Falling Is Not An Option: A Way to Lifelong Balance

by George Locker

Falling Is Not an A Way to Lifelong Balance begins with an illuminating discussion about the nature of its inherent beauty, its elusive source, its necessity, and its common loss late in life. The author details the importance of the postural muscles (those that involuntarily control balance and stability) and provides numerous examples of weight-bearing sports that require and enhance balance.

The second part of the book presents 15 postures and exercises derived from T'ai Chi, which are described in words and illustrated with 122 sequential photos of the author. These exercises activate and strengthen the postural or balance muscles, and develop the ability to create downward force to increase stability.

The postures and exercises – which do not have to be memorized and can be done at home - emphasize simple positions and small movements that are appropriate for those who have mobile impairments, including several exercises that acknowledge the common elderly struggle to sit down and stand up.

The book ends with a glossary of terms that clearly explain highlighted terms in the text that might be unfamiliar to the reader.

While Postural Retraining exercises were conceived for those who have lost stability and seek to regain it safely and incrementally, mid-lifers and athletes will equally benefit.

Falling Is Not an Option is presented in a clear, straight-forward style that is well-suited to the subject and audience.The author, who has studied T'ai Chi for 40 years, writes with authority and from experience. The section in which he discusses what balance is not, is particularly noteworthy.

Falling Is Not an Option is an original, provocative, and groundbreaking work. It promises to be a useful and adaptable reference and guide for health professionals and for anyone in need of an effective physical therapy to improve balance and stability (which is just about everyone).

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

88 pages, Paperback

Published November 10, 2020

Reviews

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The exercises he explains in the book are interesting and useful. It would be beneficial to explain the exercises with links to accompanying videos which would help visualize the movements.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would be useful if I managed to follow the exercises.
I kept getting annoyed by one term he uses: "closing" the ankle. To me something you can close should be able to close all the way, but if you did this, you would have to break the ankle. He means flex the foot toward the shin or lean the shin toward the foot. There's a glossary of terms, which is organized in the order they appear in the text, and not alphabetically, which would be more easily referenced when the word occurs again. Some of his terms seem to be translated and not natural English, at least to me.
Recommended, but needs work. I probably should have a copy of this and use it.

[Ma'lis Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my balance is not great these days, I followed Jane Brody's advice and bought this book. George Locker teaches a routine called "Postural Training" based on T'ai Chi. The exercises are not difficult but do need some practice. I can't say how helpful they are yet--but I'm enjoying learning them.

[Kathleen (itpdx) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot attest to the effectiveness of Locker’s method because I am only beginning my journey with his postures. But the book is clear and well-illustrated, so it is easy to follow his instructions and I am looking forward to better stability.

[Branka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, it is easy to read and the exercises were very helpful, would recommend that everyone reads it and begins the program

[Bill Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precise and helpful.

[Mary L. Marazita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asax.