site developed by Anat Baniel to be really well designed and useful (www.desk-trainer.com). This little site is a great way to remind myself to take a break and do a little something good for myself. So, I bought this book based on a friend's recommendation, sort of expecting to find it was mostly new age pep talk, and instead, I was pleasantly surprised to see it really is based on fundamental science, and more importantly to me at least, these exercises really work! Now, I can just take a 5 minute break at my desk and do a couple of the exercises and the only one is who not so happy is my chiropractor because I don't need to visit him on a regular basis like I always used to.... So, that just made me realize, this little book is saving me big bucks in reduced chiro bills.... Hence, a BIG 5 star rating from me.

This book offers life changing guidance to greater health and wellness. I thought I had read everything there was about mind/body health, but this was new for me. It offers easy to implement solutions to improving quality of life: physical, emotional and spiritual. I think about the 9 essentials every day and find that using them really does make my life better. It's easy to read, offering scientific substantiation, body movement exercises that improved my flexibility immediately, and astounding anecdotes. It's something I will give to family and friends and put in my library and refer to often.

Off and on for the past year, I've used Anat's online service, Desk-Trainer. It lets you sit at your desk and follow animated instructions that loosen your hips, shoulders, neck and pelvis. The effect is near-magical. In one sitting, I go from stiff and sore to relaxed and happy. No kidding. The only challenge with Desk-Trainer is that I get tired of listening to the little animated guy say the same thing over and over. (The book lets me turn the page whenever I want.)

Just holding this book in my hand for the first time was a joy. Its beautiful cover instantly imparts some of the vitality it promises. Written in a warm, personal, yet highly informative style, there's amazing scientific information about neuroplasticity and the regenerative powers of our brains. For 30 years, before it was quantified by science, the author applied principles of neuroplasticity in her practice, with people from nine months to ninety years of age. She tells how she first noticed that her students and clients radiated vitality in their voices and enthusiasm, and moved with greater grace, energy, flexibility and confidence. Mental abilities became sharper and their communications clearer. Not just another book with prescriptions for supplements and doing crossword puzzles, the exercises here work with our brains to build new connections that will be reflected in everything we do. Instructions for Baniel's exercises are beautifully and clearly illustrated by world famous artist David Gerstein, no less! I experienced greater freedom of movement but also more energy after doing the exercises. The "moves" she describe seem so easy to do yet the changes I felt were so profound. The benefits are not about strength or a flatter belly but about being lighter, more flexible, more vital, and awakening your own brain. The author reveals things I haven't read in any other book--at least not in books for the layperson--about the capacities of our brains to change and grow and ultimately lift our spirits! I recommend this book for anyone interested in feeling healthier and more youthful.