The Natural Method: Functional Exercises: Georges Hébert's Practical Guide to Physical Education

by Philippe Til (Translator)

This 3rd installment of Hébert's Practical Guide to Physical Education, revolving around his "Méthode Naturelle", comprises chapters on walking/marching, running, jumping, climbing, lifting and throwing. Included is a chapter on games/sports. Hébert calls functional exercises (popular term in our culture) "indispensable utilitarian exercises", to give it the more literal translation.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Lafe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continues with the great information left by Georges Hebert, There are lots of pictures missing in the climbing section that would be very helpful, otherwise it is a good book to read for information sake.

[James]

Yes, there are a lot of grammar and spelling issues within and the photos are not the best.
So this series of books is best complimented with other more modern books such as The Natural Method Training Guide: A blueprint for all-around athleticism inspired by George Hébert , or similar content from topics like Parkour, military fitness, gymnastics, and/or The Practice of Natural Movement: Reclaim Power, Health, and Freedom

However, considering the fact this is the first and only translation done of this very old work by someone with great interest in the topic, rather than a professional translator/publisher, I think he did an adequate job. Especially considering that translating this was likely was not a huge financial win for him, and translating and publishing this little known book probably barely broke even, so I am appreciative that anyone even bothered to do it.


Biggest criticism is that throughout chapter V / Five the section on climbing there is a complete lack of photos which hampers its usefulness, since it would take some considerable imagination and effort to learn the techniques in said chapter without having an expert on the topic already teaching you much of it.
While some techniques are not too hard to envision, photographs definitely help people to skim stuff that is too verbose or more easily visually understood than described "a picture is worth a thousand words."

At page 85 photos start again, and there was much rejoicing.

[Tom Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exceptional insight, with almost read-ruining grammar and spelling.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Stay with the basics. I've started working a routine with the natural method and it absolutely gives you a great workout.