Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery | Eric Franklin

Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery by Eric Franklin is a comprehensive guide to using mental imagery, touch, and movement exercises to improve posture, coordination, alignment, and movement efficiency.

This expanded Second Edition combines anatomical and biomechanical principles with more than 600 imagery exercises and nearly 500 illustrations. Franklin guides readers from the foundations of mental imagery and postural awareness through detailed explorations of the pelvis, hips, knees, feet, spine, shoulders, arms, head, neck, rib cage, and breathing.

Designed for dancers as well as practitioners of yoga, Pilates, athletics, and other movement disciplines, the book provides practical methods for releasing unnecessary tension, developing dynamic alignment, and integrating anatomical imagery into everyday movement and training.

Contents

Part I – Posture and Dynamic Alignment

1. Roots of Imagery for Alignment
2. Postural Models and Dynamic Alignment
3. Foundations of Mental Imagery
4. Change Through Imagery
5. Benefits and Types of Imagery
6. General Guidelines Before Using Imagery

Part II – Biomechanical and Anatomical Principles and Exercises

7. Finding Your Center and Befriending Gravity
8. Laws of Motion and Force Systems
9. Joint and Muscle Function

Part III – Exercises for Anatomical Imagery

10. Pelvis, Hip Joint, and Company
11. Knee, Lower Leg, and Foot
12. Spine and Body Wall
13. Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
14. Head and Neck
15. Rib Cage, Breath, and Organs

Part IV – Returning to Holistic Alignment

16. Definitions of Dynamic Alignment
17. Integrating Dynamic Alignment Exercises