Running with the Whole Body: A 30-Day Program to Running Faster with Less Effort

This book is excellent. However it is not an easy read and will take commitment on the reader's part to comprehend and execute the "exercises". This book focuses on the how of moving rather than the goal of a movement. So it does take time to relearn how to do movements that have become habitual. I am a big fan of the Feldenkrais method, but have not attended any classes with a certified trainer. My opinion is that of an interested home practitioner.

While I'm no longer running, I'm still walking fast and regularly, and I credit this book for keeping me on the move for the last 25 years or so. (Can't even remember when I first began to use the techniques described.) I have recommended this book to countless runners over the years, using my own success as the best recommendation, and I have a body that is definitely NOT designed for running. Technique is everything!

A sports medicine PH D told me I wouldn't be able to run again ...but I proved him wrong!! Due to bad calcium deposits, the doctor told me that the pain would grow and grow until I wouldn't be able to run again.I think you are supposed to go through the exercises twice but I did them only once, 20 min a day for 20-24 days.I am no athlete but since then, I ran a Full Marathon, several Half-marathons and plenty of ten millers. That was 3 years ago, I still run between 20 - 40 miles a week. I run pain free, worst case I get a slight discomfort that I can't tell if it is from regular training for the past ailment anymore.This book is about how to move efficiently. Maybe, I just changed the way of moving that caused the problem.

The book applies the Feldenkrais method to running in a very logical way. It begins with the big picture, and then focuses on the details. The exercises in this book are well thought out, and WILL make a difference in your running. I noticed a significant improvement after only the first chapter, and I just kept improving with each subsequent chapter. You begin by studying the relationship between the upper and lower body while walking. The shoulders should move in a direction opposite the hips. Most people, myself included, do not do this properly and it affects breathing and everything else involved in running. I spent an evening working on this, and immediately noticed a huge improvement in my running. Breathing suddenly became easier, and my stride became less jarring. Through each chapter, the improvements continued. This book is a must for every runner. It will make all the difference.

This book takes you through a thorough series of Feldenkrais exercises to open up your movement in your running. He not only shows and tells you how to find a healthy, easy running style, he gets you to feel it. Using the exercises in this book I eliminated knee pain I've had for years and finally got rid of the pain from an upper back injury no specialist seemed able to fix. I have to say thanks to Jack Heggie for writing this book.