MnM's (And I Don't Mean Chocolate...)

About the Book

MnM's (And I Don't Mean Chocolate...): A Muscle and Movement Handbook is a book about muscles and movement, a resource for those who would like to know more about the human body and how it works without having to read a cumbersome textbook. Written in a light-hearted yet informative style, the text includes detailed material on location and actions of different muscles. The illustrations and pictures demonstrate invaluable stretch and strength exercises for each joint area, and cover a wide scope of fitness areas: weight- training, Yoga, Pilates, sports, and dance.

The book's approach is unique because it can be used a handbook, a 'portable guide' to the correct use of the body. Each chapter centers on a large muscle group, relating it to current concepts and myths in the fitness industry, while giving in-depth information. There is a sense of humor throughout the material; the book is meant to be fun and interesting.

The text maintains that a person is capable of conditioning, maintaining, and/or healing oneself without spending thousands of dollars. With knowledge of the body's mechanisms, one can begin to improve their physical as well as mental and emotional health, relieve pain, and increase quality and longevity of life. Specific areas addressed are alignment, injury prevention, rehabilitation, the 'weekend' as well as professional athlete, and conditions such as lower back pain, bursitis, and shoulder, hip, and knee problems.

There are an increasing number of people who want to know more about their body and what can be done to improve it, no matter what age and without the fitness "hype". This text will appeal to teachers of exercise, fitness enthusiasts, and professionals in the science of movement. It is precise yet readable, for anyone interested in the human body and its potential.

About the Author

Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones is a full professor of Kinesiology and Dance at County College of Morris in Randolph, New Jersey, where she has taught for almost 30 years. Her undergraduate work was completed in Physical Education at the University of Kansas, while graduate studies led to a Master of Arts in Dance at New York University.

She is a performer, choreographer, and co-director of BEYONDANCE, inc!, a professional modern dance and movement theater company that performs in New York City and New Jersey. She has taught movement workshops around the country at such places as Boston University, Arizona State University, the University of Colorado and Colorado State, the New World School for the Arts in Miami, and Core Pilates in New York City.

She is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, and is a certified instructor in both pilates and yoga. Her background as both an athlete and dancer has resulted in a broad approach to movement and the body's hidden potential.