Will you tell us about your upcoming book?
I-Stretch and Strengthen grew out of a need to provide clients with a simple and basic exercise routine to help build flexibility, core strength and muscle tone. The exercises contained in this book have a long history of being effective. They can be performed at home or while traveling and require no special equipment. There are three sections to the book: I-Warmup, I-Stretch and I-Strengthen. These three sections give the user a set of exercises to structure each area to maximize benefits. In addition, maximizing benefits advances by following the sequence in which the exercises are presented.
What inspired you to write it?
Besides seeing structural imbalances in my clients, I saw muscle weakness and imbalances, coupled with stiffness and loss of proprioception, as parts of the problems clients came that received Rolfing. While the Rolfing process enhanced comfort, function and posture, many of my clients were not maintaining the benefits of Rolfing due to lack of physical activity or single focus activity such as running, cycling, tennis, and golf. They needed guidance to develop their bodies through appropriate exercise.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
In assembling I-Stretch and Strengthen I wanted to put together the perfect exercise routine to meet the needs of my clients and readers. In that process I was aware of how I wanted this compilation to be of a high standard. As I worked towards the high standard, it seemed to become elusive to me. I lost my focus to an expectation that this book had to be perfect. I temporarily lost what had made these exercise routines meaningful to my clients…the simplicity of appropriate exercise to insure well-being. What I learned from this was that good intention and many years of experience could provide a helpful exercise routine that would provide benefit to the user and that perfection was my illusion.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?
The human body is designed for varied movement and lots of it. We live in a time when sedentary life styles are dominant due to work situations and conveniences. In order to stay physically and emotionally healthy we must engage the physical world through a variety of activities. Yes, exercise is one way of achieving a vital and healthy life style. Add to your list of physical activities walking and hiking, gardening, hobbies and things you have a passion for. Let your curiosity guide you and don’t shy from the uncertain…step into it and feel the aliveness of engaging with life.
If money were not an object, what would you be doing right now?
There are two things on my list if I did not have to earn a living. First, I would spend more time writing that I so much enjoy. Second, I would devote more time to causes and organizations that I believe can make a difference for people.
© 2017 Catherine Auman
