inspirations
Those who inspire me (in terms of human movement and health science) and must-haves from my bookshelf
Marek Purczyński
I need to start my list with Marek, because he was the person with whom my adventure with studying movement science started. He’s a physiotherapist with enormous experience and an unusual approach to his patients (and I’ve visited quite a number of physiotherapists). I recommend Marek’s YouTube channel, as well as his courses.
His way to go is to properly educate, so you have the tools to overcome your injury yourself or by following a plan of Marek’s design, and there’s no need to keep going back to him for therapy! This is an approach I’m sold on completely. This is also the direction I want my training courses to take. I want to give you a fishing rod instead of a fish and equip you with the proper knowledge so you can work on your own. In this way you’ll need to see a specialist only with any larger issues – although if you’re being active and live healthily, any bigger issues should stay away.
Stuart McGill, PhD
Considered to be the world’s best lumbar spine issues specialist. A researcher and a clinician with vast knowledge and experience. I’ve completed all the courses he offers (online and on-spot) and I’ve read all his books, gaining significant knowledge. He was the one who brought about my first “a-ha” moment of understanding the bigger picture of the human body’s capabilities.
What inspires me the most about the professor is the kind of person he is! He’s a truly inquisitive scientist who, despite being an unquestionable authority in the world of sports and science, admits there’s still much for him to learn about the human body. A family man, emotional and treating others with great kindness. I’m happy I had privlege to met him when I was attending his courses in Canada.
Joanne Elphinston
A highly experienced trainer and physiotherapist. Her work and methods are the most related to dancing out of all the specialists I mention here. She wrote brilliant books which teach a great deal about movement quality. Thanks to her work, my interests broadened from the biomechanics of movement to neurology and neurotraining. I also intend to complete the courses she offers, but unfortunately the only courses available at the moment are the ones for physiotherapists with her trainer courses currently suspended. It’s fortunate that her books provide a broader outlook. Her approach to movement is unique in the world of sport. I’ve searched a lot and read many books which eventually turned out to be a waste of time, but Joanne Elphinston’s publications made me go: “WOW!” I’ve finally found the missing link to relate the entirety of biomechanics to the quality of movement in dance.
Prof. Konstantin Buteyko
We breathe without giving it a second thought, but it turns out, with the modern lifestyle, we do it wrong… Professor Buteyko’s Breathing Technique, initially designed specifically for asthmatics and soon proving effective in improving their health or even becoming a successful treatment allowing to put any medication aside, became a powerful tool for everyone across the world. It brings relief to people with various illnesses, helps retain and improve one’s health and elevates sport achievements to a whole new level. It’s truly inspiring to me how something as simple as working on your breath can positively affect our lives!
Wim Hof
I personally benefit a lot from the Wim Hof method. It’s a combination of cold exposure, breathing techniques and engagement. Wim Hof shows the human organism’s amazing capabilities and it’s wonderfully inspiring. His method, if wisely used, can also greatly improve your quality of life. It needs to be said that it’s not suitable for everyone, so let me just recommend Scott Carney’s book What Doesn’t Kill Us, which presents Wim and his method best.
Must haves from by bookshelf
My bookshelf is full of various publications (including those which eventually turned out to be just a waste of time ;)), but the books below are the crème de la crème I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone!
- Stuart McGill, PhD – Back Mechanic
- David Lesondak – Fascia – What is it and why it matters
- Joanne Elphinston – The Power and the Grace
- Mark Williams, Danny Penman – Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World
- Patrick McKeown – The Oxygen Advantage
