The Natural Method (adapted): Georges Hébert's Practical Guide to Physical Education

by Philippe Til, Philippe Til (Translator)

This is the first book of the Natural Method trilogy, translated from Georges Hébert's original Practical Guide to Physical Education by US-based French born fitness trainer Philippe Til. The first book is the explanation of the method, how to conduct a complete and thorough training session, for individuals as well as groups, its different sections, scoring, recording and how to achieve the Holy Trinity of fitness which revolves around developing a functional, resilient and proportionally well-developed physique. Books 2 and 3 will respectively cover specifics of exercises (with and without equipment) and sports & games (including combative techniques).

Genres: Fitness

71 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2014

Reviews

[Let Stuup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read especially because it was written early 1900. It promotes the philosophy that every citizen has a duty to be fit and healthy. For protection of yourself, your family and your country. But that this fitness should be only functional.

Hence, it should include basic human skills: running, walking, jumping, climbing, throwing, swimming. But also resilience and cold training. You should always train outside, without shirt (extreme conditions excluded) and every training should contain multiple skills (not only lifting or running).

Of course many parts of this book are outdated. On the other hand it was very refreshing to read about this training philosophy and I for one would have loved it If this was my gym class at school.

[Christopher Matthias · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student of parkour, "The Natural Method" is important source material. Georges Hébert could easily be considered parkour's grandpa. While I've never been in a class asking for students to hold their breath underwater for a minute and 50 seconds several times I can certainly see the lasting influence on what is taught at the gym and in the wild.

The book is a quick read and can serve as a great reference for anyone trying to create a well-rounded structure for their personal physical training or as they develop curriculum for others.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless Wisdom of the Physical Culture

How much has changed in the last 100 years of training? What have we gained, and what have we lost (or forgotten)? This time capsule back to the early 1900s represents a complete methodology about physical education. Herbert keeps this first section focused on the theory behind the Natural Method with central concepts that still have value for today's trainer and coach. If you've been compelled by current methods such as MovNat or parkour, this is a must read both for its practical and historical value.

[Mike W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I have been interested in MovNat for years. It was fantastic to read how it all began. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in a more organic style of movement practice.

[Roberto Rigolin F Lopes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a call to go old school; enjoyed the historical pieces highlighting the ancient use of our body. Things changed but is refreshing remember that we can go simple keeping our body functional.

[Timothy Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of old-school physical culture. I'm glad a lot of this is making a come-back, and I'd love to belong to a gym organized along these lines.