The following is a review of Katy Bowman’s book, Alignment Matters: The First Five Years of Katy Says
Pros: Everything is indexed in the back of the book, so it’s easy to find what you are looking for. For instance, there are 23 references to breasts, 14 to vagina, 3 to testicles, and a gazillion to pelvic thrusting. No, it’s not porn! It’s way better than porn. You may quote me on that, “Alignment Matters is way better than porn,” says Margo (The Wandering Womb).
After I spent an hour looking up every page that mentioned pelvic thrusting, I realized that the table of contents is organized into chapters by topic. Duh! Which is great if you are looking for specific information on feet, shoes, pregnancy, child birth, babies, shoulders, walking, pelvic floor, natural movement, knee, hips, wrist, hands or the cardiovascular system. It’s all there, even a special chapter titled “FOR THE LADIES”! (the porn chapter! Just kidding). You won’t find pictures of Ryan Gosling holding bouquets of kale, but you will find an owner manual for your pelvic floor, womb and boobs.
I’ve been a reader of Katy’s blog for years, but missed many of the wonderful posts. Reading the book ensures I won’t miss this valuable information.
Another reason why I love the book is that it doesn’t mess with my hormones. I like to read at night; reading at night on the computer is not ideal because the light of the computer signals my pineal gland to release serotonin (the wake up hormone) and inhibit melatonin (the sleep hormone).
Margo on the computer at 1AM looking at pics of Ryan Gosling
What you will learn:
- How to use your body so it doesn’t wear out before it’s time.
- How to avoid peeing your pants when you sneeze.
- How poor alignment can cause menstrual cramps. Seriously, it’s true!
- Why bunions aren’t genetic. That’s right, you can’t blame it on your genes.
- How to avoid osteoarthritis and osteoporosis naturally by loading your bones correctly.
- What the Aztec word for testicle tree is.
- You will also learn some science terms to impress your friends at dinner parties.
- Other topics you will learn about include blood pressure, bone spurs, babies, pregnancy, varicose veins, farts and much more!
- Oh, and why high heels are not your friend. Don’t worry, Katy coaches you on the transition to a wiser choice in footwear. You are not alone on your journey! She helped me, she can help you too.
This does NOT end well.
Alignment Matters is a smart, funny, must read book for anyone with a human body. Self-care starts with body literacy and this is a fun way to learn how to move naturally and avoid wear and tear on your body. Who doesn’t want to be able to do the electric worm when their 80 years young?…..or at least hold their grand babies without pain or get up from the floor without the help of a paramedic.
Oh yea, the Cons:
At 447 pages, it’s frickin’ heavy! Which is only a problem if you weigh 4 ounces and have to hold the book up with your fallopian tubes.
Katy Bowman is a biomechanist and a wicked smart, funny, down to earth human being. She has a gift for teaching the science of the human body to folks who don’t have a background in anatomy and physiology (A&P). And for those who do have a background in A & P you will have plenty of “ah ha” moments and learn how to apply what you learn to daily life. Learn more about Katy at Nutritious Movement.
You may also find Alignment Matters: The First Five Years of Katy Says on her website or by clicking here
Margo, Great review!! Thanks for taking the time to write such a fun and motivational summary. I will be sharing the review with my friends and family that haven’t been reading Katy’s blog to get them started on the journey. By the way, your blog rocks too!
Thank you Carole!
Margo’s review cracks me up. And it’s a high standard to try to meet as I attempt to craft my own… Well done! Makes me want to buy the book! 🙂